Chapter 2

2

My father's expression softened then. He gave me a guilty smile. "I'm sorry, Cassie. I couldn't make it to pick you up today. Are you soaked? Go take a shower before you catch a cold..."

I felt a bit hurt. I pouted and started acting spoiled with him. "My room is gone. Do you and Mom not want me anymore?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" My father's voice suddenly got loud, startling me. He quickly returned to his usual gentle tone. "Don't overthink it, Cassie. It was my fault for not telling you about the nursery beforehand..."

He walked over and pulled me into a hug. "Your sister-in-law is due soon. She wanted to set it up early. I thought you were a kind girl who would understand her, right?"

Those words felt a bit strange, but I was wrapped in his warm embrace. I didn't think too deeply about it. I just asked weakly, "Then where am I supposed to sleep?"

"Stay in the nursery for now. There's a big bed in there. Just make do for a few days," my father patted my back.

"Mindy thinks I'm covered in germs..."

My mother came out of the kitchen and raised her voice on purpose. "Don't listen to her nonsense! Our precious girl doesn't have any germs. She just thinks she's special because of that belly!"

I burst out laughing, my tears turning into a smile.

I didn't care what Rusty or Mindy thought of me. Our relationship had always been bad, and I had no interest in fixing it.

As long as my parents still cared about me, that was enough.

I took a hot shower and changed. By the time I came out, my mom had set the table with a feast.

Rusty and Mindy were already eating, looking cold and annoyed.

My parents waited for me with smiles. Only after I sat down did they pick up their forks. My mom even brought out two plates of steamed seafood from the kitchen.

"Mom, why were you hiding this from us?" Mindy complained. "Are you afraid your grandson and I are going to eat you out of house and home?"

My mom glared at her but ignored the question. "Here, Cassie. Your favorites―mantis shrimp and clams."

"Thanks, Mom." I smiled happily. I purposely smirked at Rusty and Mindy to show off how much I was loved.

"Eat, eat, eat! All she does is eat!" Rusty slammed his fork onto the table and stood up. "I don't know why you're so good to her. She quit her job just to come back and leach off us!"

"You bastard!" My dad raised his hand and slapped Rusty across the face. Rusty's cheek turned red and swollen instantly. He looked dazed for a moment.

"Dad!"

"If you aren't going to eat, get back to your room! Stop making the house so miserable!"

Rusty stared at my dad in disbelief. Then he gave me a venomous look, kicked his chair over, and stomped back to the master bedroom. Mindy felt awkward and followed him like a shadow.

My dad stood there huffing for a bit before sitting down. He smiled at me. "Did that scare you, Cassie? Your brother has been spoiled. He's useless."

"Eat up, Cassie," my mom said gently, putting food on my plate. "Let's ignore them."

"I made everything you like. You've worked so hard. Just rest at home and don't feel pressured. Your father and I don't make much, but we can afford to take care of our precious girl."

My eyes stung. Tears poured out uncontrollably as I hugged my mother tightly.

"Good girl, don't cry. You're a grown-up now, isn't it embarrassing to cry like this?" My mom held me and gently stroked my hair.

In that moment, I almost told them about the twenty million dollars.

I wanted to tell them they didn't have to work anymore. I wanted to tell them their daughter would take care of them forever!

"You have to promise me. Do not tell them about the lottery when you get back!"

Kaden's warning echoed in my ears. I bit my lip and swallowed the words. I changed the subject instead.

"Mom, maybe I should move back to that small condo I bought. Mindy is far along in her pregnancy. It's not good if we keep arguing."

The air went weirdly still for a few seconds.

It was just like when my dad had hesitated on the phone earlier.

I looked up at my mom in confusion. she forced a panicked smile and tried to soothe me. "Don't be silly. This is your home. Stay here and spend time with me. Don't you want to?"

"Of course I do! I love you, Mom!" I felt like I was missing something, but I didn't have time to think. My mom distracted me with more sweet talk.

After dinner, my mom wouldn't let me help with the dishes. She insisted I go to my room to rest.

I lay on the big bed, staring at the cloud-shaped lamp on the ceiling.

This room was the most spacious guest room besides the master bedroom. Even Rusty used to live in a tiny room converted from a den.

When Mindy moved in and got pregnant, they moved into the master bedroom. My parents didn't want to take my room, fearing I'd be uncomfortable when I visited, so they moved into the den.

Because I had good grades and made money, I had always been treated better than Rusty.

I always thought our family didn't prefer sons over daughters. I actually thought they preferred me.

Thinking about my childhood, I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, it was the middle of the night.

I was thirsty. I got up to go to the kitchen for water. As I passed the den, I heard my parents whispering inside.

That was strange. It was after midnight.

My parents usually went to bed early. Were they losing sleep because of my argument with Rusty?

I tiptoed to the door and leaned in to listen to their conversation.

In an instant, my blood turned to ice. My hands and feet went cold.

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