Back then, he fell for me at first sight and wouldn't give up. Even if he only had 10 bucks in his pocket, he'd spend it all to buy me a gift.
I was moved by his sincerity, but Dad was furious. He told me, "That poor boy is not good enough for you! He will never amount to anything!"
I was young and rebellious, so I fought back, saying I'd cut ties with my family.
My dad, just as stubborn, disowned me.
And I left. I stayed with Jonas and endured a life of hardship—leaky apartments, unhealthy roadside food, and endless early mornings and late nights.
Dad thought I'd cave and come running back.
But for Jonas, I endured it all.
Eventually, Dad swallowed his pride and sent Mom to convince me to come home.
But I couldn't bring myself to leave Jonas.
So I stayed.
For 10 long years.
Jonas likes to think he climbed his way up on his own—that he earned his spot as one of Washington's rising businessmen.
The truth is, Dad couldn't bear to see me suffer, so he secretly supported Jonas.
When Jonas heard what I said and thought about the past few years, he fell silent.
But soon after, he suddenly looked up, his eyes red and desperate as he tried to convince me to stay.