Rich Man Mocks Delivery Guy — Story of the Day

When delivery driver Aiden faces scorn from wealthy James over a pizza mishap, it sparks a clash of class and values. Their conflict deepens when Aiden returns and James learns that his beloved daughter is dating the pizza delivery guy.

Aiden held out the pizza delivery to the man who answered the door at the imposing home. Without a greeting, the man snatched the box from Aiden's hands.

"What is this?" the man barked as he lifted the lid. "It's upside down and it's cold! Is this some kind of joke?"

Aiden peeked inside to see the cheese and toppings had slid into a messy heap against one side of the box.

"I'm really sorry, sir," Aiden replied, maintaining his composure. "I just deliver the pizzas, I don't box them. If there's an issue, I can—"

"Save it," the man snapped, shoving the box back into Aiden's hands. "Take your pathetic excuse for food and get off my property."

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"But sir, you still need to pay for the pizza. It's twenty-two dollars," Aiden insisted, the worry clear in his voice. He couldn't afford to cover the cost himself; his budget was stretched thin as it was.

"Pay for this garbage? You must be joking. I'm not giving you a penny," the man sneered, stepping back as he prepared to close the door.

The door slammed shut, the echo of the finality of the conversation ringing in Aiden's ears.

Aiden trudged back down the mansion's long, winding driveway, his delivery bag feeling unusually heavy on his shoulder. Each step was a reminder of the humiliation he'd just endured. He replayed the encounter in his mind, the rich man's harsh words echoing painfully.

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This was supposed to be an easy drop-off, he thought bitterly. A good tip from a wealthy neighborhood—that's all I needed tonight.

As he approached his battered car parked under a flickering streetlight, Aiden remembered his father's words, always repeated with a resigned shake of the head, 'People always show their true colors when dealing with those paid to serve them.' This lesson, more than any other, seemed to resonate tonight. His dad had wanted him to learn about the world through jobs like these; perhaps this was part of what he was supposed to understand.

He slid behind the wheel, the cold leather of the seat contrasting sharply with his heated frustration. Only a few blocks away, Aiden's attention was caught by a figure huddled under the sparse glow of a street lamp. The homeless person sat on the sidewalk, wrapped in a tattered blanket. The sight stirred something within him—compassion mingled with a desperate need to salvage the night's dignity.

Pulling over, Aiden grabbed the unwanted pizza from the passenger seat and approached the figure. He'd have to pay for the pizza either way so it might as well go to good use.

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"Hey, I've got a pizza here. It's a bit battered, but it's still good if you're hungry," Aiden offered, extending the box.

Aiden nodded, feeling a weight lift off his chest. "Enjoy it," he said, managing a smile.

Returning to his car, Aiden felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the heater he'd just turned on. There was solace in knowing the pizza hadn't gone to waste. His thoughts turned to the confrontation awaiting him at the pizzeria. His boss was not a man known for his understanding, but Aiden felt fortified by the night's small redemption.

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James lingered by the grand front door, his gaze lost in the fine grain of the polished oak, deep in thought. The soft sound of footsteps drew his attention upward to his daughter, Carly, who was descending the staircase.

"How do I look, Dad?" she asked, stopping a few steps from the bottom, her voice light yet expectant.

James's eyes scanned her outfit briefly, the details barely registering. "You look fine, sweetheart," he said absently, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Carly frowned slightly, hands on her hips. "'Fine'? Come on, Dad, I need a bit more than that. This is an important day! My parents are finally going to meet my boyfriend and I want to look good." Her eyes then narrowed with playful suspicion. "You aren't loitering near the door so you can give Aiden the third degree, are you?"

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James chuckled, shaking his head, though that was precisely his plan. "No, of course not. I'm just…" His voice trailed off as he searched for a plausible excuse.

Rolling her eyes affectionately, Carly turned and hurried back upstairs. "I'm going to ask Mom. She'll give me a real opinion."

The doorbell rang, pulling him from his thoughts. He straightened his posture and opened the door with a rehearsed welcoming smile, which faltered as he took in the sight before him. A young man in a pizza delivery outfit stood on his porch, holding a bouquet of modest flowers, clearly nervous, yet trying to mask it under a polite smile.

"Nobody ordered pizza, kid, or a cheap bouquet," James snapped. "Get out of here, and don't even think of trying to charge me for your mistake."

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"Actually, I'm here to see Carly," the delivery boy cut in. "I'm her boyfriend, Aiden. Mr. Parker, right?"

James scrutinized the young man on his doorstep, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. A nagging sense of recognition set off alarms in his mind.

"You're Aiden?" he asked, his tone edged with disbelief.

"Yes, Mr. Parker," Aiden replied, his brow furrowing under the weight of James's stare. He seemed aware of the tension, his body stiff as he stood there in his pizza delivery uniform, flowers still in hand.

"Wait a minute… I know you," James declared, his voice rising as the pieces fell into place. "You're the one who delivered that disaster of a pizza last week!"

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Aiden's expression tightened, a mix of frustration and defense. "I just deliver them, sir. I'm not responsible for how they're packed. There was a mistake at the store—"

James's patience snapped. Without thinking, he snatched the bouquet from Aiden's hands and tossed it to the ground, the flowers scattering across the polished tiles of the porch.

His voice echoed a little too loudly. Aiden looked down at the ruined flowers, his jaw clenched, clearly struggling to maintain his composure. Just then, Carly appeared, descending the stairs faster upon hearing the commotion.

"Dad! What are you doing?" she exclaimed as she reached the door, her eyes wide at the sight of the flowers on the ground.

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"Carly, tell me this delivery boy isn't your boyfriend. It's some kind of joke—"

"No, it isn't, Dad!" Carly cut him off, her voice firm. "This is Aiden, my boyfriend."

"What? But this is a pizza delivery boy, and a bad one at that." James replied.

Carly stepped past her father, giving him a sharp look, and took Aiden's arm, pulling him gently inside. "I'm sorry, Aiden. He doesn't mean to be this way."

James watched, his mouth set in a thin line as Carly led Aiden away. The sight of them together, Carly so obviously siding with him, ignited a fierce protectiveness in James.

This isn't right, he thought, I have to do something about this.

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In the warmly lit dining room of James's home, the table was set with an array of dishes that reflected the family's wealth—crystal glasses, fine china, and silver cutlery laid out with meticulous care. James sat at the head of the table, his posture rigid, his eyes occasionally darting to Aiden, who sat next to Carly. Carly's mom, a gracious host, tried to ease the tension with light conversation.

"So, Aiden," Carly's mom began, her voice warm and inviting, "tell us a little about yourself."

Carly's face flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Dad!" she exclaimed, her tone sharp. "That's really uncalled for."

Despite the awkwardness, Aiden maintained his composure. He met James's gaze steadily, a hint of resolve in his voice.

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"I came straight from my last delivery shift, Mr. Parker, because I didn't want to be late," Aiden replied. "I'm working to pay for my college tuition. I'm studying to become a lawyer."

Carly's mom, attempting to steer the conversation onto a more positive note, smiled encouragingly at Aiden. "That's quite ambitious, Aiden. What kind of law are you interested in?"

Aiden relaxed slightly, grateful for the change in direction. "Thank you, ma'am. I want to help those who can't usually afford legal representation. I haven't decided on a specialty yet, but I'm leaning towards public interest law or maybe civil rights."

Carly's mom smiled. "Your dedication to helping those in need is really admirable, Aiden," she said, her voice infused with sincerity.

James, however, remained unimpressed, his skepticism thinly veiled. He leaned back in his chair, eyeing Aiden critically as he let out a derisive laugh.

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"You're going to be poor all your life if that's your approach to career choices," James said.

Aiden's grip tightened around his fork, the metal cool against his skin. James's words stung, echoing the doubts he fought daily.

"I believe it's important, sir," Aiden responded, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Helping people isn't about the money."

Aiden felt a flush of embarrassment rise up his neck. He wanted to defend his choices, his dreams, but he was acutely aware of the need to maintain respect for Carly's father. He bit back his retort, struggling with the right words.

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Before the situation could escalate further, James's phone buzzed loudly on the table. He glanced at the screen and stood abruptly. "I need to take this," he said curtly, leaving the room with his phone in hand.

As soon as James was out of earshot, Carly reached over to squeeze Aiden's hand, her eyes soft and apologetic. "I'm sorry about him," she whispered. "My dad can be difficult, but he's really not a bad person. He just... cares a lot."

Carly's mom nodded in agreement, her expression empathetic. "She's right, Aiden. James has a good heart, and he means well. I've been married to him for twenty years—I promise he's not as harsh as he seems."

Aiden managed a polite smile, appreciating their support, yet his mind replayed the earlier moments. The memory of James's disdain when he first delivered the ruined pizza, how quickly he had dismissed him then—it was hard to reconcile with the man Carly and her mom described. His father's words about people showing their true colors haunted him, casting a long shadow over the dinner conversation.

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Aiden was still trying to reconcile the man Carly and her mother described with the one he had experienced when the dining room door swung open. James reentered, followed closely by an elderly man with an impressively fit stature for someone clearly in his eighties, and a younger man, smartly dressed, who radiated an air of self-assured confidence.

Derrick stepped forward, holding a huge bouquet of flowers. With a practiced charm, he extended them towards Carly.

"You look as gorgeous as I remember, Carly," he said, his voice smooth, bending to kiss her hand.

Carly shifted uncomfortably, a polite smile fixed on her face. "Thank you, Derrick, but let me introduce you to my boyfriend, Aiden," she said.

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Aiden stood up, extending his hand towards Derrick in a gesture of goodwill. However, Derrick's eyes flickered over Aiden's pizza delivery uniform, his expression turning disdainful. He reluctantly shook Aiden's hand, his grip limp.

"A pizza guy, huh?" Derrick remarked loudly enough for others to hear, a smirk playing on his lips. "That's so… interesting."

James couldn't help but let out a chuckle, further embarrassing Aiden.

Not missing a beat, Derrick continued, "Well, I just got back from a business trip in Europe." He lifted the fanciest styrofoam container Aiden had ever seen onto the table. "And I brought these Belon oysters especially for you, Mrs. Parker. A delicacy!" he proclaimed, opening the box to reveal the oysters nestled on a bed of ice, glistening under the dining room lights.

Carly's mom clapped her hands delightfully. "Oh, Derrick, how thoughtful of you to remember that I adore oysters! They look wonderful."

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As they all sat down to enjoy the oysters, Derrick leaned back, crossing his legs with a casual air of accomplishment.

"You know, it's crucial in our line of work to appreciate the finer things. Right, Mr. Parker?" he said.

Carly, sensing Aiden's discomfort, reached under the table to squeeze his hand. Her gesture was small but significant, a silent message of solidarity against the ostentatious display that unfolded around them. Aiden managed a small smile back, grateful for her support in a room that seemed increasingly alien.

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James was genuinely pleased with Derrick's visit, viewing it as a fortuitous opportunity not only to catch up on business affairs but also to subtly underscore the contrasts between Aiden and Derrick. As they all settled around the dining table sampling the freshly opened oysters, James leaned in with keen interest.

"So, Derrick, tell me more about this business trip to Europe. It sounds like it was quite successful," James prompted, his voice laced with approval.

Derrick, always eager to discuss his accomplishments, didn't hesitate. "Absolutely, Mr. Parker. I met with some major investors. The business is thriving, and I've managed to expand our operations significantly." He paused, a smug smile spreading across his face. "And to think, I built it all from scratch—without any help from Granddad."

James nodded appreciatively, casting a meaningful glance towards Carly and then back at Aiden. "That's impressive, Derrick. It's important to be self-sufficient and ambitious," he said loudly enough for everyone at the table to hear, his gaze lingering pointedly on Aiden for a moment. "It's the kind of drive that makes a man suitable in the long term, don't you think?"

The implication hung heavily in the air, and James couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the unspoken comparison he'd drawn. He then noticed Aiden, who had been silent, looking uncertainly at the oysters being passed around.

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"Come on, Aiden, you must try an oyster," James urged, pushing a plate towards him. "I bet you've never had one before, and Belon oysters are a rare treat. This might be the only chance you get to enjoy such fine food."

"Oh, excuse me," Aiden gasped, standing up abruptly and covering his mouth as he hurried towards the bathroom.

James watched him leave, a trace of disdain flickering across his face. "Seems like some people are just not accustomed to the foods of classy people," he commented dryly, eliciting a few uncomfortable chuckles from around the table.

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"Delivering pizzas clearly hasn't prepared him for fine dining," Derrick quipped.

"Good one, Derrick!" James grinned. He glanced sideways at Carly. "Where on earth do you go when he takes you for dinner? The Costco food court?"

Derrick let out a loud chuckle but Carly's mom kicked James under the table and gave him an admonishing look. Carly's expression darkened, and she set down her fork, her appetite clearly lost.

"Dad, I need to talk to you. Now," she said tersely, her voice low but firm.

As Carly and James rose from the table, Derrick's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and excused himself with a nod, stepping away to take the call.

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The cold evening air was a stark contrast to the warmth of the dining room as James followed Carly onto the balcony. The door clicked shut behind them, sealing off the sounds of the dinner party. Carly turned to face her father, her expression tight with frustration.

"Dad, why are you being so mean?" Carly's voice trembled slightly, revealing her hurt.

Carly's eyes widened, her voice rising in defense. "I love Aiden! And it's not about money or success. He's kind, he's funny, and he has a good heart. That means more than anything else."

James scoffed, shaking his head as he leaned against the balcony railing. "Kindness? You can't buy oysters—or anything else—with kindness, Carly." His voice was stern, each word underscored with a cold finality. "If you're going to insist on making a fool out of yourself by dating a pizza boy, then maybe you should move out and see how hard life really is."

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Carly stared at him, stunned by his ultimatum. Silence hung between them, heavy and uncomfortable.

James continued, his tone slightly softer but still resolute. "Think about it, Carly. If the thought of living on your own, paying your own bills, and making your way without any help scares you, then it just proves my point. Aiden isn't the right choice. He can't offer you anything but a life of struggle."

Carly's face fell, hurt and disbelief mixing in her eyes. "So, this is it? You're really telling me to choose between you and Aiden?"

James met her gaze steadily, his heart tightening at her distress but convinced of his stance. "I'm telling you to think carefully about what you really want in life."

Without waiting for her response, James turned and walked back inside, leaving Carly alone on the balcony. Her figure was silhouetted against the city lights, her posture one of deep contemplation. As the door closed behind him, James felt a pang of regret but suppressed it quickly. He was doing what was best for Carly, even if she couldn't see it yet.

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James stepped back into the dining room, his face composed into a semblance of calm despite the turmoil that raged within him from the balcony conversation with Carly. The guests were seated, politely chatting among themselves, their faces turning towards him as he cleared his throat to announce.

"I think this special occasion warrants something a bit stronger," James declared, managing a smile. "I'll go fetch one of the good bottles from my collection."

Frank, always appreciative of a fine spirit, chimed in with a knowing grin. "I've had the pleasure of sampling your collection before, James. You've got some excellent choices in that office of yours."

Reaching his office, James walked over to his desk where he kept his prized liquors in a polished mahogany cabinet. He unlocked it, thinking of which vintage would best smooth over the evening's edges. But as he reached for a bottle of aged Scotch, his eyes caught on something amiss—a small gap where the door of the safe, installed on the shelf above his liquor cabinet, should have been flush against the frame.

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Frowning, James opened the safe fully, his heart sinking as he saw it was completely empty. The shock hit him like a physical blow.

His thoughts flew to Aiden, who had excused himself to use the bathroom not long after trying the oyster.

It had to be him, James thought, his jaw clenching. Who else? The timing, the opportunity—it all pointed to the young man he already mistrusted.

Without hesitation, James pulled out his phone and dialed the police, reporting the theft in clipped, furious tones. As he waited for them to answer, he prepared himself to confront Aiden, his mind churning with anger and betrayal.

He descended the stairs swiftly, his demeanor grim as he re-entered the dining room.

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Aiden was discussing plans for the upcoming semester with Carly and her mother, trying to focus on the lighter conversation to distract himself from the earlier altercation. He was just sharing a laugh with Carly's mom about one of his more eccentric professors when the atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically.

James burst into the room, his face contorted with anger. Before Aiden could react, James had crossed the room and was grabbing him by the front of his shirt, hoisting him to his feet.

Startled and confused, Aiden stammered, "What? I don't know what you're talking about, sir. I didn't take any money."

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"The police are on their way," James snapped back. "You won't get away with this. It's a fortune to someone like you, and no one else here would need to steal!"

Carly sprang to her feet, her voice rising in defense of Aiden. "Dad! Stop it! Aiden wouldn't steal anything. You're making a mistake!"

James ignored her, his eyes never leaving Aiden's. Derrick, who had been observing quietly, added fuel to the fire, "Maybe you should check his pockets, Mr. Parker."

Pressured, James barked at Aiden, "Turn them out! Empty your pockets now!"

With the room's eyes fixed on him, Aiden complied, his hands shaking slightly as he turned out his pockets. They were, predictably, empty. No sign of the cash James was so furiously claiming he'd stolen.

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Within moments, two officers arrived, their expressions serious as they took in the scene. James wasted no time in directing them.

"This pizza boy has stolen money from my safe!" He pointed at Aiden. "Check his bag. He must've hidden it there."

To Aiden's horror, the officer's hand emerged holding a stack of cash. As the weight of the room's gaze bore down on him, Aiden could see the hurt and confusion etched deeply into Carly's features. Her eyes, filled with tears, searched his for an explanation, a plea for it all to be some kind of mistake.

"I didn't steal the money, Carly. I swear to you, I can prove it," Aiden said, his voice steady despite the panic swirling inside him.

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One of the police officers, a stern-looking woman with a notepad in hand, stepped forward. "If you have proof, son, now's the time to show us."

Aiden nodded, his hands trembling as he reached back into his delivery bag. "I've had issues in the past with people tampering with deliveries or trying to steal from me," he explained as he rummaged through the contents. "That's why I installed a small camera inside this bag."

He pulled out a compact, inconspicuous camera and held it up for everyone to see. "It records whenever the bag is opened. Everything is saved directly to an app on my phone."

With all eyes fixed on him, Aiden took out his smartphone, his fingers quickly navigating to the app. He connected to the camera's storage and began playing the most recent video file. The tension in the room was palpable as the footage began to play on the small screen.

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The video showed the dining room from the perspective of the bag's interior. The frame was mostly obscured, but the angle allowed a clear view of anyone who reached inside. The timestamp indicated it was from earlier that night.

As the video came to an end, revealing Derrick's culpability, a heavy silence fell over the room. James's shock morphed into outrage as he turned towards Derrick, who sat with his head bowed, unwilling to meet anyone's gaze.

"Derrick! Why would you do this?" James's voice was a mix of anger and disbelief.

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Derrick remained silent, his lips pressed tightly together, his eyes avoiding contact with anyone in the room.

It was Frank who broke the silence. With a weary sigh, he stood up from his chair, his expression one of deep disappointment.

"I think I know why," he said, looking directly at his grandson. "This wasn't about the money. That's just a distraction. There must be something else he's taken, something far more valuable."

Before anyone could react, Frank moved towards Derrick, his hand reaching into his grandson's pocket despite Derrick's feeble attempts to ward him off. With a swift motion, Frank pulled out a small black book and held it up for everyone to see.

"This," Frank said, his voice steady but filled with regret. "Do you recognize this, James?"

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James gasped as he took the book from Frank and flipped through its pages. "That's mine! It has all my contacts—critical information for our business!"

Derrick's face flushed with anger as he finally spoke, his voice bitter. "I can't believe this, Granddad! How could you betray me like this?"

The room was tense, the air thick with betrayal and shock. Frank turned to the police officers. "I'm sorry it has come to this, but it's time he learned his lesson. He needs to face the consequences of his actions—on his own this time."

Derrick stood abruptly, his chair clattering to the floor, but the officers were quicker. They moved towards him, their expressions grim as they took him into custody.

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James watched the scene unfold, his mind reeling from the revelations. The evening had started as a celebration and had spiraled into a tableau of betrayal and vindication.

"Frank, I... I don't know what to say," James finally muttered, the weight of the evening's events sinking in.

Frank just shook his head, a sad smile touching his lips. "Sometimes, James, the truth is harder to accept than the lie. But it always comes out in the end. I'm sorry I didn't warn you about Derrick. I always hoped he'd see the error of his ways but…" Frank sighed. "I apologize for ruining your dinner."

James looked on as his friend exited the room. He'd always thought so highly of Derrick, and had hoped his presence here tonight might be the start of a relationship between him and Carly. A shiver passed down his spine as he contemplated his daughter dating that shameless thief.

He looked over at Carly, who was speaking to Aiden in hushed tones, and felt a surge of remorse for his initial distrust. He'd badly misjudged Derrick, so maybe he'd been wrong about Aiden, too.

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As the evening's chaos finally began to subside, Aiden and Carly found themselves alone by the front door. Carly's eyes were downcast as she spoke, her voice tinged with embarrassment and sorrow.

"I'm so sorry about tonight, Aiden. Everything that happened... my dad's behavior, it was all so wrong," Carly murmured, her hands nervously twisting together.

Before Aiden could respond, James approached, his expression somber, reflecting a man who had been humbled by the evening's revelations. He approached slowly, stopping a respectful distance away.

Aiden sighed, the weight of the night heavy on his shoulders. He looked James directly in the eyes, his expression firm.

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"I appreciate your apology, Mr. Parker, but I can't accept it right now," Aiden said quietly. "There's never an excuse to treat people badly because of their financial or social standing."

James nodded slowly, absorbing Aiden's words, the gravity of his misjudgments clear on his face.

Aiden turned to Carly, his voice softening. "Carly, I love you a lot, and I know you're a good person. But tonight showed me your father's true colors, how he treated me the first time we met... It's hard for me to see past that."

Aiden paused, then looked back at James. "If you're truly sorry, Mr. Parker, I hope you'll start showing more respect to others, regardless of their job or how much money they have in their bank account."

With those words, Aiden stepped outside, the cool night air a small relief from the tension of the house. Carly hurried after him, her face stricken.

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"Aiden, please, I love you so much. I don't want to lose you over this," she pleaded, catching up to him on the porch.

Aiden turned to face her, taking her hands in his. "I don't want to lose you either, Carly. But I have to stand up for myself and for what's right. What happened tonight... it can't just be brushed aside."

Carly nodded, tears brimming in her eyes as she squeezed his hands. "I understand, and I'll talk to him. Just… give me some time, please? We'll figure this out together."

Carly sniffed and took a step back. "I don't blame you for feeling that way. Can we meet on Wednesday at the coffee shop near campus? We can talk things over then?"

Aiden nodded. He wasn't sure if he and Carly could make it work after this, but if nothing else, that meeting might bring him some closure.

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James stood by the front door, his mind a tumultuous whirl of regret and confusion. He could still hear Aiden's firm words echoing in his ears, a stark reminder of how his own prejudices and harsh judgments had spiraled the evening into chaos. The weight of his actions bore down on him, a heavy cloak of realization about how deeply he had hurt those he loved most.

As he was lost in his thoughts, the door burst open and Carly rushed back inside. Her eyes were red from crying, her expression a mix of anger and disappointment. She confronted James with a fierceness he had seldom seen in her.

"Dad, I can't believe you," Carly said, her voice breaking. "You've completely ruined my relationship with your behavior tonight. I defended you to Aiden, told him you were a good person despite everything. But now? Now I'm starting to think Aiden was right about you all along."

James's heart sank as he listened to her words. He had seen himself as a protector, a guide, but now he stood corrected, seen as the antagonist in his own daughter's story.

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"I... I'm starting to wonder that myself," James admitted quietly, his voice barely a whisper, laden with the weight of his self-doubt.

Carly paused, taken aback by his admission, her anger briefly giving way to surprise. But her resolve hardened again as she wiped away a tear. "It's too late now, Dad. I've made my decision. I'm going to move out, just like you said. I need to do this on my own."

She turned and headed towards the stairs, her steps firm and decisive. James watched her go, feeling a profound sense of loss. He had pushed her to this, all because of his inability to see beyond his own narrow view of the world.

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