Chapter 3

3

Just like three years ago, when I was chosen as the valedictorian, the school had asked my parents to attend my graduation ceremony, to say a few words on stage and for the school’s promotional photos. I carefully worded my request when I called them. Mom agreed.

But that morning, she called to say they couldn't make it. "Chloe’s sick. We can't leave her home alone."

In the video call, Chloe, looking pale, apologized to me. "I’m sorry, Ashley. I'm not feeling well… You've always been so independent. You'll do great even without Mom and Dad there."

"Congratulations on graduating, Ashley."

Congratulations.

How could I be happy? On my graduation day, I apologized to my professors, to the department, to everyone involved in the ceremony. Passing by the camera crew, I overheard someone complaining, "We'd rehearsed everything. Now we have to rearrange it. What a mess. And she’s supposed to be the valedictorian."

After the ceremony, I checked my phone and saw a new post on Chloe's social media: "Just a small cold, but Mom and Dad are taking such good care of me. Little joys of life~" The photo was of the three of them together, taken in Chloe’s bedroom. They hadn't even gone to the hospital.

What a serious illness.

Soft piano music filled the banquet hall. Chloe, in her long mermaid-style wedding gown, walked towards Finn, holding a large bouquet of white roses. After Mom and Dad's speeches, it was Zach's turn. He stood on stage, playfully shaking his fist at Finn. "This is my only sister, our family's treasure. If you ever hurt her, we'll never forgive you."

Finn gazed at Chloe, his voice full of affection. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The audience applauded. The stage was a picture of warmth and happiness.

My spirit hovered near the flower arrangements, watching them numbly. I thought I'd feel heartbroken. But maybe I’d already experienced a lifetime of pain before I died. I just watched it all, a hollowness inside me, like a cold wind blowing through.

At a nearby table, someone whispered, "I thought the Ashworth family had three kids. Why did Zach say he only has one sister?"

"Oh, it's because of their other daughter, Ashley. Tsk, what good are good grades if you’re a terrible person…"

Thanks to my parents, my reputation was ruined among both sides of the family. Actually, when I was little, one of my aunts was nice to me. During a holiday visit, she gave me a plush dolphin toy. Just me, not Zach or Chloe. Zach, spoiled as always, wanted to play with it. When I refused, he cut it to pieces with scissors. Not long after, my aunt came back for a scarf she'd left behind and saw the shredded dolphin. To protect her precious son, my mom told her, "Ashley didn't like the toy. She cut it up herself, said she didn't want to see it."

My aunt's face changed. After that, she always skipped me when handing out gifts.

Mom probably felt a little guilty after that and was nicer to me for a while. But it didn’t last. In our family, my parents' favoritism had a clear division of labor. Chloe was born the year Dad's business took off. He believed she brought good luck, so she was his favorite. Mom favored Zach because he was the son she’d longed for after two daughters.

As for me… I was born healthy and chubby, but my twin brother didn't even survive 24 hours. They thought I was bad luck.