Chapter 2

My father flew into a rage and smacked me across the forehead.

"Watch your mouth! Family is family!

"Aunt Janice already said that as long as Kelsey has a glamorous honeymoon, she'll earn her place in Travis's family.

"Travis owns a building materials company. Once Kelsey comes back from Europe, she'll be living the life of a wealthy wife. If they let a little money slip through their fingers, it'd be enough to support you for the rest of your life.

"You ungrateful brat! You don't understand a thing about how the world works!"

Just then, my phone chimed. Aunt Janice had sent a voice message to the family group chat.

"As a younger brother, Wayne really knows how to look after me.

"Elise, thank you for giving Kelsey the trip. You're single anyway, so the ticket would've gone to waste. When Kelsey gets back, I'll have her bring you some chocolates from Europe."

The rest of the family quickly chimed in.

Duane: "Wayne handled this well. Elise's being a good daughter, too."

Pamela: "Exactly. It's only one trip. Elise's still young. She can earn the money to visit Europe herself someday."

I let out a cold laugh and typed into the group chat.

"If that's how everyone feels, then my father's surgery costs $320,000. There are four of your households, so how about each of you chips in $80,000?"

Then I sent another message.

"Kelsey, you stole my redemption code without my permission. You should be grateful I haven't called the police.

"I thought your husband was the rich heir who gives you $30,000 a month just for spending money. Why can't he even afford an $80,000 honeymoon?

"You have thirty minutes to cancel the booking. After that, don't blame me for what happens next."

The chat went completely silent.

Three seconds later, Aunt Janice called.

The moment I answered, her scream nearly burst my eardrum.

"You little brat! What the hell do you think you're doing? Your father already promised Kelsey the trip, and now you're trying to take it back? Not happening!

"Wayne has listened to me his whole life. If you dare go back on this, I'll disown him as my brother.

"He'll be so furious it'll kill him, and you'll spend the rest of your life as the daughter who drove her own father to his grave!"

My hands trembled with anger. She knew perfectly well how serious my father's condition was, yet she still threw around threats like that.

Did she care about his life at all?

"And besides, Kelsey already registered the redemption code under her name. It's too late to cancel now. We're family. If you keep causing trouble, don't blame us when you're the one crying later."

I turned to look at my father. To my disbelief, he nodded eagerly and spoke into the phone.

"Janice, don't be angry. Don't waste your breath arguing with this stubborn girl. I'll handle it. She's my daughter. She can't possibly defy me."

The last shred of hope inside me shattered.

I hung up, then immediately called the travel agency.

"Hello. My name is Elise Whitmore. I'm the prize winner. My ID number is...

"My redemption code was stolen. I want the prize frozen immediately."

The customer service representative remained polite. "Certainly, Ms. Whitmore. We've verified your prize information.

"To freeze the reservation, you'll need to bring your original ID to one of our branch offices in person. If you complete the process before ten o'clock tomorrow morning, we'll be able to cancel the booking. After that, the authorization will be considered valid."

I ended the call without sparing my father another glance.

Back in my room, I reached for my ID, which I'd hidden. It was gone.

My heart sank. I searched every corner of the room. My passport was gone too.

I spun around.

My father was leaning against the doorframe with a smug smile.

"Looking for your ID? Your Aunt Janice knew you'd make trouble. While you were in the shower, I didn't just take your phone. I gave Kelsey your ID and passport, too."