<
seconds and slowly nodded. “I understand.” I
turned and went upstairs, ignoring the
scolding behind me. “Look at her attitude!
Sulking like a child.” “She has no idea how much things cost!” At the top of the stairs, I saw Nathan handing Olivia a gift. “Happy birthday, Olivia!” But today was my birthday. Two months later, on Olivia’s birthday, the parents who claimed they couldn’t afford
another violin rented out a hotel ballroom and
ordered a five–tier cake just because Olivia
wanted to celebrate with her entire class. As
for me, just like in my previous life, I was
ordered to stay home. Their excuse? They
were afraid I would cause a scene and
embarrass Olivia in front of her friends. As
they left, Olivia, dressed in a princess gown
and wearing a tiara, was surrounded by my
parents and Nathan, laughing and chatting on
their way to the hotel. Their real daughter,
<
meanwhile, didn’t even get a slice of cake. I
was left alone at home with leftover food, all
because they were afraid I would “ruin”
Olivia’s special day. I didn’t complain or throw
a tantrum. I sat quietly in my room, studying,
planning my escape from this family.
The midterm exam results came out, and I got
first place. The school also scheduled parent-
teacher conferences. As soon as I got home, I
heard Olivia sobbing. “Mom, I’m so stupid…
Lizzie got first in the whole grade, and I…I
just feel so awful. Do you think I’m dumb? Do
you not love me anymore?” Nathan patted her
back awkwardly. “I love Olivia, not Lizzie.”
Dad also comforted her. “Don’t be upset,
Olivia. Lizzie just got lucky. She never studies;
who knows how she got that grade. Don’t you
try to be like her.” Mom agreed. “Yes, Olivia,
you’re perfect just the way you are. Don’t
く
overwork yourself with studying. Your health
is more important.” They thought they were
being fair, but they were tearing me down in
front of Olivia just to make her feel better. If
they weren’t my parents, I would almost
admire their dedication to enabling her. I
stood at the doorway, a cynical smile playing
on my lips. Olivia wiped her tears and asked,
her voice choked with emotion, “So you won’t
stop loving me? You won’t send me back to
the group home? I’m so scared, I don’t want
to leave you and Dad.” Mom hugged her
tightly. “Of course not, sweetie. You’ll always
be a Knowles.” “Besides, grades aren’t
everything. You don’t even have to study if
you don’t want to.” “I’ll take care of Lizzie!”
Nathan’s childish words made them laugh.
Olivia looked up expectantly. “So, Mom and
Dad, will you go to my parent–teacher
conference?” “Of course, we’ll both go.” Dad
<
reassured her. Olivia finally seemed to notice
me, giving me a small, “Lizzie.” The
atmosphere in the living room instantly
chilled. I pretended not to hear and walked
straight in. “The school is having parent-
teacher conferences. Who’s going?” Dad
suddenly exploded. “You’re getting more and
more disrespectful! You don’t even call us
Mom and Dad anymore!” I couldn’t
understand his anger. Mom stopped him and
said apologetically, “Lizzie, your dad and I are
going to Olivia’s conference. As for yours…” I
cut her off bluntly. “Does her conference
require both of you?” “Don’t be so difficult,
Lizzie! Olivia isn’t well, she needs someone to
look after her. You’re always giving her the
cold shoulder; do you have to compete over
this, too?” Even though I knew the outcome
would be the same as my past life, I still held
onto a sliver of hope. It was nothing more
く
than self–inflicted humiliation. I turned and
went back to my room, ignoring the
accusations that followed. My heart grew
colder and colder.
