Chapter 2

'You’ve always been stronger than Chloe.'

That sentence was like a curse that haunted my entire childhood.

Because I was "strong," I was sent to live with Grandma in a tiny, sleepy town in Maine when I was only three, while Richard and Eleanor took Chloe—who is just a year younger than me—to enjoy a luxurious life in Boston.

Because I was "strong," every time Chloe caused trouble, I was the one who got screamed at.

Because I was "strong," every good thing in the house rightfully belonged to Chloe, and I was left with her scraps.

And now, even the kidney meant to save my life had to be given up because I was "strong."

I looked at the sheer entitlement on their faces. Decades of suffocating grievances and resentment surged in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

By the time my husband, Thomas, rushed into the room, he found me trembling, my eyes completely hollow.

Heartbroken, he wrapped his arms tightly around me and glared at my parents.

"How could you do this? This is Sophie's life we're talking about!"

Eleanor rolled her eyes, completely unfazed.

"Oh, cut the drama, Thomas. We're family. Sophie wants Chloe to get better too."

"Anyway, we have to go take care of Chloe now. Talk some sense into her. Tell her not to be so selfish."

With that, they turned and walked out without looking back, as if they had just settled some trivial chore.

That night, Chloe updated her Instagram.

"A fresh start at life! Thank you to the best parents in the world."

"Your love created a miracle for me. I can finally embrace a healthy future again!"

The post featured a photo of her in a luxury private suite. Eleanor and Richard were on either side of her bed, their faces glowing with a kind of happiness I had never once received.

My parents quickly reposted it with the caption:

"Our little princess is finally recovering. Nothing matters more than keeping our family whole."

'Family.'

It turned out that in their hearts, I was never part of that "family."

Cold tears streamed down my cheeks. Clinging to Thomas, the tears I had held back for years finally spilled over.

"Thomas... it hurts so much."

Thomas held me tighter, his voice cracked but firm.

"Don't be afraid, Sophie. I'm here. We don't need them. We'll find a way on our own."

Looking into his bloodshot eyes, a certain realization became clearer than ever before.