Chapter 3

3

"Carter, what are you and my sister talking about?"

It was only when the sweet voice sounded that I realized there was another figure sitting in the man's passenger seat.

The real biological daughter of the Mercer family, Evelyn Mercer.

She always looked so delicate and charming. Whenever she appeared, everyone's eyes couldn't help but focus on her.

It made me look like dirt in comparison.

When Carter faced her, his eyes also softened involuntarily. "Don't call her your sister."

"She doesn't deserve it."

But Evelyn was persistent. "I just vaguely heard my sister say she prepared a gift for Dad?"

"Mom and Dad miss my sister. Carter, tonight you have to help me keep an eye on her and make sure she comes home for dinner."

The sun was blinding, and I found the scene extremely ironic.

My so-called sister was shaking my husband's hand and whining coquettishly. They looked more like a real married couple.

And I felt more like an outsider.

With Evelyn speaking up, even if I wanted to find an excuse, Carter forcefully took me to the birthday banquet.

My adoptive father didn't like lively crowds.

It was just a simple family dinner.

Seeing me arrive, he didn't even look me in the eye and arranged for me to sit at the very end of the table.

Carter sat next to Evelyn.

All the laughter and joy had nothing to do with me.

Facing the dozen dishes covered in spicy jalape?os and habaneros on the table, I didn't touch my chopsticks.

It was Evelyn who noticed my isolation. "Why isn't my sister eating? Is it because you haven't been home for a long time and the food doesn't suit your taste anymore?"

"I'll have the chef make a few new dishes for you!"

Her words were full of concern, but they made all the eyes that fell on me turn malicious.

My adoptive parents, who used to love me the most, now looked at me with disdain. "She's just spoiled."

"Today is your dad's birthday, and these are all your favorites, Evie. I think she's just here to cause trouble on purpose."

My breath hitched.

I had a weak stomach since I was young, and my parents used to be extra careful about my bland diet.

I wasn't even allowed to touch dishes with any spice.

They clearly knew the truth, yet they still looked at me with such disgust.

Evelyn defended me. "Mom, Dad, don't say that."

"Maybe it's because I grew up in a poor neighborhood and ate unpresentable things that my sister can't appreciate this... It's all my fault."

Before she finished speaking, a shadow loomed over my eyes.

It was Carter.

The boy who used to personally cook porridge for me directly stuffed a handful of red and green peppers into my mouth. "Do you have to be a buzzkill on such a happy day?"

"The reason Evelyn suffered all that back then was because you took over the life that belonged to her! If she can eat it, so can you!"

He forcefully gripped my jaw so hard it hurt. My lips were forced open, and I couldn't refuse.

I choked and coughed violently.

The burning sensation made my stomach cramp in agony.

A thin mist covered my eyes, and even I couldn't tell why.

It felt like the grievance of being punished and scolded when I had done nothing wrong, but also like the agonizing reaction of my stomach churning.

I covered my mouth and gagged as I ran out.

I could still hear a voice behind me. "Is my sister okay?"

"Don't mind her." The male voice that used to only be gentle to me was now full of indifference. "Her life is cheap. What can't she eat? She's just putting on an act!"

I quickened my pace, wanting to leave these voices completely behind.

Leaning over the sink, I almost threw up bile.

Even my vision blurred.

"Sister, are you okay?" Evelyn supported me, her smile still bright. "It's just a little bit of pepper. You made such a mess of the yard, Carter will probably be angry with you again later."

I stared at that delicate face.

At first, I, like the rest of the Mercer family, thought Evelyn was innocent and naive.

But every time, Evelyn clearly said the most understanding things.

And afterwards, I would always receive even more severe 'punishments' from my adoptive parents and Carter.

From then on, I finally understood that this real daughter was definitely not as simple as she looked on the surface.

I couldn't afford to mess with her, so I tried to hide.

Just as I shook Evelyn off, that sickening feeling of nausea overwhelmed me again.

The world spun around me.

Having witnessed everything, Evelyn restrained her smile and said word by word, "Sister, why are you throwing up like this..."

"Could it be that... you're pregnant?"