The Freeloader Calls Me the Leech

He'd also deliberately highlighted the false impression that I was the one being taken in.

I subconsciously clenched my fists.

It was true that both Rita and I lived here, but this villa belonged to me. After their unexpected passing, they'd left me this villa and enough assets to ensure I'd never have to worry about money for the rest of my life.

In fact, it was Rita's parents—my aunt and uncle—who'd suggested she come live with me in the big city. Partly it was so I wouldn't be lonely, and partly because they wanted her to have better opportunities here.

I'd agreed to let her move in because of our decades-long family ties. So, how was it that now, after she'd gotten a boyfriend, I'd gone from being the homeowner to some pretty boy she'd taken in?

But considering it was Benny's first visit, I decided to spare Rita the embarrassment and didn't say anything.

Dinner that night was exceptionally stifling.

Benny seemed to realize that Rita truly valued me, so he began trying to make up for what he'd said earlier. He kept serving me food, pouring me drinks, and insisting he'd respect all of Rita's decisions.

It was only in the brief moments when our eyes accidentally met that I caught his undisguised contempt and hostility.

I kept my composure on the surface, but inside I was thoroughly disgusted. I finished dinner quickly, and Rita went out to the balcony to take a call.

Benny seemed to sense something. Just as I was about to leave, he immediately stood up and pressed me back down onto the couch.

He even patted my shoulder with fake familiarity, saying, "Ruben, don't be mad at me, okay? I was just worried about Rita, so I spoke a little too quickly. I didn't mean to upset you."

He winked at me. "Actually, I totally get how you feel."

Expressionless, I tried to push his hand away. "What exactly is it that you get about me?"

"How tough things are for you, of course."

Benny frowned at me, his tone dripping with patronizing superiority, as if he was doing me a favor just by talking to me.

"Look, Rita has me now, and we're going to get married eventually. Sure, you're staying here for now. But this isn't really your home, is it?

"Once Rita and I are married, it'll be pretty inconvenient having a grown man living with us. A man needs to have his own career and dignity."

I stared at him, suddenly finding the whole situation absurd and ridiculous. "I don't quite understand what you're getting at. Why would I need to worry about the future in my own house?"

Benny's smile faltered for a second, but he recovered quickly. He let go of my shoulder and patted it instead.

Then, in the same patronizing tone, he said, "I get it—I totally do. Men have their pride. But don't worry, I'll be the man of this house soon enough. If you play your cards right, I'll have Rita find you a new place before you move out."

Having reached my limit, I stood up and looked down at him.

"Mr. Booker, I think you may have misunderstood something. First, this is my home, so there's no way I'm moving out. Second, I'm the owner of this villa, and I always will be. Finally, I don't need you or Rita to arrange anything for me."

Benny's facade finally shattered. His expression darkened completely as he glared at me.

"Ruben, I'm giving you a chance, so you'd better take it!" he snapped. "Just because you're Rita's cousin, you actually think you're the owner of this villa?

"You're nothing but a kept man living off a woman, a shameless parasite. So, what gives you the right to talk back to me?"