Chapter 5
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
The next morning, I stayed tucked under the covers while my suitcase sat zipped by the door, all packed and waiting. Voices, footsteps, and laughter echoed down the hallway, but I didn’t budge.
Then Logan stormed in, irritation written all over his face. “Where’s the necklace?”
I sat up slowly, confused. “What necklace?”
—
“That necklace – the limited edition one I gave Lauren. It’s missing. Did you take it back?”
i blinked in disbelief. “Why would I? You’re the one who gave it away, and you never even asked me.”
He growled, “It’s gone. Lauren was supposed to wear it today. And now you’ve sunk so low you had to steal it back? Unbelievable.”
I stared, speechless. “So you think I’m the Below one here?”
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
“This is exactly why you’re not coming with us,” he snapped. “You don’t deserve any respect. You’ve always been petty, Penelope.”
Before I could respond, Lauren hurried in, flustered. “Wait, wait – it’s not her fault. I must’ve misplaced it. Don’t blame her.”
Their father, Oliver, appeared behind them, glancing at his watch. “We’re running late. Just buy another if you have to. Let’s go. Penelope, make sure the house is spotless by the time we get back.”
And just like that, they left.
No hugs. No goodbyes. No thanks for twenty years of my life.
Only orders. Only silence.
Motionless at the glass, I watched taillights fade – and realized they’d always been
leaving.
Chapter 5
Hours later, my phone buzzed.
+ 5 Points
Lauren: We finally found your necklace – I can’t tell you how relieved I am. I feel terrible about what happened earlier. Let me get
you something special to make it right. And thank you so much for trusting me with it – it’s absolutely stunning!
Then another message.
Logan: Left my black card on the table – treat yourself while we’re away.
i read the texts and let out a soft, bitter laugh.
This was the same old story.
They’d hurt me. Humiliate me. Then toss me a credit card like it could soothe the pain they refused to see. As if buying things could make up for being discarded. Uncherished, Invisible.
Not this time
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
Not this time.
I looked around the quiet, empty house a ghost town filled with memories that no longer belonged to me. Today, I decided I was done living in their shadow.
I made my way to the living room, careful not to rush. From under the couch cushion, I pulled out the envelope I’d hidden the night before and set it gently on the coffee table. Inside lay the divorce papers–along with our wedding ring.
I lingered in the doorway, taking a long, steady look back. It wasn’t about reminiscing; it was about making sure. This time, I wasn’t turning back.
Later, at the airport, I found a seat near Gate 18. Quietly, I sipped coffee from a plain paper cup while staring at my phone’s glowing screen. A small smile tugged at my lips–this was my fresh start, right at the moment they thought I’d vanished for good.
ว
+ 5 Points
I was halfway through a review of a rooftop restaurant when a voice cut sharply through the busy terminal.
“Shit. Where’s my passport?”
It is Lauren.
I froze. They were just across the terminal, laughing as they wheeled designer luggage, wrapped up in their little bubble of joy.
My dad, Oliver, was fussing with his tie. My son’s wife was snapping photos of the group. And there was Lauren, frantically digging through her purse, clearly stressed.
I doubted they even noticed I was there- too wrapped up in their own world to spare a glance.
Logan rubbed his forehead in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Didn’t
Penelope pack it for you?”
+ 5 ints
Lauicii Villiktu, liesicality. I ashtu tici, DUL I don’t know if she-”
“That useless bitch,” Logan muttered under This breath, pulling out his phone. “I told her to double–check everything. I’ll call her. She can drop it off. Not like she’s got anything better to do.”
Of course. Even now–after everything–they expected me to clean up their mess.
My phone buzzed. It was Logan.
Then came the message:
Logan: Lauren left her passport behind. Can you bring it to Terminal 2? We’re at Gate 7. ASAP!
I used to think they were proud of me. But now, all I saw was proof–proof that even when I no longer belonged to them, they still expected me to serve.
Slowly, I typed my reply:
+ 5 Points
“I’m done with this. I’m not your nanny anymore, Logan. Goodbye.”
I shut off my phone, grabbed my suitcase, and walked toward Gate 18.
