4
Soft piano music filled the banquet hall.
Chloe, in her long mermaid–style wedding
gown, walked towards Finn, holding a large
bouquet of white roses. After Mom and Dad’s
speeches, it was Zach’s turn. He stood on
L
stage, playfully shaking his fist at Finn. “This
is my only sister, our family’s treasure. If you
ever hurt her, we’ll never forgive you.”
Finn gazed at Chloe, his voice full of
affection. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
The audience applauded. The stage was a picture of warmth and happiness.
My spirit hovered near the flower
arrangements, watching them numbly. I thought I’d feel heartbroken. But maybe I’d already experienced a lifetime of pain before I died. I just watched it all, a hollowness inside me, like a cold wind blowing through.
く
At a nearby table, someone whispered, “I
thought the Ashworth family had three kids.
Why did Zach say he only has one sister?”
“Oh, it’s because of their other daughter,
Ashley. Tsk, what good are good grades if
you’re a terrible person…”
Thanks to my parents, my reputation was
ruined among both sides of the family.
Actually, when I was little, one of my aunts
was nice to me. During a holiday visit, she
gave me a plush dolphin toy. Just me, not
