Chapter 2

2、

The next morning, Holden and I went downstairs. His father had already instructed the staff to prepare breakfast, just like every other day.

"Sienna, sit here. I had the housekeeper make your favorite sunny-side-up eggs."

Seeing him load my plate, my eyes welled up.

My parents in both lives were exactly the same. Even though we were both their children, they only ever cared for Scarlett. At the Zhao house, I was the one who made breakfast while Mom helped Scarlett get dressed. After the meal, it was always the same order: "Clean the table and wash the clothes."

And Mom would always add, "Your sister's new dress needs hand-washing. Don't you dare put it in the machine."

Scarlett bullied me daily, always justifying it with, "You're the older sister. You're supposed to let me have my way!"

Day after day, I broke down. "Why can't you care about me? I'm your child too!" I begged for love, but they only gave me blame and slaps. "You're the big sister. How can you be so selfish and inconsiderate?"

After that, I learned silence. I stopped seeking warmth, so I wouldn't have to feel the cold.

Holden's complaints pulled me back to reality.

"Dad, I want eggs too!"

"Eat what's there. Those are for Sienna. If you want some, tell the housekeeper tomorrow."

"Dad, am I even your son?"

"You brat. What's the family motto?"

"Cherish your wife, love your wife. The wife is the only true faith."

Watching the father and son, my heart softened. People had claimed Holden was arrogant and bullied the poor kids in school, but it didn't seem true. And the rumors about his father's tax evasion? Probably lies too. Regardless, I craved this warmth.

Crash! A heavy object hit the door. The butler burst in, looking panicked.

"Sir, it's bad! The video of the young master hitting the waiter went viral. An angry mob has surrounded the house and smashed the front gate."