Chapter 2Blood and Bureaucracy

I heard Mom and the relatives chasing after me.

I walked fast, slipping into the elevator and hitting the button.

From the private room, I heard Dad smashing plates.

"Let her go! Let's see how long she can keep this up!"

The elevator descended. My eyes burned.

Outside the hotel, a giant LED screen broadcasted the congratulatory message:

[Congrats to the White Family Heiress, Sophie, for Acing the Interview!]

White Family Heiress...

I zoned out for a moment.

Until a waiter bumped into me.

"So sorry! The guests in room 606 ordered another cake, a bigger one! They want the head chef to decorate it!"

Sophie's celebration room.

"Why another one?"

"Heard someone ruined the mood. The father is angry and wants to throw an even bigger party to make up for it. His daughter got into a big tech company, it's a huge deal!"

I laughed bitterly.

I had actually taken the civil service exam and gotten into the tax bureau.

But my family only cared about Sophie.

No one even asked if I passed or where I was working.

I went back to my apartment and spent the next day in a daze.

That night, Sophie updated her social media.

A video.

She and my parents, surrounded by relatives, posing in front of a massive cake.

She flashed a peace sign, looking blissful.

Caption: [Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always having my back.]

I turned off my phone.

I didn't go home that weekend. Usually, I'd have dinner with them.

Instead, I drove to the university district.

This was where I met Mark.

Three years of college. We planned everything. Where to buy a house, when to have kids, where to retire.

I never expected to be rejected from the job I was perfect for.

He got in.

A month later, he broke up with me. He said he couldn't do long distance.

I accepted it, helpless.

I walked into the small restaurant we used to frequent.

Just as I sat down, a couple across the aisle caught my eye.

The man's voice was familiar.

"I used to come here all the time in college. The fish is amazing."

"With who?" The girl teased.

The man laughed.

I froze.

"Mark?"

He stiffened. Slowly, he turned around.

Sitting opposite him was Sophie. She stared at me in shock.

"Sis?"