Chapter 3

"My child, God bless you. Literature will always be your home. Give me two weeks, and I'll come pick you up myself!" Iris replied.

She was coming in two weeks. I closed my eyes and started counting down in silence.

In just two more weeks, I would finally leave this place for good and start a new life.

…

The next morning, I was woken up by loud laughter. I pushed open my room door as my head pounded painfully.

What I saw was a warm, cozy scene.

Wendy had been discharged. She was sitting on the couch in a custom-made designer dress, and her makeup was flawless yet understated.

My parents, Brett, and Lance were all gathered around her.

Everyone cheered in unison, "Congratulations to Wendy on joining the company!"

My father laughed heartily, his expression full of pride. "Our Wendy is all grown up now. Time flies, and now she's ready to help out with the family business!"

"That's right. Once you can stand on your own, I'll fund a new company just for you, Wendy!" My mother chimed in.

Wendy gasped in surprise and asked, "Thank you, everyone! Did you all get me presents too?"

"This is a big moment in your life," my mother said as she handed Wendy a beautiful gift box. "How can there be no gifts?"

My father and Brett both handed their gifts to Wendy as well. Lance even placed a sapphire necklace around Wendy's neck himself.

Wendy's eyes were filled with joy, but she still put on a show of modesty.

"When Esme joins the company, you'll prepare even better gifts for her, right?" she asked.

"Sweetheart, what are you talking about?" My mother cut in. "She's not educated and has no character. Why would Richard and I ever let her into the company?"

"Precisely." Brett sneered. "The only reason we even feed her is because we're related. That's already more kindness than she deserves."

At the same time, Wendy noticed me. Her eyes immediately turned red-rimmed.

"Esme, you're awake. Mom, Dad, and Brett were just joking. Please don't take it to heart," she said. "I was unwell yesterday, so I couldn't pick you up. Don't be mad at me, okay?"

Lance glanced at me, then turned his attention back to Wendy. "You're being too kind. You didn't pick her up, that's all. Why would she blame you?

"Esme, come here. Let's celebrate Wendy!"

As I looked at the smug look on Wendy's face, I couldn't force a pleasant expression to appear on my face.

My father huffed angrily. "Eight years in prison, and that lazy streak still isn't gone. You got up this late and still haven't even congratulated Wendy.

"Don't forget. If it weren't for Charles, you'd be dead long ago!"

My father grew increasingly agitated. Just as he was about to grab a vase and throw it at me, my mother stopped him.

"Don't ruin a good day with bad energy!" she said, shooting me a glare when she finished.

They had all forgotten that it was my birthday today, too.

Ever since they adopted Wendy, I have never celebrated my birthday.

"It's alright, Dad." Wendy's eyes welled up with tears. "I don't blame her. It's all my fault."

As she spoke, she looked at me. "Esme, since I just got out of the hospital, will you give me a gift too?"

She paused, then added, "I want Lance. Will you let me have him, Esme?"

She laid bare her filthy intentions, but no one thought anything of it. They were all waiting for my answer.

"No," I said bluntly.