Chapter 5
Chapter 5
After taking care of everything that needed doing, Daphne headed home alone.
She had barely set foot in the old house when her phone chimed with a new message.
‘It was from Geoffrey Sterling.
*Ungrateful child. You think you’re all grown up just because you got married? How many years has it been since you last came home? Tomorrow’s my birthday celebration–you’d better be there!**
Every word dripped with reproach. Daphne lowered her eyes and replied with just three words.
*Understood. I’ll be there.*
Plover truly
uly welcomed Josephine.
It was true–she hadn’t come home in years. After all, that house had only ever
She was used to it by now.
From the very beginning, Josephine was the darling of the Sterling family–their precious treasure. No matter how hard Daphne tried to please her parents, she could never compete with her younger sister’s effortless charm; one sweet word from Josephine would eclipse all of Daphne’s efforts.
As she grew older, Daphne learned she was engaged to someone from the Bridges family–Leonardo, her supposed fiancé. She convinced herself that marrying him would finally give her a real home. She offered him her whole heart, only to find he barely noticed her at all. His eyes, like everyone else’s, were fixed on Josephine.!
Later on, Nestor–the quiet protector who’d always lingered in the background–became a rare light in her life. She let herself fall for him, believing he might be the one person she could count on. But in the end, that hope proved just as empty.
Everyone loved Josephine.
Daphne let out a self–deprecating laugh, shut off her phone, and decided not to look at the messages again. It didn’t matter–she already knew this would be the last time she’d see the Sterlings.
The next morning, Daphne arrived at the party with Josephine and Nestor. The Sterling family had gone all out, booking a lavishly decorated yacht for the celebration. As soon as they boarded, the Sterlings beamed and hurried over–straight to Josephine and Nestor.
“Sweetheart, you haven’t called or checked in for ages! Come here, let us see if you’ve lost any weight.“}
Though the words sounded like gentle scolding, there wasn’t a hint of real reproach in their voices.3
Josephine threw herself into their arms, giggling affectionately. Nestor looked on, his gaze full of fondness. The three of them together looked every bit the picture of a happy, close–knit family.”
Daphne, as always, stood on the outside looking in.
She stepped forward and handed Geoffrey the gift she’d carefully chosen–a painting by one of his favorite artists, something she’d spared no expense to find. “Happy birthday, Dad,” she said quietly.2
At the sound of her voice, the Sterlings glanced her way, barely acknowledging her with a curt nod. Geoffrey gestured to a waiting servant, who took the gift and tossed it onto a pile with the others, not even bothering to unwrap it.
Josephine, meanwhile, bounced forward, presenting her own gift–a box of specialty tea–with a playful grin. “Happy birthday, Daddy! I bought this in a rush, so it’s nothing special, but I hope you like it.“2
The Sterlings eagerly accepted Josephine’s gift, unwrapping it right there and turning it over in their hands, smiling so hard the wrinkles at the corners of their eyes deepened. “Of course I love it! Anything from you, Josephine, is wonderful. Make sure we keep this somewhere safe–don’t let it spill!“}
Anyone watching could see the tea was nothing remarkable–just the sort you’d find in any grocery store. By comparison, Daphne’s gift was much more thoughtful and valuable, but the difference in their parents‘ reactions couldn’t have been starker.
བ འཆ ཛ ང
After a few more words, the Sterlings walked off with Josephine, heading toward the banquet hall. No one spared Daphne a second glance.
i
She wasn’t surprised–she’d long since grown used to this chilly indifference, and she’d known her gift would be tossed aside. It didn’t hurt as much as it once did.
Midway through the party, Geoffrey stepped onto the stage and cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
He took up the microphone, eyes soft and full of pride as he looked at Josephine standing beside him. His voice rang out across the hall.
“Today, we’re not just celebrating my sixtieth birthday. There’s something else I want to announce-
From this day forward, all my assets will be transferred to my younger daughter, Josephine!”
