Chapter 10
Seven years ago, I had already been admitted to the National Confidential Science Research Institute.
But before I could decide whether I’d go or not, my parents sent me to prison.
During those seven years in prison, I came to understand everything. So, before I was released, I reapplied for the institute’s position.
I received a reply shortly after I sent the email.
“Ten days later, on December 10th, a special car will pick you up at 9 p.m. sharp.”
Ten days…
I closed my eyes again.
I was so glad. All I had to do was endure ten more days; then I could. leave this place where no one loved me for good.
The next morning, I was awakened by the commotion from the living
room.
Groggily, I opened my eyes, washed up, and walked out of my room.
Kyla came back and was in the living room.
She sat on the sofa in a white dress, like a princess.
My parents, my sister Naomi, and my fiance Antonio all surrounded her.
”
The housekeeper brought a cake out.
They said in unison, “Happy birthday, Kyla.”
Kyla beamed with happiness.
“Thanks. Dad. Mom. Naomi, and Antonio.
“I’ve just been discharged from the hospital. Have you guys got me any gifts?”
My parents and Naomi all gave her their gifts.
Just as Antonio was about to follow suit, he saw me walking out of the
storage room.
“Grace, you’re awake. Come here. Let’s celebrate Kyla’s birthday together.”
He didn’t notice the changes in the expressions of my parents and Naomi.
Hearing his words, Kyla said to me sweetly, “Grace, I’m sorry. I wasn’t feeling well yesterday and couldn’t pick you up from prison. You’re not mad at me, are you?”
I sneered inwardly.
Before I could respond, Antonio beat me to it, saying, “Grace isn’t a petty person. She won’t hold it against you.”
Then Kyla grabbed his hand and said to me, “Grace, it’s my birthday. today. Why don’t you give me a gift?
“I want Antonio.”
She revealed her nasty thoughts so blatantly, but no one else said
anything. They were all waiting for my response.
I clenched my fists; Kyla was the most shameless person I had ever seen.
“What if I say no?”
Kyla’s face stiffened.
She suddenly spoke in another language, sounding aggrieved, “I was just joking. I didn’t expect Grace to take it so seriously.”
My mom comforted her in the same language, “Don’t be upset, Kyla, Grace is nothing like me. She’s so petty and pretentious.”
My dad echoed. “Don’t take it to heart, Kyla. You know your mom and I think of you as our daughter, not Grace.”
Naomi nodded. “And you’re my only sister, Kyla.”
What a sweet family.
I pretended not to understand and asked Antonio, “What are they saying?”
His eyes were deep as he said, “Kyla said she was joking. They don’t want you to overthink it.”
Not to overthink it?
They were indeed something. They lied to my face just like that.
What they didn’t know was that I understood every word they said.
My mom was a renowned artist, and my dad was a business tycoon in carlier years.
Ever since they found me in the orphanage, they had always looked down
on me for not receiving a proper education.
So, they focused all their attention on Kyla, though she wasn’t related to them by blood.
Ten years ago, Kyla and I took the SAT together. She got into an art. school, and they celebrated lavishly.
None of them knew I was admitted to an Ivy League school, and I had taught myself multiple languages.
Well, none of that mattered anymore.
Because I’d soon leave those bunch of hypocrites, including Antonio.
“I just got out of prison and haven’t seen much of Osmal City yet. I’ll go out for a while. Guys, enjoy.”
With that, I limped away under the disdainful gazes of my family and the
servants.
As I walked out, I heard my parents and Naomi criticize me in another language without restraint.
They forgot that today was my birthday, too.
