“Genesis, I know you were upset at your
birthday party. Next year, we’ll throw you an even bigger one to make up for it.”
He glanced at me, then continued, “But, for the
past six months, Delilah has been really
stressed out since you came back.”
“Carter saved her life, she almost smashed into
a semi.”
“So, your mother and I talked all night, and we
decided it’s best if you move out.”
“Just until Delilah feels better. Then you can
<
He quickly added, “Of course, I know this isn’t
fair to you.”
“So, you can live anywhere you want. I’ll buy
you a huge house and give you a massive
allowance.”
“What do you say, Genesis? Does that sound
good?”
They both stared at me, desperate for me to
agree. They were scared I’d blow everything up.
But why would I argue?
I wanted to get away from them as far as
possible.
Without hesitation, I told them I wanted to study
in Norway.
They couldn’t hide their relief. It was like they
were getting rid of a freakin‘ curse.
<
They didn’t even ask why Norway, of all places.
Dad wasted no time getting my paperwork
done.
Within two weeks, I was on a plane to Oslo.
Thanks to my previous life, I breezed through
the preparatory course and started studying
econometrics at the University of Oslo.
After I left, Mom and Dad only contacted me
every few months to ask if I needed more
money.
But Delilah messaged me all the time.
“Genesis, look! It’s my first day of college, the
whole fam is here to help me move in!”
“Genesis, we’re at the airport! Mom says we’re
going to celebrate my birthday in a castle in the
Loire Valley!”
“Genesis, I can’t believe I won first place at the
International Chopin Piano Competition!
Everyone’s losing their minds!”
And, of course, she always included a picture of
the four of them, all smiles.
It was like she was flaunting her life, reminding
me that she was the only daughter.
Delilah always pulled this crap.
When I first came back to the family, she would
constantly tell me how amazing Mom, Dad, and
Carter were, what they bought her, where they
took her.
All the things I never had.
At first, I tried to ignore it, but eventually, I
snapped and told her to shut up.
Carter saw it.
く
He instantly glared at me, then put his arm
around Delilah.
Like I was hurting her.
When Mom and Dad found out, they had a
“talk” with me.
Then they chewed me out, told me not to bring
my “trashy” behavior into their home.
That day, I cried for hours.
It was the first time I realized I could never be
one of them.
Time flew by, and soon it was the second half
of my sophomore year.
I was busy studying for finals when my only
friend, Fern, suddenly started gossiping on
WeChat.
<
She’s the daughter of the housekeeper, Lucy.
She’s the only one who was really nice to me
when I was back home.
Fern said that Mom had blown up at Delilah.
Shouted so loud that Delilah almost had a
nervous breakdown.
I was shocked.
Mom and Dad treated that girl like a goddamn
princess.
They never even raised their voices at her.
Fern told me that Delilah was out shopping with
her friends when some talent scout from a
movie studio approached her.
They thought she had “it,” and wanted to sign.
her as a mega influencer.
Delilah was hooked.
く
She loved the idea of being famous, of living
the high life.
So, she signed a ten–year contract without
telling anyone.
At first, she thought she could juggle school
with her “career.”
That way, she wouldn’t miss anything.
But her college was strict as hell. They didn’t
allow her to skip classes every other day.
So, she dropped out.
Once that happened, she couldn’t hide it from
her parents.
Mom tried to reason with her, told her to finish
college no matter what.
But Delilah, who always did what she was told,
11:39
was dead set on becoming an actress.
