Chapter 2
516 Words
As I had expected, the moment Mom saw Layla feigning tears again, her expression turned cold, and her gaze sharpened.
"Layla, why are you still defending that wicked girl? You're just too kind, which is why she took advantage of you!" A flash of concern crossed Mom's face as she spoke.
"If I had known it would end up like this, I would never have let that selfish liar learn piano. It's such a waste of time and money!"
Layla clung to Mom, like a baby seeking comfort and support.
She was always like this. No matter what she said, Dad and Mom believed her without question, creating a clear divide between us.
Over the years, I had tried to tell them about the terrible things Layla had done to frame me, but they dismissed everything and accused me of being jealous.
Eventually, I grew tired and stopped trying to defend myself.
While I was feeling low, I suddenly felt a rush of wind.
My brother, Neil, burst into the hospital room. He showered Layla with concern, carefully checking her from head to toe.
Only after confirming that Layla was mostly okay did he finally take a breath, spitting angrily on the floor. "That Mia is such an i***t! She can't even protect her sister. She deserves to die!"
To my surprise, Layla raised her hand like she wanted to deny it. "You're all misunderstanding Mia. Before I fainted, I heard her talking to those traffickers, saying they had to tie me up and take me away. That means she was trying to protect me, right?"
Everyone lost their composure as soon as they heard this.
"What did you say?" Mom exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger. "How dare she..."
Dad's face was filled with rage. "What an awful girl! She plotted against her sister!"
"Just wait until I find her. I'll break her legs!" Neil clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked as if he was ready to punch me. Fear coursed through me.
Layla didn't expect Dad, Mom, and Neil to react so strongly. Worried that the truth might be revealed, she quickly pretended to comfort them, "Well, maybe I misheard. Don't say such things about Mia. If she hears you, it will break her heart! Besides, she's my sister. I believe she only wants what's best for me..."
Mom looked at her with a "you're just too kind" expression, stroking Layla's head. "Sweetheart, why are you still defending her? It's truly admirable that you hope for a happy and harmonious family. She's such a troublemaker."
She continued, "Well, let's stop talking about these unpleasant things. Layla, listen to me. Just rest here and don't worry. We'll handle everything else!"
Layla nodded obediently and closed her eyes.
The other three looked at her with a shared expression of love, leaving my nose tingling with emotion.
Even though I was right there with them, I felt like a stranger being pushed away.
Though I was surrounded by my family, loneliness crept into my heart.
Maybe they all wished they had never met me.
- Writer
