Chapter 3

3

Ashley was weak and had to be on bed rest. For the next nine months, my parents would take care of her.

When my parents finally came home, they didn't even consider holding a funeral for me.

Jake sold the house and bought a mansion, filled with roses, and he lived with Ashley happily ever after.

I had become a ghost, without even a home.

I clenched my fist. I needed to get my strength back.

Ashley had come into our life when my dad brought her home from a trip to the countryside. My mom hated it at first, but when she realized that Ashley wasn't her biological daughter, she changed her mind.

Ashley could be so charming. My parents always spoiled her.

I was a good student and moved out of state for high school and then went out of the country for college.

During those years, Ashley remained with my parents and became closer to them.

When I came back, I got a job at my dad's company. I was a star worker and was quickly promoted to Vice President.

My dad has high blood pressure and had to step down. He promoted me to CEO, but that made Ashley jealous.

She thought my parents gave me the company because I was their flesh and blood.

What she didn't know was that my dad wrote papers to give her all his company shares.

I wouldn't be in control. I'd just be working to make her money.

The nurse came in to change my bandages and frowned when she saw my dry lips.

My parents finally noticed I was awake.

They mumbled, "We were just checking on our other daughter. We didn't realize..."

The nurse rolled her eyes. "That woman just has a small bump on her head. She's not seriously hurt."

"This one almost died! And you're ignoring her?"

My parents didn't know what to say.

I've always been smarter and more responsible than Ashley. Plus, she's adopted. My parents always gave her more love.

Like now. Even though Ashley just had a small bump, she was getting all the attention.

In their minds, Ashley needed more help than me.

Jake jumped in to defend Ashley.

"She didn't almost die! She's fine!"

"Ashley has a concussion! Are you going to ignore that? I'm going to report you!"

The nurse knew Jake was rich and didn't want to argue.