Chapter 1The Second Daughter

While accompanying my parents to transfer the title of my new house, I saw a video my sister posted online titled "A Toast to the Past."

In the video, my sister was smiling, basking in my parents' adoring gazes.

"First toast: When I was little, I was misdiagnosed with leukemia. My parents had a second child to save me, but it turned out to be a false alarm. Afraid they couldn't take care of me properly, they sent my little sister to live in the countryside."

"Second toast: After my sister came back, our family went bankrupt. But for the sake of my image, my parents still threw me a huge birthday party at a luxury hotel."

"Third toast: I didn't get into my dream college, so my parents sold everything to send me abroad. Now, I'm happily living off them."

"Fourth toast: To my parents again. I'm getting married the day after tomorrow. To give me status in my husband's family, Mom is secretly transferring the family house to my name tomorrow."

I realized I couldn't lie to myself anymore.

* * *

I was alone in the bathroom when I saw the video.

The air around me seemed to freeze.

I zoomed in on the video, playing it over and over.

Three faces I knew better than anyone.

Unwilling to believe it, I switched to a burner account and commented:

[Does the poster have a sister?]

Surprisingly, my sister replied quickly.

[The house was actually bought by my sister. We're transferring it to my parents today, but she doesn't know it's ultimately going to me~]

I gripped my phone tight, then let go.

My mom’s voice urged from outside: "Paige, did you fall in? Hurry up, our number is almost called!"

I wiped my eyes but couldn't open my mouth.

Recently, I bought a three-bedroom apartment downtown with my own savings, paid in full.

When my parents found out, they repeatedly persuaded me to transfer the title to them.

"It's safer in our name. If your boyfriend is just after your property, this protects you."

My sister, Chloe, chimed in: "Mom and Dad are right. It's not safe for a girl to have property in her name."

I discussed it with my boyfriend, Liam. He was furious.

"Paige, do you just do whatever your parents say? You're an adult. Can't you think for yourself?"

We had a huge fight.

Subconsciously, I believed my parents. I ignored Liam's hesitation.

Walking out of the bathroom, I rubbed my dry eyes.

My mom didn't notice anything wrong. She grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the registration desk, scolding me as usual.

"You child, you're always so slow. You're nothing like your sister."

I paused. Thinking of the video, I couldn't help but ask:

"Mom, why did you send me to the countryside when I was born?"