Chapter 4

The birthday song played on a loop. I stood up and began packing my bags.

Over the years, my parents' eyes had been entirely on Evie. They rarely bought anything for me.

A single backpack was enough to hold all my belongings.

It was so pathetic it made me want to laugh.

Just as I was about to walk out, Mark knocked on my door.

"Rain, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews had too much to drink at the party. They want you to make them some soup."

[They’re using the drunk excuse to give you a way out! Don't be stubborn, Rain. Go see them.]

[She's the only one who can make these powerful billionaires bend their knees!]

The comments were deeply moved.

After all, when did the great Arthur Andrews and his wife ever bow their heads to anyone?

If they wanted soup, a hundred people would line up to make it for them.

I used to think like the comments, too.

But now, I just found it incredibly tedious.

"I'm sorry. I'm exhausted and need to rest. If they want soup, tell them to ask the chef."

Not long after Mark left, my door was kicked open.

Reeking of alcohol, my father stood there, glaring at me with displeasure.

"I provide you with food, shelter, and everything you could want. And now, when I ask you to do one simple thing, you refuse?"

My mother looked past him at my backpack. Her face was lined with exhaustion. "Rain, why do you have to be so difficult? We already agreed on the identity issue. What are you throwing a fit for now?"

Following her gaze, my father spotted the backpack. He strode over, grabbed it, and slammed it hard onto the floor.

"If you hate this family so much, why did you even bother coming back? Stop throwing these pathetic tantrums!"

Evie, who had followed them, gasped in dramatic fright. She quickly grabbed my father's sleeve, speaking in a soft, sweet voice.

"Dad, don't blame Rain. It's my fault. I stole her identity."

She then turned to look at me.

"I'm so sorry, Rain. It's all my fault. Please don't fight with Mom and Dad. Dad even got a special cake just for you."

She waved her hand toward the door. Mrs. Gable walked in holding a gorgeous cake covered in a thick layer of fresh strawberries.

My childhood trauma instantly flashed in my mind. I swiped my hand, slamming the cake to the floor.

The white cream splashed everywhere, staining their expensive shoes and designer clothes.

"Rain! Have you lost your mind?!"

My father’s face contorted in rage. He raised his hand and slapped me again.

"Your sister and mother went out of their way to get this cake for you! Who do you think you are, throwing a tantrum like this?!"

This time, metallic-tasting blood seeped from the corner of my mouth.

Evie’s face turned pale with faux terror.

"Mom, look at Dad..."

Tears welled in her eyes as she whimpered and hid in my mother's arms.

I stared at the bright red strawberries mashed on the floor. I crouched down and began to gag, tears streaming down my face.

"Have you all forgotten what my foster parents did for a living?"

My childhood was a nightmare of being forced to gorge on rotten, unsold strawberries from the Harpers' failing farm.

My mother's breath hitched. She averted her eyes, unable to look. My father, however, only looked down at me coldly.

"You’re just too petty. That's why you can't let go of the past. It's just a cake. I didn't force you to eat actual strawberries."

Didn't he?

I bit my lip so hard I almost drew blood, forcing back the tears.

[Oh my god, the parents must feel so guilty! They wanted to make it up to her with a cake, but it triggered her trauma.]

[I seriously can't stand her. Her parents weren't the ones who forced her to eat strawberries. Why is she blaming them for everything?]

[They already lowered themselves to apologize. Can't the female lead just make peace? I want to see a heartwarming family reunion!]

The comments were unanimous in their condemnation of me.

Yes, they weren't the ones who forced me to eat those strawberries.

But they were the ones who lost me in the first place.

I wiped my face, stood up in silence, picked up my backpack, and organized my things.

My father took a step toward me, but Evie suddenly screamed and stumbled backward.

"This... this news... Rain, are you trying to ruin me?"