Chapter 3
872 Words
Since Layla was only pretending to be sick, the examination revealed nothing unusual.
After a few days of minimal observation, Mom decided to wrap up the discharge process.
Dad called the chauffeur to pick her up. Neil had been waiting in line since early morning, just so Layla could enjoy her favorite snack on time.
I had grown used to these moments, fully aware that their affection for her was boundless.
On the way home, Neil expressed his frustration toward me, his brows knitted together. "Mom, Dad, how could Mia do this? She hasn't even come to see Layla these past few days. She's the one responsible for all this, yet she hasn't even apologized to Layla!"
Dad let out a heavy sigh, his displeasure evident. "This is outrageous. I told you, she has no manners and doesn't deserve to be my daughter. When we get home, I will teach her a lesson and make her learn to be humble!"
Hearing Dad's serious tone and the way he belittled me made my heart ache.
Since I was little, Mom had believed I was cursed because of a difficult birth. She suffered from postpartum depression for a while, which led her to resent me.
On the day Layla was born, I was kept outside, not allowed to enter because they thought I brought bad luck.
As Layla grew, she often acted mischievously, demanding I play with her as if I were her servant.
One day, during a family outing at the park, Layla ignored my warnings about the dangers and insisted on flying a kite.
She ran too fast and fell face-first to the ground, scraping her forehead.
Dad didn't say a word before he slapped me hard and pushed me to the ground. "Didn't I tell you to look after Layla? She got hurt because of you! You're not my daughter, you i***t!"
It felt as if my entire existence was dedicated to Layla.
Incidents like this happened constantly.
For instance, she took a liking to one of my dolls.
It was a birthday gift from Mom and Dad and had accompanied me for many years.
To me, it was a cherished keepsake.
But Layla claimed she liked it, and then she caused a scene, making it seem like I was bullying her.
One moment, she was trying to snatch it away, and the next, she was pouting and crying loudly.
Mom rushed over and scooped her up. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
Layla quickly put on her most pitiful face, shedding a few crocodile tears. "I'm sorry, Mommy. It's my fault for making Mia unhappy."
Mom shot me a glare, her eyes wide. "Mia, you need to stop being reckless! Layla only lets it go because you're her elder sister! How dare you act like that?"
Dad's voice boomed as he came to Layla's defense. "Looks like I gotta teach you a lesson!"
Before I could respond, Dad grabbed a stick and hit me hard.
The physical pain meant nothing compared to the ache in my heart.
I begged him to stop, but all I received was more punishment and harsh words.
Meanwhile, Layla, cradled in Mom's arms, smiled at me innocently as if mocking me.
From that day on, things never changed.
I became used to being submissive, always giving in.
Even now, Layla had only spoken a few words, and they acted as if they were judges declaring my guilt.
Although I was already a soul, the familiar ache in my heart remained clear.
My spirit followed them home.
As soon as we stepped inside, Mom hurried to prepare the bed for Layla, ensuring she could continue resting. "Come on, I don't want my precious little princess to get tired!"
Layla touched her flat belly and exclaimed, "I'm starving after such a long trip!"
Dad dashed into the kitchen to cook her favorite dishes. "Sorry, honey. I'm at fault for not being more thoughtful. Layla, wait a minute. I'll make you a steak right away, okay?"
Neil knew exactly what Layla wanted and kindly opened the iPad for her, turning on the hottest TV show for her to watch.
The whole family busied themselves for Layla, creating a warm, harmonious atmosphere.
Observing this familiar yet strange scene, I felt out of place once again.
Layla finally wore a satisfied smile, and it was aimed directly at me.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Neil rushed to answer it.
A handsome young man in a white shirt stood outside, holding several boxes of Layla's favorite snacks and smiling broadly. "I heard Layla was sick, so I came to see her!"
It was Oliver White, my childhood friend and boyfriend.
As soon as Layla heard his charming voice, her eyes lit up. Without bothering to put on her shoes, she rushed out, her excitement palpable as she feigned shyness in front of Oliver. "Oliver, what are you doing here? Neil must have told you about it, right? I'm fine, really! You don't need to worry about me!"
Meeting her sparkling eyes, Oliver wore a warm smile as he reached out to stroke her head.
The popular heartthrob willingly swallowed his pride just to see Layla's smile.
I had never seen him like this before.
- Writer
