Chapter 1

I was stunned for a few seconds before I tapped into the person's account with trembling fingers.

The newest photo showed Mom and Dad standing in front of Angelo Tower with a woman, who looked to be about the same age as me.

The woman was dressed in Verisio's latest haute couture-style from head to toe. The bag she was carrying was worth a year of Mom's and Dad's supposed salary.

Mom was looking at the camera with love overflowing from her eyes as she locked arms with the woman.

Meanwhile, Dad, who always claimed that he was swamped with work, was making a heart sign with the woman.

There were also a few shopping bags from luxury brands in the background of the photo.

My fingertips felt ice cold as I scrolled back to the replies.

"I already brought my princess to Enora to celebrate her graduation last week."

The person had also left a new reply under the previous one.

"But I still want to plan a surprise for her, so I booked the banquet hall on the top floor of the hotel to throw a birthday party for her and invited all her classmates. I can't wait to see her happy face!"

Several photos of the hall's decorations were attached to the reply. There were crystal chandeliers, massive flower displays, and a dedicated team of event organizers.

The location of the photos indicated that they were taken in the five-star hotel in the heart of the city, the most luxurious building in the area.

The amount of money needed to book the hall for a single night was enough to cover my family's expenses for the next three years.

I remembered how Mom had held my hands as she vented her frustrations some time in the past.

"Dad's business is going through a rough patch, Ally. I'm also at risk of being laid off from my company. Can we just buy a cake and celebrate your birthday at home? I'll definitely make it up to you once our family's financial situation stabilizes."

I remembered feeling heartbroken when I hugged her and said, "I don't need a grand birthday party, Mom. I just want our family to stay happy and healthy."

Looking back on the encounter, I realized that Mom's promise to compensate me in the future wasn't actually directed toward me but at her other daughter.

The truth had come to light without any warning.

I collapsed into the chair in front of my battered desk and stared at my surroundings in a daze.

My bedroom was less than 100 square feet. The paint was peeling from the walls. I had used the same desk since elementary school. The corners had already turned white from the passing of time. The most expensive garment that I owned cost less than 20 dollars.

Mom was always saying, "We're just a regular family. Don't compare yourself to your fellow classmates."

However, I now knew that our family wasn't regular at all.

Mom and Dad simply treated me as a "regular" person.

Dad always left for work early and returned late while Mom was always busy with chores when she wasn't working.

I couldn't help but wonder where they found the time and money to go on a trip to Enora with their other daughter.

I looked down at my phone and scrolled through it until I found Mom's number. I then pressed the call button.

The call rang about eight times before she picked up.

"Hello. Did you need something, Ally? I'm a little busy right now," she said impatiently.

I could vaguely hear the sounds of a piano in the background.

My throat tightened as I asked, "Where are you, Mom?"

"I… I'm at the grocery store. I needed to buy some vegetables. What's wrong? Did you run out of money? I'll transfer 200 dollars to you later."

When I remained silent, she continued, "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you ill?"