For the next few days, Colin and Mila, along with Jasper, showed up every day and knelt in the hallway for hours.

Each visit, they brought loads of fruits, vegetables, clothes, shoes, and even jewelry.

I never took any of it, just let them stack it all up by the door.

The neighbors seemed to relish the drama, stopping by daily to offer superficial advice while expressing sympathy for Colin.

Colin really leaned into the role of the prodigal son. He didn't blame me at all, insisting that he was at fault and deserved whatever punishment we deemed fit. He even claimed he'd wait forever for our forgiveness, whether or not it ever came.

My peaceful life was completely disrupted by this daily soap opera.

Colin's actions made Grant and me even more suspicious that he knew about our lottery win. I knew Colin wouldn't just give up.

One day, Colin claimed he wanted to rent an apartment below ours to take care of me and Grant. Playing along, I softened up and invited Colin and his family to stay in our guest room.

Though Grant was still angry, he listened to me. Tossing and turning at night, he asked, "Whitney, have you really forgiven Colin? I can't shake the feeling he's back because he knows about the lottery win. Even if it wasn't for the lottery, it must be about the money."

I simply nodded and said, "I know."

Grant looked even more baffled. "Then why let him stay?"

Not wanting to hide anything from Grant, I showed him the live feed from the security camera I'd installed in the guest room. "I've set up cameras. I need to know why Colin really came back. If he's genuinely sorry and doesn't know about the lottery, I'll consider forgiving him. But if he's just after our money, I won't think twice about kicking him out."

I soon picked up Colin and Mila's conversation through the phone.

After putting Jasper to bed, Mila tiptoed over to scope out where our bedroom was. Making sure we were asleep, she whispered, "Colin, do you really think your parents will forgive you and just hand over this apartment?"

Colin nodded. "Back when they sold a property and Dad was hospitalized, I thought they were deep in debt, so I left. Five years on, their lifestyle hasn't dipped at all. I'm starting to think they pushed me out on purpose, making me struggle while they lived comfortably."

It was clear Mila was just like Colin. They were birds of a feather.

Mila bought into his theory. "It adds up. Their business problems popped up just when you graduated and needed money to start your own venture. And once you left, their debts magically cleared up."

Colin snorted. "Exactly, so I had to come back. They chose to adopt me, so they've got to own up to that. They didn't give me a dime for my wedding. Now with Jasper about to start school, I need to secure their apartment during this holiday."

Mila nodded, pausing before adding, "Your parents seem pretty hard-hearted, especially your dad. Plus, he seems to do whatever your mom says. I doubt you'll easily get the apartment."

A grim look crossed Colin’s face. "I'll give them two months. If they don't forgive me or start coughing up some cash, I'll just..."

He mimed slashing his throat. "I'm their only family, after all. Everything will eventually be mine."

Colin sneered and continued, "Don't think I'm being cruel. I'm doing this for my kid."

Mila seemed taken aback, but after a glance at Jasper, she nodded.

Grant nearly passed out from anger, and had to pop a few nitroglycerin pills to steady himself.

He was ready to confront Colin right then and there, but I stopped him. "Don't do that. You'll just end up making yourself sick, and that won't help anything. Now that we know what they're up to, I've got a plan."

I whispered a quick plan to Grant. He hesitated, but eventually nodded in agreement.

In the following days, Colin and Mila did everything they had promised when Colin was kneeling at our door. They took great care of us and did everything we asked.

Grant and I pretended to be moved by their actions. One night after dinner, I hugged Colin, tears in my eyes. "It's so good to have you back, Colin. Your dad and I have really missed you these past few years."

Colin was also tearful. We ended up crying together, looking like a family that had genuinely made up.

We spent the entire night in tears. The next day, I put on a show of making a tough decision. I sat Colin down in the living room, laying out some IOUs and a rental agreement.

I began, "Colin, all these years, your dad and I really wanted to reach out to you. But with all our debts, we didn't want to drag you into it. I wanted to forgive you right when you returned, but I was scared the creditors would come after you. You know... I was at a loss."

I dabbed my eyes with a tissue I'd secretly prepared by rubbing it with onion, making myself cry more convincingly. "But you and Mila are right. We're family. We should clear the air, no matter the misunderstandings. You two coming back to take care of us shows you're good kids. It would be wrong to push you away now."

Grant also dabbed his eyes, pretending to wipe tears. "Actually, our apartment lease is almost up. Could you help us out with the rent?"