Chapter 3

My heart gradually cooled, and I just stared intently at Sarah.

"Was it you who arranged it, Sarah?"

I had booked that specialist at the rehab hospital three months in advance.

I even paid an extra $300 to a fixer to rush the appointment.

But I never told Mom any of this.

"Sarah, Mom's monthly $8,000 rehab fees, you didn't pay those either, did you?"

I stared at Sarah.

"If not Sarah, then who? You?"

Before she could answer, Mom interrupted again.

Sarah managed a stiff smile.

"Chloe, these are... minor things, not worth... mentioning."

Hearing this, Mom again looked at me with displeasure.

"Chloe, can't you learn from your sister? You only took care of me for a few years, put in some effort, and you keep bringing it up all the time."

"Your sister contributed both money and effort, and she doesn't complain at all. If I'd known you were so useless, I wouldn't have bothered giving birth to you!"

Finally, my last shred of reason was shattered.

I rushed back to my room, intending to retrieve all the medical bills and payment records from the past seven years to prove my capabilities.

But the moment I pushed open the door, I froze.

All my things were gone from the room.

I stood stunned for two seconds, then turned to Mom's room. My things weren't there either.

I slowly backed out, my gaze falling on the suitcases by the entrance.

Suddenly, I remembered the post I'd seen on the bus.

Those weren't Sarah's bags for coming home.

They were Mom's signal to kick me out.

I felt like plunging into an ice pit, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

Until Mom's calm voice rang out.

"Sarah's family is back, there's no room. You should move out for now."

"It's good, you need to learn to be independent. I don't want to always have a daughter freeloading."

Seeing I still hadn't reacted, Sarah spoke again.

"Chloe, David and I are planning to start a business back home. You've taken care of Mom for so long, you can trust us to take over now."

"Don't worry, we're still family. You have to come home for Christmas dinner, okay?"

Hearing this, Mom disagreed.

"Forget it, Chloe. This year, I don't want relatives gossiping about me because of you again."

"Just let us have a peaceful holiday as a family."

So they were the family, and I was just an outsider.

So Mom always thought I was an embarrassment.

I gave a mocking laugh, utterly heartbroken.

"Fine, I'll go."

Hearing this, both of them visibly relaxed.

"But from now on, Mom and I have nothing to do with each other."

Sarah froze, her voice trembling.

"Chloe, what... what do you mean?"

I twitched my lips.

"Since Mom thinks having me as a daughter is such an embarrassment, then let's just pretend she never gave birth to me."

As soon as I finished speaking, Mom shot up from the couch.

"Chloe, you... you... what do you mean? Are you disowning me?!"

I looked at her coldly.

"Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

Mom was furious.

"Good! I wish I never had a daughter like you!"

"From this day forward, I have nothing to do with you ever again!"

I said nothing, just dragged my suitcase out the door.

Downstairs, Sarah ran after me, breathless.