Chapter 4

Jon continued, “Besides, we just found out that Naomi’s pregnant. She’s contributing a lot to our family. You shouldn’t be making her angry right now. Apologize to Naomi!”

My parents just stood there, seemingly unaware that there was anything wrong with what Jon was saying.

I took a deep breath. All I could think was how absurd all this was.

All the resentment and injustice that had piled up throughout the years seemed to reach its peak at that moment.

I scoffed and said, “You want me to apologize? In your dreams!”

I turned to my parents.

“Jon was always your favorite growing up. He got new clothes every year, while I got hand-me-downs from relatives. When he wanted art classes, you scrimped and saved to send him to them. When I wanted piano lessons, you said it was a waste of money.

“When he graduated high school and got into community college, you threw a big bash to celebrate. When I got into a renowned university, you said the fees were too expensive and made me get a loan.”

Tears sprang to my eyes as I spoke, but I did not stop.

“After he got a job, you said he broke his back and only made $3,000 a month. That’s why you helped him out with his living expenses. When he got married and wanted to give his fiancee a car, you dared to ask me to help him pay for it.

“I work my butt off in Savidad. I’m terrified of getting sick and don’t dare to quit. I worked hard just to make more money to buy you a bigger house so you can live more comfortably. I thought I would have a home to return to, but look at how things are now!”

My voice wavered despite my efforts.

I was not a fool and was perfectly aware of their favoritism. All along, I had been afraid that I would lose my family if I spoke of my grievances.

All this time, I had stuck my head in the sand, thinking that ignoring it meant that we could still be a family and that I would still have a home to return to.

But my family never gave me the same consideration.

“In the end, I spent all of my savings to buy a house, but it somehow became Jon’s home, his supposed gift to his wife. Even my own room isn’t mine anymore! When I come home, I have to live in a hotel!

“Mom, Dad, you two never wanted me to be in this family, right?”

Faced with the repeated shots of my questions, Mom went pale. Her lips trembled.

“How could you tell us off like this? We raised you!”

“Raised me?”

I laughed even as tears streamed down my face.

“Oh, sure. You raised me, so I have to work hard to help pay for your son’s expenses. You raised me, so I don’t deserve to even have my own room to sleep in my house! Is that right?”

“Enough!” Dad banged his fist on the table.

“How dare you? Do you think you can lecture us just because you’ve been to university and make some money? You’re not in charge of this family. If you act this out of hand again, you might as well get out!”

Seeing that she had someone supporting her, Naomi got her confidence back. She folded her arms and scoffed.

“Did you hear that? You should get married quickly if you’re so sure of yourself. Go and get whatever you can from your husband’s family. That’s the only thing that you can get and keep. Don’t come here and throw your weight around like you’re so great.”

Jon also looked disappointed and disgusted.

“When did you become so petty, Jackie? You weren’t like this when you were younger. We can forget this happened if you just apologize and stay in the hotel. You’ll still be my little sister.”

The four of them were united in taking a stand against me, treating me like I was an enemy.

They seemed to be such a committed family, which should have been heartwarming but was also so hurtful to me.

The last bit of warmth and expectation I felt for them went cold.

Maybe this was a good thing. If we broke apart completely as a family, at least I could finally relax.

I wiped the tears from my face and avoided looking at any of them. I took out my phone and made a call.

“Mr. Bateman? I’m an owner at Millennial View. I’d like to sell my home. Yes, I want it sold immediately. The sooner the better.”

The second I said that, the living room burst into chaos.