Chapter 3

Why?

Wasn't I their daughter too?

"Mom, Dad—am I even your daughter? Why do you always take her side?"

I forced the words out, barely able to speak.

Before Mom and Dad could answer, Scarlett cut them off, squatting right in front of me with this self-righteous look in her eyes.

"You got Mom and Dad all to yourself for years before I was born. Isn't it my turn to get their love now? That's only fair."

So that was her excuse for stealing everything from me.

Just because I was born first?

Mom jumped in right away, "Scarlett's right. Hazel, stop stalling. Give Scarlett your job or I'll disown you!"

I was in so much pain I could barely stand, my lips turning white.

"Mom, my stomach really hurts. Please—can we go to the hospital first?"

Mom looked me up and down, scowling.

"Now you're faking being sick? Convenient timing—right when we ask you to give Scarlett your job. Can't you be unselfish for once?"

Of course she didn't believe me.

I leaned against the wall, forcing myself upright. I couldn't count on them to take me to the hospital—I had to go alone.

I shuffled toward the door, each step shooting pain through my stomach.

But Dad stepped in front of me, face red with anger.

"Didn't you hear your mother? You're getting more and more disrespectful! Where do you think you're going? Trying to run away again? It won't work this time!"

Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist and dragged me toward the bedroom.

His grip was so tight my wrist throbbed and turned red instantly.

The pain in my stomach left me too weak to fight back.

Once we got to my room, he threw me onto the bed.

"You're grounded tonight! Think about what matters more—your job or your sister!"

He slammed the door shut and locked it behind him.

I lay there curled in a ball, trying to ease the sharp pain in my stomach.

My mind felt foggy, replaying everything Mom and Dad had said and done today.

Their cold faces now mixed with the loving ones from my childhood, making me break out in a cold sweat as I shook uncontrollably.

The pain made me black out—I wasn't sure if I fell asleep or passed out from agony.

Early next morning, I woke up to the sound of suitcases being packed in the living room.

As soon as I came to, the pain was worse than ever—like someone was twisting a knife inside me.

Mom and Dad opened the door and walked in, already sounding angry.

"Did you make a decision yet? Have you called your boss?"

I knew something was really wrong. The pain was so bad I could barely talk, so I just begged.

"Mom, my stomach hurts so bad—I'm not lying. Please, just take me to the ER first. I'll give Scarlett my job..."

Mom and Dad looked at my pale face and sweaty forehead, exchanging a look like they weren't sure what to do.

But then Scarlett pushed the door open, sounding annoyed.

"Are you doing this on purpose? You don't want to give me your job, so now you're trying to ruin Mom and Dad's ski trip?"

Scarlett's words made Mom and Dad stop hesitating right away.

Mom gave me this grossed-out look.

"I knew you were lying! I almost fell for it!"

I used my last bit of strength to reach for Mom's hand.