Chapter 3

3 A bitter smile twisted my lips.

I'd quit my job the day I married Mark.

I managed everything at home.

Cooking, cleaning...

I sacrificed my life for this family, for them.

And what did it get me? Betrayal.

Maybe they never considered me family at all.

I swallowed my sadness and headed to the kitchen.

"Sarah isn't feeling well! Make her chicken soup." Mark ordered.

"You're so sweet, Mark!" Sarah gushed, flashing a smug look.

As I cooked, Mom wandered in.

I raised an eyebrow.

She never set foot in the kitchen; said it ruined her skin.

"Something up?" I asked.

"Janice, you were out of line today." Mom looked serious.

I was stunned.

She went on, "You know Sarah's spoiled. Why weren't you on time with lunch?"

"Just because of this 'seed' thing, you're going to neglect her?"

"Seriously, grow up!"

My chest tightened.

I'd always known she favored Sarah, but hearing it still hurt.

Whatever I did, it was never as good as Sarah.

Sarah could be useless, but if I slacked off even a little, Mom would scream at me!

Why?

Tears welled. "Mom, am I even your daughter?"

"Why do you treat us so differently?"

"You have no right to compare yourself to Sarah!" Mom snapped.

"Sarah came to bring blessings! I barely pushed her out!"

"You? You're a curse!"

"You know I almost died giving birth to you? Massive hemorrhaging on the operating table!"

"How can you expect me to treat you the same?!"

I stood there, dumbstruck.

That's why she hated me?

It was... pathetic.

I said coldly, "If that's all, get out."

"What an attitude!" Mom bristled.

"I'm telling you this for your own good."

"Sarah's your sister, Mark's your husband, you're family! Don't make it so difficult over something small."