Chapter 3

I couldn't bear watching my parents make the tough decision.

As such, I offered to head down to the countryside to stay with Grandma. Things wouldn't be as tough on my parents with one less child to take care of.

I then headed over to the countryside and started my life with Grandma.

My parents and Jeff praised me for being understanding of our family's situation. But I wasn't aware that I had to stay with Grandma for eight whole years.

Ever since I moved in with Grandma, I could only reunite with everyone on Christmas. And during those brief visits, I clearly noticed the gradual changes in my family's financial situation. Their clothes grew nicer with each visit, and the gifts they brought me became more expensive.

As such, I started looking forward to the day they'd bring me back to live with them.

But for eight years, I waited. It wasn't until Grandpa and Grandma passed away, and no one was left to take care of me, that they finally brought me back.

By then, they'd moved out of the slums into a villa. One with a garden and a swing set.

My room was on the first floor, where sunlight barely reached. All I had was a bed and a wardrobe.

Unlike Annie's room, full of dolls and even a pink cashmere carpet, or Jeff's room, full of cool action figures and gaming setups.

My room was just like me—invisible in the house.

As such, I tried to win them over. I did all the chores and got top grades, yet I was never the one they favored.

Just as I finished packing up and got ready to leave the house, I received a call from William.

I thought he was about to discuss our next mating ceremony. However, as soon as the call got connected, he said, "Did you include crushed nuts in your shrimp and cheese crepes, Georgia? Don't you know Annie is allergic to nuts? Did you want to kill her?"

Even William, who'd always treated me fairly, scolded me twice in a day.

The first time was when he went to pick Annie up, telling me to be understanding, and the second time was now. Both times were for Annie.

William was my fiance. Why was he scolding me for someone else?

My heart ached.

William continued, "She's your younger sister! How could you do something so cruel? While I've always thought you were hot-tempered, deep down, you were still kind. But you're doing this to Annie over what happened with our mating ceremony? How did you become like this?"

I could feel his anger even through the call. I didn't defend myself from his accusations. After all, I knew he'd never believe me no matter what I said.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that to her. Is she out of danger now? I'll buy her a gift and apologize to her when she comes back later," I said.

Then came a long silence from the other end of the call.

William hadn't expected me to admit fault so quickly. I even asked how Annie was doing.

We argued so many times because of her.

William always asked me to be kinder and more patient with Annie since she was my younger sister. As such, whenever we went out on dates, he would buy her favorite desserts.

We fought over it countless times. I asked if he liked her. If he did, we could break up.

However, he told me that Annie was my sister, which made her like a sister to him as well. He was only helping me to take care of her.

William's explanation sounded so sincere. It made me look like a petty, jealous person.

So when Annie went to study abroad, I was truly happy for that year. After all, they would finally direct their love and attention to me.

But I forgot. Annie was always going to come back.

I quietly wiped away my tears of frustration and sniffled. Then, I forced myself to stay calm as I asked, "Do you have anything else to say? I'll end the call if not."

William let out a relieved sigh. "You'd better admit to your fault and apologize to her yourself. If you're still planning to play tricks and bully her, our mating ceremony will be postponed indefinitely! We'll only go through with it when you've truly learned to be understanding."

When he was done talking, I could hear noise from the background. He seemed to be at the hospital.

After ending the call, I gave Mr. Fowl a call, planning to leave for the Arcetic ahead of schedule.

The research team was originally set to depart tonight, but I had asked for a three-day delay, wanting to spend more time with my family.

It seemed like there was no need to delay anymore. We could depart on time.

Just as I stepped out, I bumped into Mom and Dad, chatting as they returned home.

"William is so thoughtful toward Annie. It's like he's a brother to her. Sometimes I felt like they'd make a perfect couple, if only they could—" Mom saw me at the door before she could finish her sentence, and awkwardly stopped speaking.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you asleep at this hour?" she yelled.

"Something came up at the research institute," I replied. "So I'm heading over."

Seeing how calm I was, Mom and Dad sighed in relief. They thought that I hadn't overheard their conversation.

"Why would you need to bring your suitcase if you're going to the research institute?" Jeff walked over and looked at me, eyes full of suspicion. "You're not thinking of running away just because you hurt Annie and are afraid we'll blame you, are you?"

"That's right! You put Annie in the hospital. Shouldn't you be apologizing to her? You're even trying to run away now! How could you be so irresponsible, Georgia?" Mom gave me a disappointed look.

They blocked the entrance, refusing to let me leave.

I glanced at my watch. There was still half an hour until the scheduled time. I then took my phone out and gave Annie a call.

"What made you suddenly think of calling me, Georgia? Is it because you found out William's here, taking care of me, and got upset? Did you call to blame me? Please don't get angry, I'll ask him to leave now. I can stay at the hospital by myself."

Everyone heard her pitiful tone.

My parents' faces fell immediately, as if I had done something wrong again. But in reality, I didn't even do anything.

I replied, "It's alright, just let William take care of you. I won't get angry."

Everyone was taken aback. Not only was I not angry that William was taking care of Annie, but I was even apologizing in a gentle tone.

My reaction was completely out of character.

Annie was surprised that I didn't call her to start a fight. After a while, she replied, "Thank you, Georgia. I love you!"

"I called you just to apologize to you. I was the one who caused you to have an allergic reaction and got you into the hospital. It was all my fault."

With that, I ended the call.

Upon seeing Mom, Dad, and Jeff standing frozen in place, I grabbed my suitcase and left in a hurry. They didn't try to stop me this time.

Without looking back, I left home for good.