Chapter 3Quitting this Family after Being Abandoned for Laughs

Chelsea's POV

I sensed that something was amiss when Simon offered to have Mia plan the engagement party. However, my parents repeatedly assured me, "Chelsea, you only get married once in your entire life. We wouldn't let Mia cause trouble on such an important occasion."

Simon also tried to persuade me many times. "Mia just wants to help you with the arrangements and make you the most beautiful fiancee."

Only then did I relent.

While my family was out shopping with Mia, I took a USB drive engraved with the words "Chelsea's Happy Memories" from the drawer. I plugged it into the computer.

The moment I opened the video, I heard faint laughter. When I heard that familiar voice, chills ran down my spine.

In the video, my parents and Mia took turns coaxing me to finish my birthday cake.

12-year-old me sat there with a mouthful of black-and-white mush. I asked cautiously, "Mom, Dad, what is this cake made of? I really can't take another bite!"

After I finished eating, ten-year-old Mia laughed loudly, her face turning red. "Cow dung and maggots, you idiot! You'd really eat anything when you're hungry!"

I frantically stuck my fingers down my throat, trying to make myself throw up. My parents laughed so hard at my miserable state that they could barely hold the phone steady. The footage shook the entire time.

Then, I saw the following videos. In one video, I passed out after finding a snake in my bed when I woke up. In another, I was trapped in a malfunctioning elevator, having the scare of my life.

I also saw the video of me having my diary about my crush on the most popular boy at the school exposed and being called "Froggy" in high school.

My ugliest, most embarrassing, and most painful moments had been made into a montage by Mia, complete with special sound effects. She wanted to play it at my engagement party, in front of all my relatives and friends.

And my parents and Simon knew about this.

I felt my body turn cold. I felt a wave of nausea, and I couldn't take it anymore. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited uncontrollably.

After regaining my composure, I dragged myself back to the computer and deleted all the videos, replacing them with a video I had prepared.

When my family returned, my parents waved me over. "We picked up your dress. Try it on!"

When I took it over cautiously, Mia scoffed and rolled her eyes. "What's with the act? Are you paranoid? You act like everyone is after you or something."

I didn't respond. Instead, I looked at my parents. "Dad, Mom, do you truly want me to be happy?"

They paused at my words for a moment, then laughed. "Come on! What are you saying? Pranks are just pranks. We still love you."

They held my hand as if they weren't aware of the upcoming prank.

Simon came over and put his arm around my waist. "Come on. Mia is just like that. If you don't like it, I'll keep her in check after we get married," he said, brushing off my feelings.

I pretended not to notice their excitement at watching me embarrass myself.

I quietly pulled away from Simon and said, "Thank you, Mom, Dad, and Mia. You're my precious family, so I also have a gift for you at the engagement party."