Semua Bab Livestreaming the Low-Budget Life: Bab 1 - Bab 10

My hands trembled as I clutched my phone, unable to believe what I was seeing. It was a prank live streaming site, and most of its viewers came from wealthy or high-society backgrounds.After my parents divorced, I grew up poor, while my twin sister, Ruby Stone, lived surrounded by luxury.What I had thought was my life had been nothing more than a game—a six-year-long live stream, created solely for the amusement of others.I'd always assumed Mom had taken Ruby to another city. But apparently, she'd been with Dad the whole time.I sat at the diner's entrance, baking in the summer sun, but a chill ran straight through me.Then Ruby sent more messages.Ruby: "Aria, you're the one Mom and Dad never loved."Ruby: "As your sister, I can't help feeling bad seeing you struggle like this. Living in a huge villa while you fight just to get by eats at me."My hands felt impossibly heavy. I had no idea how to respond."Aria! Clean these two tables, now!" my boss barked.This was the pa

The next morning at school, my homeroom teacher, Ms. Langley, came looking for me."Aria, there's one spot in your grade for studying abroad as a math major. The tuition and fees would be fully covered. Do you want it? I know your family's situation isn't easy. This opportunity could change your life."The requirements, though, were daunting—three first-place awards in math competitions and an Elarish language score of at least 145.My grades were excellent. I was the only one in my grade who met both requirements.I nodded right away. "Of course, Ms. Langley. I'd be honored."This had to be what my parents had wanted all along—a child forged by hardship, who grew up faster, worked harder, and shone brighter.Ms. Langley patted my shoulder. "Alright. You don't need to take the June exam. Just rest for now, and when the time comes, head to college a bit early."Soon I'd finally be free—free from this place, free from this ridiculous live stream game, free from those so-called par

Dad belittled me on the live stream, twisting everything to make himself look right. His hypocrisy left me reeling.Ever since I realized that everything I said and did in the apartment was being livestreamed, I stopped spending time at home. I went to school during the day and worked part-time after class.I'd rather sit outside my apartment building, reading under the dim yellow light, than go back to that apartment full of hidden cameras.I pulled out my phone and tapped the live stream link, noticing a new post from the streamer."On SAT day, we'll be going live outside the school when Aria, raised in hardship, returns to the villa. Don't forget to donate generously!"Comments started flooding in almost immediately."I can't wait to see her face when she realizes her family is rich.""She's going to be over the moon. Finally, she's a wealthy girl in every sense.""Not so fast. She might be crushed for a long time. Six years of living in poverty… why did she have to go throu

"When are you going to pay back the money? The ten million dollars you borrowed has racked up interest. It's already 50 million!"My parents and Ruby were so shocked they forgot to turn off the live stream, leaving everyone to witness the humiliating scene.Meanwhile, the stream's viewership rose as more people tuned in to watch the drama unfold.Dad looked confused. "Ten million dollars? What are you talking about?"The debt collector scowled and shoved the loan agreement in Dad's face, his signature glaring up at him. "It's all in black and white. You signed it yourself. How could you not know?"At that moment, Dad finally realized I had tricked him into signing the papers."That was Aria's loan! Go after her! Why are you coming after us?" he shouted.The debt collector grabbed all three of them, making sure they couldn't escape. "I don't care who actually borrowed the money. I hold the person who signed it responsible."Now they were going to feel all the pain I had suffered

I'd handled everything on my own for the past six years. Nothing ahead could ever be harder than what I'd already been through. I could take care of myself.My parents grew frustrated. "Aria, how can you be so heartless?"I owned up to being heartless."And don't think you can make me leave. I'm on a student visa in Delvoria. How long do you think you could even stay?"I didn't really think they could drag me away when I refused.We were at an impasse.Mom and Dad didn't know what to do when they saw how determined I was. Finally, their words turned cold. "Fine. Let's just act like you were never our daughter."Their eyes had been warm just moments ago, but now a flicker of darkness in them sent a shiver down my spine.Just as they were leaving, Ruby stepped up beside me, her voice low and venomous. "Aria, give me ten million dollars, or I'll post your video."I laughed. "Go ahead. I don't care. But think about it. Who do you think that video would hurt more, you or me? Try it