Kevin didn't even glance my way. His attention remained fixed on Christina's injured hand as he murmured his assent, already guiding her toward the door.
At the threshold, Christina turned back.
Her lips moved silently, forming words meant only for me.
Loser.
I watched the four of them walk away—a perfect little family, their silhouettes warm against the fading light.
A bitter laugh escaped me. Tears slid down my cheeks anyway.
Mom... you see this? The moment you died, your daughter lost her home.
Does it hurt you to watch? Can you come back? Please? I miss you so much...
News of my father's remarriage spread through our social circle like wildfire.
In the weeks leading up to it, he paraded Christina around every public event imaginable—even the ones strictly for married couples.
Kevin issued a decree: no one was to call her "the illegitimate daughter" anymore. She was to be treated with the same respect as he was.
Christina made sure I knew.
Video calls. Photos. Messages at all hours.
Every single one designed to twist the knife.
"Sis, Kevin gave me another diamond ring yesterday. Our initials are engraved on it. They say the stone is even bigger than the one from your wedding."