Chapter 2

Chapter 2

My helpless screams were a sharp contrast to Lyla's fake whimpers. My mother couldn't wait to get her to the hospital.

On the way, every word out of Eleanor's mouth was a curse directed at me.

She was an expert, after all. She didn't even repeat her insults once. Lyla just listened quietly, occasionally letting out a soft moan of pain.

"Mom, maybe we should go back. I'm really okay."

Lyla's words were always so sweet and selfless, but she didn't make a single move to actually go back.

Eleanor found her daughter's fake kindness heart-warming. It only made her hate me more.

Shortly after they arrived at the hospital, my father, Robert Miller, rushed in. He looked exhausted. He immediately grabbed Lyla to check for injuries.

"How did you get hurt? Why weren't you more careful? Does it hurt, sweetie?"

The pain in his eyes was almost overflowing. It was pathetic.

I had been kidnapped for hours, yet he didn't ask if I was safe. He didn't care if I was wounded. He only cared about Lyla's tiny scratch.

Lyla lowered her head, acting shy and guilty.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I couldn't save Lennox. I'm a failure. I shouldn't even be here."

She used the angle of her head to hide the smirk on her face. Eleanor slammed her hand on the table in anger.

"This is all your other daughter's fault! She intentionally made noise during the negotiation to mess with Lyla's head. She brought this on herself. If you dare blame Lyla, I'll break your legs!"

In this family, anyone who took my side was treated like an enemy.

Robert flinched. His voice turned cold.

"Of course it was that brat. I'm too worried about Lyla to blame her. I've seen how hard Lyla worked these past few days. Since Lennox wants to be a jealous bitch while her life is on the line, let her die out there."

"Will this affect Lyla's career?"

He wasn't worried about whether I would live or die. He was worried about Lyla's job.

Just like Eleanor, they only ever saw Lyla.

I always knew my parents were biased. But I never imagined my life would be considered less important than Lyla's promotion.

Is it true that only the children who cry the loudest get the candy? I cried, too. I cried so hard. Why didn't you come back for me, Mom?

Thinking about my death made my soul ache with phantom pain. It felt like I was being butchered all over again.

Eleanor was oblivious. She was already on the phone trying to fix things for Lyla.

She wanted Lyla to get the permanent position. Her excuse was that Lyla only failed because I was being uncooperative.

The person on the other end seemed stunned by Eleanor's ridiculous logic. After a long silence, they sighed.

"The negotiation failed, Eleanor. The hostage is likely dead. That's your daughter. Instead of worrying about a job, shouldn't you be checking on her?"

"Why bother? At home, she's always faking sick to frame Lyla. Right now, she's probably out somewhere enjoying a nice meal. She's just trying to trick us. I bet she staged the whole kidnapping herself!"

Eleanor spat the words out with pure venom.

Her favoritism had blinded her to reality. She was actually blaming me for the kidnapping that was making national news. My world felt gray and heavy. I buried my face in my hands and wept.

The person on the phone gave up and hung on her.

Eleanor felt embarrassed. She took her anger out by texting my phone.

"Have you had enough? How many people have to act in your little play before you're satisfied? You've been jealous of your sister since you were kids, and now you're being a total bitch. You're an ungrateful snake! Are you happy now? Your sister might lose her job because of you. If she does, I'll kill you myself."

Acting in a play? I looked up, a bitter smile on my ghostly face.

The kidnappers had robbed a bank. They only took me so they could escape the city.

How could I possibly hire criminals to play a part? How could I command the entire city's police force?

Eleanor didn't care about the facts. After venting, she looked at Lyla with a doting smile.

"Lyla, don't be scared. You've always been delicate. I'll make sure you get that promotion, even if I have to beg for it."

Lyla was delicate because Eleanor used to be a workaholic. She used to leave three-year-old Lyla with me when I was only six.

Lyla was a brat back then, too. She loved to run away and cause trouble.

I did everything for her. I was basically her servant. But Lyla would just scream and cry that she wanted to play outside.