“I can’t believe the family took her in, paid for
her to study in Norway, and she repays them
like this!”
“Genesis has always been ugly.”
“Did she get plastic surgery? She looks so
different!”
“Probably Photoshopped. Doctors aren’t miracle
workers, guys.”
Normally, Mom and Dad would freak out about
this kind of public mess.
But the public was on Delilah’s side.
It was free publicity for the family’s restaurants
and hotels.
It was a win–win for them.
–
-4
)
<
11:41
454
So, Dad spent a ton of money promoting
and
had Mom do a combined PR effort for damage
control.
They got me to promise not to argue with
Delilah online.
Otherwise, people might realize I was the real
daughter, and the public would turn on them.
I promised I wouldn’t.
I said I was sorry for hurting Delilah’s feelings.
Satisfied, they calmed down.
Only Lucy patted me on the shoulder.
“Lucy knows you’re a good kid.”
“Don’t listen to the online trolls. Fuck them!”
“I’ll make you some good food. Eat your fill and
11:41
<
relax.”
- ))
I nodded, but I still teared up.
At the Starlight Gala, Delilah wore an amazing
gown by Elie Saab.
Mom took out a vintage emerald brooch and
pinned it on Delilah’s dress.
“This was your grandmother’s. Now it’s yours.”
“I hope you reach your goals in life.”
Teary–eyed, Delilah hugged Mom.
And gave me a triumphant look.
It was like she was mocking me for being a
loser.
She had the family’s love, once again.
454
く
The show was long and boring.
I couldn’t play on my phone.
So, I checked Twitter.
The Starlight Gala dominated the headlines.
There was even a pre–emptive hashtag:
#DelilahStarlightGoddess.
The only other thing was a news story about
bones being found in a condemned building.
Finally, it was time to announce the Starlight
Goddess.
Delilah closed her eyes, holding Dad and Mom’s
hands.
When the host announced her name, everyone
cheered. She smiled, picked up her dress, and
walked to the stage.
<
She put on the tiara for winning the title.
Then she grabbed the microphone.
“Thank you to the judges and the audience! I
wouldn’t be here without the support of my
family!”
The camera panned to Dad, who nodded. Mom
waved, and Carter winked.
Another round of applause.
Delilah continued: “I also want to thank my
sister, Genesis.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
She smiled at me.
Yeah, without me, the “fake” daughter wouldn’t
be anything.
This was Delilah’s moment.
Fame, fortune, family, everything.
If time stopped here, she’d have the perfect life.
Too bad life had other plans.
Instead of a highlight reel, the screen suddenly showed something else.
A guy in his forties and Delilah were getting hot and heavy in bed.
She tapped his chest with her finger.
“You promised me the Starlight Goddess award, baby, you can’t back out now!”
The guy grabbed her hand and kissed it.
“Honey, don’t worry.”
“Everything is yours!”
