Chapter 2

Dad's words pierced my heart like a dagger.

Tears welled up in my eyes, spilling over before I could stop them.

"I treated you like my closest family! That's why I skipped Ethan's company banquet just to come here and be with you!"

"I guess I was an idiot. You stopped seeing me as family a long time ago."

Right then, Mom's phone buzzed again.

Travis snapped through the speaker, clearly irritated. "Mom, did you guys leave yet?"

"What's taking so long?! What if Chloe starves waiting for you?!"

Mom started pacing the living room like a headless chicken, her voice frantic.

"Travis, sweetie, there's a little situation at home."

"Serena is here. She wants to come with us..."

She shot me a glare filled with unconcealed disgust.

Before Travis could speak, Dad snatched the phone and hurriedly chimed in.

"Son, if you don't want her there, just say the word."

"You know your mother and I always listen to you."

Watching them bend over backward for him made my chest ache so badly I could barely breathe.

It had been like this for over twenty years.

In elementary school, Travis said he didn't want to see me at summer camp. Mom immediately canceled my registration.

In middle school, Travis claimed he hated sharing the car with me. Dad pulled over and dropped me off on the side of the road, forcing me to take two buses every single day for the rest of the year.

Senior year of high school, when Travis was already in college, he whined that my late-night study lamp disturbed his video game streaming. Mom forced me to sit outside on the balcony in freezing winter weather to do my homework.

It was twenty degrees outside. My teeth were chattering so hard I couldn't focus on my papers. Mom told me it was 'building character.'

To survive, I came inside every few minutes to take a sip of hot water just to keep my mouth warm.

Within two days, Travis lost his temper again. "She keeps opening and closing the door! The draft is freezing my room!"

Mom instantly deadbolted the balcony door from the inside and yelled through the glass:

"If your brother catches a cold because of you, I'll make you pay for it!"

"Stay out there! I'll unlock the door once an hour so you can use the bathroom!"

For years, I wondered why Travis hated me so much.

And for years, Mom brainwashed me with the same excuse:

"We used to give all our love to Travis. When you came along, we had to split it in half. Of course he feels resentful."

"Imagine if someone took half your happiness away. You'd be mad too."

"You stole his love. You owe it to him to be compliant and understanding."

I had lived with that guilt for my entire youth, believing I was the one who ruined his childhood.

Only now did I realize what a cruel lie it was.

Just as I opened my mouth to confront them, Travis's voice drifted through the receiver.

"If Serena wants to come, let her."

"She's my sister, after all. How could we leave her out?"