Chapter 3

3

…I didn't refuse Dad's offer. His money was, after all, rightfully mine until I was an adult. But I didn't want to stay at the hotel. As soon as the driver left, I went straight to the apartment that Jay had rented for me. It was the only place I could let down my guard and just breathe.

I had just stepped out of the shower, my hair still wet, when Jay came home. His eyes instantly softened when he saw me. He grabbed a hairdryer and a towel to protect my shoulders while he dried my hair.

He pulled out ointment for my chapped hands, taking my hand and gently applying the medicine. "Those dog-trash foster parents, I'm gonna get them, sooner or later."

I knew Jay's soft heart was hidden behind all the violent talk. When I had saved Jay from drowning fifteen years ago, he'd said he owed me his life.

I gently touched his red ear. "Of course, they'll pay, they all will."

He suddenly hugged me tight. "Lily, I've told you, whatever you decide to do, I will support you."

I knew he meant it. Me, Jay, and Katie, three kids with nothing, had always stuck together. Even though Katie was gone, I wasn't going to let her have died for nothing.

I'd make everyone who hurt her pay. And this was my and Jay's plan, too. Returning to the Sutton's was just one part of it.

How else would my parents have found out that they raised the wrong daughter? And that their real daughter was suffering? My foster mom's kick and slap sure came at the perfect time. They worked wonders on my parents' guilt.

My dad didn't make me wait for three days. He was afraid I would change my mind. On the second day, he called and told me he was coming to get me. I went from the apartment to the hotel.

The Suttons' car was waiting at the hotel entrance. I saw my dad get out of the car, looking older and tired.

"Lily, Sarah moved out this morning. She's staying at another property for the time being. She has been the Suttons' daughter for fifteen years. We can't just forget about her."

"But I promise you, I won't let her disturb you. When Sarah graduates from high school, we'll give her some money, and she can live overseas."

"Your mom is trying, slowly she will move on from her. Mom will start to feel that she doesn't love her as much as she does you."

Dad explained his plan for Sarah, and I didn't say a word, but didn't stop him from leading me to the car.

"Where is Mrs. Sutton?" I asked.

Dad looked embarrassed, probably afraid of upsetting me. "Your mom wanted to come get you, but Sarah was crying this morning, so she went to the other house to be with her. But, don't worry, your mom will be back for lunch, and then we will have a family lunch together."

"I'm tired," I said, shutting my eyes, not wanting to talk.

Soon, we were back at the mansion. The maids seemed friendlier now. They all greeted me and said, "Good morning, Miss Sutton." I nodded back politely.

Dad took me to my room. It was brand new, spacious, and cozy. But the bed was covered in toys, clearly used toys. Even if they were all expensive brands, it was still off-putting.

Dad told me to rest before coming down for lunch and then he left. After he was gone, I grabbed all the dolls, opened my door and tossed them into the hallway.

Jack walked past just as they were hitting the floor. "Lily, do you even have a heart? These things were Sarah's favorites. She wanted to give them to you. And you just throw them out?"

He glared at me like I was scum. I had chased out his little sister and turned their lives upside down. I didn't care what he thought.

Why would I want Sarah's things? I smiled at Jack and then called out to Mrs. Zhao, one of the maids, "Could you please change my bedsheets? They're dirty."

"Of course, Miss Sutton," Mrs. Zhao said.

"What do you mean?" Jack was pissed.

I turned away from him and slammed my door.