She was the one person I believed would always be in my corner. Her opinion mattered far more than Raymond's or Diana's.
Margaret looked up and sighed heavily.
"Wanning, your father died young, but your brother and I never treated you unfairly. If there was anything good to be had, you got it first. Do you think we spoiled you for no reason? We hoped that once you grew up, you'd be reasonable. That you'd care about this family and step up to help your brother."
Her tone hardened.
"Look at how much Raymond and Diana are struggling. The mortgage, the car loan, the baby on the way—everything costs money. You have the means now. As his sister, shouldn't you help? You're not a child anymore. It's time you understood how the world works. You can't always think about taking. You have to give, too."
I stared at her, the air leaving my lungs.
Deep inside, something fragile finally snapped.
So that was it. The favoritism, the affection—all fake. Every ounce of kindness came with a hidden price tag.
I wasn't a daughter. I was an investment. An outsider to be harvested.
Looking at the family I had once cherished above all else, I felt a bitter laugh building in my chest. The whole situation was absurd.