The family business was started after she
disappeared.
I took a deep breath and acted sad.
“Ashley, we were so close when we were kids.
How could I hurt you?”
My dad frowned.
He looked confused.
“Ashley, are you sure? Emily was sleeping at
home.”
“Your mom lost you.”
My mom looked embarrassed.
She nodded.
L
“Yeah, it wasn’t Emily’s fault. You ran off…”
“Were you abused for so long that you can’t
think straight?”
Ashley’s parents were on my side.
Ashley panicked.
Before she could explain, my mom let go of
her because she looked dirty.
“Emily wouldn’t do that. She’s a good kid.”
“Everyone says she’s polite. She wouldn’t hurt
you.”
I tried not to smile.
She was the favorite before.
So what?
She’d been gone for so long.
Their feelings had faded.
I was smart and well–behaved.
People liked me.
If I didn’t give them good business advice,
they wouldn’t be successful.
I was perfect.
く
My parents liked me better than Ashley.
Ashley couldn’t beat me.
