Chapter 7
Eliza lay in bed for two full days, recovering from the latest bout of punishment. Then, her phone buzzed, cutting through the silence. It was a message from the staff, letting her know the paperwork for buying the island was complete. That secluded paradise was now hers!
Thrilled, she quickly called the number back.
“Ms. Eliza, are you absolutely sure you want to head to the island in three days?” the voice on the other end confirmed.
She’d never been more certain of anything. “Yes, I’m sure.”
“Alright, Ms. Eliza. We’ll have everything ready to take you there in three days.”
As soon as she hung up, Aiden barged into the room.
“What’s this about an island?” he asked.
Eliza slipped her phone into her pocket, dodging the question. “Oh, it’s nothing, Aiden. Did you need something?”
He shrugged it off. “I just wanted to let you know that your entry in the competition won an award. They’ve invited you to the ceremony the day after tomorrow.”
Eliza had almost forgotten. She was an exceptional painter and had recently made it to the finals of a prestigious national competition. Winning hadn’t crossed her mind.
On the day of the awards, Margot insisted the whole family come along to celebrate.
“Eliza, you’re my sister. We wouldn’t miss your big moment for the world!” Margot beamed.
Then, with a hint of wistfulness, she added, “I wish I could win an award too, but my health’s never let me pursue painting.”
“But hey, your win is my win too!” she chirped.
Eliza didn’t reply, but a nagging feeling gnawed at her.
As the ceremony unfolded, the moment came to announce the grand prize winner. Eliza sat in the audience, nerves jangling. This award meant everything. It’s a nod to her talent and acknowledgment from her peers.
The host opened the envelope and paused, looking puzzled, but then announced, “Let’s congratulate the grand prize winner–Margot!”
The room buzzed with confusion. Nobody had heard of Margot before, and whispers filled the air.
“Who’s this Margot?” someone murmured.
“I thought the grand prize was for Eliza, the artist of ‘Sunset‘!”
Frozen in shock, Eliza struggled to process the news. Just as she moved to confront the organizers, Evan pulled her back. “I swapped the names with the organizers an hour ago so Margot could take the stage,” he said nonchalantly.
“Margot loves the spotlight, so from now on, all of your work will be under her name.”
Dumbfounded, Eliza looked over to see Greg and Thea gazing proudly at Margot, then dismissively at her. “Don’t get upset with your sister. It’s just an award.”
Aiden was fixated on Margot, completely entranced by her moment, oblivious to Eliza’s distress.
In that moment, the chill of betrayal washed over her.
Once again, Margot had snatched away her chance to shine, with everyone playing along. As applause filled the room, Margot thanked everyone, except Eliza.
1/2
10:13
Chapter 7
Back at the Newell household, Eliza went to her room and gathered all her artworks. She also collected the toys she’d saved up for, the handcrafted dolls she’d made, and her worn–out clothes.
She dragged everything to the living room and dumped it in front of Margot.
Startled, Margot asked, “Eliza, what are you doing?”
Eliza pointed at the pile, her voice steady. “They want me to give you all my works? Here you go. Not just my art, but everything I have.”
As she looked around at her family, she mocked herself silently.
And that included Dad, Mom, her brother, and Aiden. They could all be hers too.
