Chapter 2

2.

The first person I saw at Dad's house was Elena, sitting on the sofa.

She was the woman Mom called a "homewrecker."

Despite being in her late forties, she was elegant and carried herself with grace.

When she saw me, she nervously gripped her apron.

"Sera... your dad told me what you like to eat. I tried my best to cook them..."

"If it's not good, just tell me. Don't force yourself to eat it..."

I walked over to the table and took a bite.

Under their anxious gazes, I smiled.

"It's delicious, Elena. I really like it."

They both let out a sigh of relief. They were shocked by my behavior.

In the past, I would have lunged at her and tried to claw her face off.

They didn't know that I had discovered the truth.

Years ago, Dad was a rising star in the business world, and he and Elena were about to get married.

But my mother, that lunatic, set her sights on him.

She drugged his drink during a business dinner and got pregnant with me.

Dad refused to acknowledge her, but she threatened to report him for sexual assault if he didn't marry her.

Elena saw how hard Dad had worked for his career and chose to sacrifice herself.

She left for Europe in the middle of the night so he wouldn't lose everything.

Two people in love were torn apart by my mother's scheme.

Mom was the real homewrecker. Between her constant drama and her mental instability, she drove my father to the edge.

Our family was broken because of her, not Elena.

We were enjoying our quiet meal when my phone rang. It was Mom.

"I didn't realize you were sneakier than your sister. You acted so innocent for years, only to jump for the money at the last second!"

Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Dad's face flushed with anger, but I stayed calm.

"If you've already figured me out, why are you calling?"

"I'm busy. I'm having dinner with my family."

I emphasized the word 'family.' Mom went silent for a few seconds.

"You ungrateful brat! Don't forget who actually gave birth to you!"

"Your dad's money is useless in your hands. Transfer your allowance to me."

I expected this. She only cared about the cash.

I twirled my fork lazily.

"Doesn't Dad pay child support? Is that not enough for you and Savannah?"

"What about my own living expenses?"

She scoffed.

"Your dad is rich! Just ask him for more! Savannah is different from you; she needs the best training!"

"When she makes it big, she'll take care of a loser like you anyway."

She said it so naturally, as if sacrificing my life for Savannah was an honor.

She was just as selfish as I remembered.

I didn't want to waste my breath.

"Sure. If you and Savannah kneel and bow to me thirty times a month, I'll send the money."

She exploded in a scream on the other end.

I set the phone down and let her rant at the empty air.

When she finally went quiet, I hung up.

Mom, when will you realize that I've seen right through you?