Chapter 2

After our destinations were chosen, my parents excitedly started planning what luggage and how much allowance to prep for us.

Lyra opened her account and hugged Mom's arm affectionately.

"I knew Mom loved me the most."

She asked me out of habit, "Carrie, what did Mom prepare for you?"

I checked my balance and replied dryly, "Just enough for three months' rent."

In the smallest apartment available, no less.

Lyra beamed instantly.

But she still tried to play the role of the caring sister.

"Mom and Dad were probably afraid you'd waste your money, so they transferred the bulk of it to me."

"They're planning to buy me a small villa in Silvermoon's wealthy district."

"And they even gave me an extra ten thousand a month for living expenses."

"If you ever want to come hang out, just let me know."

Mom affectionately tapped her nose.

"This money is specifically a reward for getting an A-rank. Just spend it on yourself!"

She turned to look at me.

"As for you, I can't even be bothered to talk about your barely passing grade."

"You've always been worse than Lyra in every way. Renting a place in a small pack is good enough, don't waste money!"

Hearing this, Lyra immediately shook Mom's arm.

"Mom, it's great that Carrie even passed! Stop nagging her!"

I probably should have hated Lyra.

She was so dazzling, so bright that everyone favored her.

But while Lyra would get petty over any attention my parents gave me,

She would also defend me when Mom scolded me, just like now.

It was a contradiction that annoyed me to no end.

Liam smiled and pulled out two gift boxes.

Mine held a phone, and not the newest model.

While Lyra's held a car key.

Lyra excitedly hugged Liam.

"Liam, I knew you loved me most! A limited-edition sports car!"

Kaelen chimed in, looking surprised.

"That car costs a fortune. Did you spend half a year's salary on this, Liam?"

Liam affectionately patted Lyra's head.

"No matter how expensive, I'd buy it for Lyra. After all, you're my little sister."

But I'm your sister too.

Why was my gift so cheap?

I had asked those questions with tears in my eyes far too many times as a kid.

To the point where now, I didn't even have the desire to open my mouth.

I shoved the phone back into my pocket.

Then I stood up and headed for my bedroom.

No one cared if I stayed or left.

Only Lyra asked, "Carrie, what's wrong?"

I paused and said I was tired.

From behind, I heard Liam complaining in annoyance.

"She always has that deadpan look, always walking around with a long face."

"Lyra, just ignore her and go test drive your car."

Kaelen chuckled in agreement.

"Yeah, Carrie is just weird. Total buzzkill."

I shut my bedroom door, completely blocking out their harsh laughter.

When I came out again, it was dinner time.

The table was covered with the vegetables Lyra liked.

But I liked beef.

I had compromised for eighteen years. I didn't want to endure it anymore.

"Mom, I want to eat beef."

Mom froze, then frowned.

"It was one thing to be a picky eater as a kid, but how are you still so demanding now?"

"Why can't you be more like Lyra? She's never picky, she's so easy to raise."

In that moment, I really wanted to say that Lyra wasn't picky,

Because Mom only bought and cooked what Lyra liked.

And she never cared about what I liked.

Maybe she knew my preferences, but they just weren't important enough to her.

But the words reached my lips and I swallowed them down.

What was the point of saying it?

Mom would only think I was being dramatic and always looking for things to fight about.