Chapter 7
I nodded meaningfully, revealing a contemptuous smile.
Madison finally left in a huff. Such an insignificant person wasn’t worth wasting my time on.
I’d rather spend that time doing a few more SAT practice problems.
College application season was approaching, and Madison still frequently came to the apartment to cause trouble.
Gradually, her visits became less frequent.
I figured Victor must have beaten her so badly she couldn’t get out of bed.
Having lived with Victor before, I knew his character all too well.
He was stubborn and hot–tempered, never allowing anyone to defy his orders.
Even I had suffered plenty at his hands, let alone the pampered Madison.
Without Madison’s interference, I threw all my energy into SAT preparation.
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17:18
When exam day finally arrived, I felt unexpectedly calm inside.
A few months of effort might not create miracles, but I knew clearly that my fate had already changed.
Before I could even wait for the admission results, Linda came looking for me.
The moment she saw me, she tried to slap me.
She angrily demanded, “Emily, what’s your problem? Madison asked you for money and you dared refuse her!
Madison was kind enough to give you a chance to earn money, don’t be ungrateful! Without Madison, you never could have had your current life.
As long as you’re alive, you’ll serve Madison as her servant for life!”
Linda’s hysterical behavior for Madison’s sake left me
heartbroken.
I looked at her sadly and said, “Sometimes I really wonder if I’m actually your biological daughter.
Why are you all so good to Madison but treat me like this? Growing up, Madison always had new dresses and shoes, but what about me?
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I could only ever pick up old clothes others didn’t want. Even clothes Madison couldn’t wear, you’d
give to me!
or throw away than
I was the one who got into high school, yet you made her go instead. Even when she was caught cheating, you still tried everything to help her!”
I could barely control my emotions as I accused my parents of their favoritism toward Madison.
Linda showed a guilty expression, but quickly became self–righteous again.
“Because Madison is your sister, and you ruined our family’s hope!”
Her eyes turned venomous, her words even more cutting.
“If the ultrasound hadn’t said you were a boy, I never would have given birth to you. You don’t deserve to be compared to Madison.
If it weren’t for you, I never would have been looked down upon by others!”
Tears flowed uncontrollably down my face. All these years I had been deceiving myself.
I kept telling myself that Linda didn’t not love me, she just loved
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17:18
Madison more.
But now, the truth hurt so much I could barely breathe.
After speaking, Linda grabbed my collar and said viciously, “Hand over the money right now, or we’ll sever our mother–daughter relationship!”
I wiped away my tears and sneered, “Fine.”
Linda was stunned, and after realizing what happened, her turned malicious.
The next second, I heard a loud crash and blacked out.
When I came to, everything was pitch black.
