"Fine, take it! All you ever do is use outsiders to threaten me! Ungrateful brat!"
Caroline stomped her foot.
"Enough!"
Mom shot me a glare.
"It's just some crappy gold anyway. When you marry someone even richer later, you'll make her sick with envy!"
I took the gift box and went back to my room.
Mom's voice followed through the door.
"What a piece of work! Depression? She's just scheming and rotten inside! Who's she putting on this sick act for!"
I slid down against the door, coughing violently. In my palm—a smear of dark red.
I pulled out a utility knife and measured it against my wrist.
Too shallow. Not enough. Wait a little longer.
Three days later, Colin came. He brought gifts and a detailed engagement schedule.
"Uncle, Auntie, I brought bird's nest and cordyceps for you."
He set everything down.
"Georgia hasn't been feeling well lately. Thank you for looking after her."
Mom sat in the main seat and snorted.
"Not feeling well? Rich-person problems. Back when she did farm work, I never heard her complaining about this and that."
Colin's smile faltered. He glanced at me. I kept my head down, twisting the hem of my shirt.
"Hey, brother-in-law!"