Because I Was an and He Threw Away 282

Posted by Adminj, ? Views, Released on January 23, 2026

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Chapter 282 That Kid’s a Handful

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Matthew wasn’t paying attention to Ethan. Instead, he turned to the quiet Emily sitting beside him and asked, “So, Emily, what’s your take on this?”

Emily had been dismissive at first, but since she was being asked, it’d be rude not to respond.

After a brief moment of thought, she gave an insincere answer, “Well, it’s pretty good, I guess.”

Matthew smiled faintly at her agreement.

Then, with a more serious look on his face, he continued, “Oh, by the way, I came over tonight to tell you guys something.”

His serious tone made Emily and Ethan feel a twinge of unease.

Soon enough, Matthew explained his purpose, “I haven’t been feeling well. Who knows how much longer I’ve got? So, I’ve been thinking of staying at Joy Gardens from now on. I’d rather kick the bucket surrounded by family.”

After his last hospital visit, Matthew had developed an unshakeable fear.

His wife had passed away years ago, and he was all alone at the Wilson Manor. He was terrified that if he took a tumble again, there’d be no one around to help.

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Emily kept quiet and glanced at han. Ethan, in turn, looked back at her.

Their eyes met, and they both seemed to share a sense of worry.

Emily was worried that with Matthew staying at Joy Gardens, she’d have to go back there every day.

As for Ethan, she figured he was concerned about Nancy and Gloria’s situation.

For quite a while, neither of them said a word.

Matthew, noticing their silence, got a bit miffed and questioned, “What’s the deal? Am I really that much of a pain in the neck? Can’t I even stay here for a few days?”

Hearing this, Emily forced a smile and quickly explained, “No, it’s just that we’re afraid we won’t be able to look after you properly.”

Matthew sat down on the sofa, then looked up at the two of them and said, “You just hang out with me when you’re free. Otherwise, I won’t bug you unless I’m on my last legs.”

Emily didn’t dare to reply. She nudged Ethan with her eyes, signaling him to speak up. Ethan turned to Matthew and said, “Grandpa, if you want to stay, stay as long as you like.”

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Hearing Ethan’s okay, Matthew said haughtily, “Of course I can.”

Just then, the sounds of Nancy and Sophia’s giggles drifted down from upstairs.

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It was getting late, as Matthew could tell by checking his watch.

He then leaned over and whispered to Emily, “It’s well past Sophie’s bedtime.”

Meanwhile, Emily was in a daze.

Ethan’s off–the–cuff promise had effectively chained her to Joy Gardens on a daily basis.

The thought felt like a heavy weight on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

Ethan knew what was bothering her. To avoid arousing Matthew’s suspicion, he called out loudly, “Gloria!”

Gloria was still bustling around in the kitchen.

Hearing the call, she instinctively replied, “Be right there!”

When she rushed into the living room, Ethan told her, “Go upstairs and tell the tutor she can head off.‘

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Tutor?

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Gloria had no clue what tutor Ethan was talking about. She let out a confused “Huh?”

Seeing her confused expression, than said, “Let Ms. Thompson go.”

Gloria snapped out of her daze upon hearing this, yet an inexplicable sense of resentment welled up inside.

Being treated like a maid and her daughter as a tutor?

She felt indignant but knew there was no room for argument.

So, she simply nodded and replied, “Sure, I’ll do it right away.”

As Gloria ascended the stairs to the second floor, Matthew couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, “That maid seems a bit off. If she’s not up to par, might as well get rid of her.”

Before Emily could chime in, Ethan jumped in. “Gloria makes the best breakfast. I’m hooked. Let’s keep her.”

Matthew didn’t push the issue. After yawning widely, he stretched and said, “Alright, I’m off to catch some Z’s. You guys should hit the sack, too.”

“Good night, Grandpa,” Ethan said.

Emily stood by quietly.

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Although Matthew noticed her silence, he didn’t dwell on it.

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Once Nancy was called downstairs, she joined Gloria on their way out of Joy Gardens.

Standing on the frosty roadside, Nancy looked utterly spent.

Her days were filled with academic research at school, and her nights were dedicated to taking care of Sophia at Joy Gardens.

Thinking about her arduous routine, she felt a lump in her

throat.

Here she was, a young woman, stuck doing what felt like a housekeeper’s job.

Meanwhile, Gloria had been ranting all the way.

Even outside, she continued to fume, “That Emily is such a pain. Who orders a Beef Wellington in the middle of the night?”

They both knew it was a deliberate snub, but with Matthew around, they had to bite their tongues.

Now that they were out, both were still seething.

Seeing Gloria so riled up, Nancy tried to calm her down. “Mom,

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it’s not worth getting worked up over. Emily’s just being petty.”

Gloria let out a sigh and gritted her teeth. “One day, I’ll make that Emily regret ever stepping foot in Joy Gardens.”

Nancy paused for a moment, then stepped forward to rub Gloria’s back, “Mom, it doesn’t really matter if Emily stays or goes. I’m okay with my situation. If Ethan gets divorced, I’ll marry him. If not, well…”

She left the end unspoken, but the meaning was clear.

Gloria looked at Nancy’s tired face and felt a pang of pity, “Look at you, worn out. Once you’re home, switch off your phone. Don’t let that ungrateful brat bother you. That kid’s a handful.”