I Was Never Their Daughter—Only Their Tool — Novel

About

In a world where family ties are twisted by greed and favoritism, Isla finds herself trapped between her wealthy sister and a mother who views her as nothing more than a tool. With a baby on the way and desperation mounting, Isla struggles to carve out her own identity amidst the chaos. Will she continue to be overshadowed by Viola, the golden child, or will she rise to claim the life—and the love—she deserves?

As tensions escalate during a family dinner, the simmering resentment spills over, unveiling years of neglect and emotional abuse. With each biting remark from her mother, Isla grapples with the painful realization that her worth has always been measured by how much she can provide. When a sudden crisis thrusts her into the spotlight, the stakes skyrocket. Can she protect her newborn and reclaim her sense of self, or will her family's toxic dynamic suffocate her dreams?

As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Isla must confront whether the love she yearns for can ever exist within this fractured family. In a battle for autonomy and respect, will she find the strength to sever the ties that bind her to a past of manipulation, or will she remain a mere shadow in her sister's dazzling world?

I Was Never Their Daughter—Only Their ToolChapter 1

Since my wealthy sister and her husband were coming home for dinner, my mother, Isabel Anderson, called me last night to remind. "Your brother-in-law loves fresh live snow crab and crayfish. Tell Caleb to go to the market early morning and avoid buying cold storage stock—it lacks freshness."

"And don't just sit around idle. Come over and start stewing the ribs and brisket."

I, eight months pregnant, bustled around busily preparing.

Isabel glanced at the Arkansas black apples I brought in from the living room and said irritably, “You’re not as well-off as Viola, so don’t copy her extravagant spending habits. Can you even afford that?”

Just as I was about to retort, she cleared her throat and spoke in a serious tone, “The compensation for the demolished house has come through, a total of seven hundred thousand dollars. Don’t even think about it, I’m going to give it all to Viola, not a penny for you.”

I doubted I misheard and looked at her in shock, asking, "Seven hundred thousand dollars, all for Viola?"