Chapter 2

The next day was my college entrance exams.

If everything hadn’t happened.

I should have been with my classmates, passing through security, and sitting in the exam hall.

Mom’s phone rang, pulling me from my daze.

She answered, and I heard the voice of my homeroom teacher from the other end.

“Hello, is this Lily Vance’s mother? The exam starts in less than half an hour, and Lily isn’t here yet? Has something happened?”

My spirit trembled, a surge of uncontrollable hope.

Mom, please call me.

Even if your voice is filled with annoyance, I don't care.

As I gazed at her with hopeful eyes, Mom frowned, her face full of impatience.

“If Lily Vance didn’t go, then she didn’t go. Why are you calling me?!”

“Teacher, just leave her alone. That wretched girl has always been a Jezebel, obsessed with seducing men. If she skipped the exam, she’s probably off with some guy.”

The teacher was taken aback by Mom’s words and tried to defend me.

“Mrs. Vance, Lily is always an excellent student, never causes trouble; she’s a model student. Our teachers all really like Lily; she couldn’t possibly be like you say…”

Hearing the teacher’s words, I carefully watched Mom’s expression.

Even if she didn’t care, I always pushed myself to get good grades.

It was my way of showing Mom that all I wanted was to succeed and make her proud, never to attract boys.

But Mom suddenly flew into a rage at the teacher’s words, interrupting her loudly.

“Teacher, how could even you be fooled by that little girl?! I’m her mother, I know what she’s thinking!”

“Lily Vance is a demon, a mistress who’s been trying to steal my husband since the day she was born!”

“I kicked her out of the house long ago, and I never want to see her again. Whatever happens to her has nothing to do with me! Don’t call me about her anymore!”

It felt like countless sharp thorns sprouted in my heart, piercing my chest and throat.

I doubled over in pain, curling into a ball.

My eyes burned with a terrible sting, but no tears would come out.

Even after I died, did Mom still think I was dirty?

As far back as I could remember, Mom never showed me affection, always watching me with a scrutinizing gaze.

As a small, clueless child, I cried, wanting Mom and Dad to hug me, but she slapped me to the floor.

“You cry if you’re a step away from your dad, you’re truly a demon reborn! How could I have given birth to a daughter like you!”

Mom’s best friend, Sarah Miller, called out to her and carried me away.

I clutched Sarah’s clothes, sobbing.

“A-auntie, why… why doesn’t Mom like me?”

“Your mom… she suffered from postpartum depression after you were born. It’s not that she doesn't like you. Lily, don’t overthink it. She’ll be better once she recovers.”

I believed her, thinking Mom would love me once she was well.

But I waited and waited, for so many years.

And that day never came.