Chapter 2
Every time Eliza donated blood to Margot, it knocked her out for days. This time was no different. While everyone in the Newell family camped out at the hospital with Margot, Eliza was left alone at home
Holding her mug, she stepped out of her room, only to be blindsided by a flying box that made her see stars That familiar sting meant only one thing her “loving mother was here.
“Eliza! What’s going on with you? Why aren’t you checking our messages?”
“Are you ignoring us on purpose, trying to upset Margot?”
“Can’t you do anything useful?”
As her mother hurled insults, Eliza wiped the blood from her forehead and fished out her phone to check her messages. They’d texted her this morning, reminding her that Margot was coming home today and expecting her to whip up Margot’s favorite chocolate cake.
Having just donated blood, she didn’t have the energy to make a cake that would take hours. Besides, she’d been too groggy to notice the message in the first place. She wanted to explain but stopped short when she saw Aiden and Evan gently guiding Margot into the living room.
They were doting on her like she was royalty, fussing with cushions and handing her a perfectly–temperatured cup of water. Evan shot Eliza a frosty glare, his previously gentle eyes now mocking and cold.
“Expecting her to bake a cake for Margot is a joke. She spends her days lazing around, and has no hobbies. All she does is doodle those worthless drawings. She’s nothing like Margot.”
Ever since she was born into this family, she spent more than half her year donating blood for Margot. The rest was for recovery. Did she have the luxury to cultivate hobbies like Margot?
Her so–called worthless drawings were her only dreams, dismissed by him like they were nothing. She’d heard it all before, but it still cut deep every time.
Aiden gave her a look, trying to smooth things over as usual. “Eliza, maybe you’re just worn out from yesterday. Are you feeling okay?”
In the past, his words would’ve moved her. At least someone seemed to care about her well–being. However, with what she knew now, it just felt like a cruel joke.
He only pretended to care to keep up the façade of loving her. Because she loved him, he could effortlessly draw her in deeper.
Not this time.
Margot quickly put on a show of understanding. “It’s fine, I don’t need cake. Eliza should get some rest.”
Evan glared at Eliza with disdain, clearly unimpressed. “Margot, don’t bother with her. Whatever she does for you is just her duty. After all, she’s only here because of you. You’re too kind. Her life only matters if you’re happy, got it?”
Those blunt words hit Eliza like a punch to the gut. It felt like a thousand needles stabbing her chest.
She had the same blood running through her veins as theirs. She was human. She felt. She hurt. But no one cared–no one ever did.
At dinner, everyone doted on Margot. Greg piled her plate high, and Evan carefully served her some fish. The whole table was filled with Margot’s favorites.
Eliza kept her head down, eating quietly, when a piece of shrimp appeared in her bowl. She looked at Aiden, then back at the shrimp, a bitter smile pulling at her lips.
He remembered to keep up the act of caring, but if he truly loved her, he’d know shrimp was Margot’s favorite and she was allergic to seafood.
10:12
Chapter
The signs of his indifference had always been there, but she only saw them now because she had been so desperate for love.
As dinner wound down, Greg brought up Aiden and Eliza’s wedding. Margot put down her fork, tears brimming in her eyes. “Mom, Dad, I’ve been feeling so weak, I don’t think I can make it to Eliza and Aider’s wedding?
“But I really want to be there to see their happiness. Maybe we should postpone it until I’m better?
Everyone knew her wishes were always granted in this house. She didn’t have to act all selfless.
Greg and Evan agreed immediately, while Aiden paused and turned to Eliza, asking, “Eliza, are you okay with waiting?”
