Chapter 2
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In the end, it was my father’s slap that knocked me to the floor.
“Enough! You’re insane! I don’t even want to admit you’re my daughter!”
“This is my house–get out!”
Strangely, the moment those words left his mouth, my heart settled. A quiet, indescribable relief washed over me.
Maybe I’d been waiting for this all along.
Waiting for someone to sever this unnecessary tie.
I staggered to my feet. Sherilyn was already being pulled far away by my mother and brother, as if I were something filthy.
Their faces brimmed with disgust.
I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.
“Ha… hahahaha.”
Dragging my suitcase, I headed for the door.
“Wait!”
A hint of urgency colored my mother’s voice. She grabbed my arm.
“I honestly don’t know what kind of tantrum you’re throwing.”
“Your father has worked for years to get into a senior position. If he’s going to bring someone along, of course it’s going to be Sherilyn–she’s a prestigious university graduate. What would he bring you for? You’ve accomplished nothing.”
“We didn’t tell you ahead of time because we were busy. I’m sorry, alright? I’m your mother, apologizing to her own daughter. You hear me? I said I’m sorry.”
“Next time. Next time, we’ll take you too.”
Sherilyn came over, wearing an apologetic smile. “Uncle was just speaking out of anger, Celine. Don’t take it to heart.”
“He brought me because I’ve been to big events before and wouldn’t embarrass him.” “You’re his real daughter–I’m not trying to take anything from you.”
“Come on, apologize to him, and let’s put this behind us.”
They were all looking at me.
Waiting for me to bow my head.
“No.”
“Me leaving is the best outcome for everyone.”
After my aunt passed away, my mother had brought Sherilyn into our home.
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At first, my parents treated us more or less equally. But once Sherilyn’s academic talent began to shine, the balance tipped.
After every comparison, their gaze lingered less on me, more on her.
These were my parents–of course I fought for their attention. But what could a child do? Cry, shout, threaten…
It only made them despise me more, and said I was petty, selfish, lacking grace. I event wondered if I was really their child. They took me for a DNA test.
Even the brother I’d raised came to believe I didn’t deserve to be his sister, and said I was nothing more than a nanny.
Eventually, when they spoke of their “daughter,” they meant only Sherilyn.
Because she made them proud.
While I became invisible, she became their treasure.
For a few rare crumbs of praise, I took a job close to home so I could take care of my parents and brother.
And what did I get in return?
Nothing but exhaustion.
I was done fighting.
I pulled out a notebook and handed it to Sherilyn.
“Dad’s health isn’t great–make sure you take him to the hospital for a check–up every month.”
“I’ve written down all the house matters in here. Since they already see you as their real daughter, it’s no longer my place to care.”
I didn’t miss the flicker of triumph in her eyes.
Seeing it, my desire to speak further drained away.
“You know,” I said slowly, “you’re actually not a very good actress. You always say you won’t take my parents from me, but that’s all it is–words.”
“When someone truly leaves, they don’t waste their breath.”
Suddenly, something occurred to me. I walked back into my room and pulled out three gift
boxes.
Opening the first, I revealed a gold bracelet.
I slid it onto my wrist–it was a little loose.
Well, I had bought it in my mother’s size.
I would get it altered later.
