The Forgotten Twin My Parents Sold Everything for Her, Not MeChapter 1 The Unwanted Daughter
Alcohol has a way of loosening tongues, and at my older sister's wedding, my Second Uncle was no exception.
"Your sister is lucky to be where she is today," he slurred, swirling his glass. "She really ought to thank your mom and dad. They scraped the bottom of the barrel—sold everything they owned—just to send her abroad for that master's degree."
He hiccuped, leaning in closer. "Otherwise, how would she have ever snagged such a rich husband?"
I laughed it off, assuming it was just the liquor talking.
"Second Uncle, you've had too much," I said. "Lily went on a full scholarship. Our family didn't spend a dime."
He poured himself another brimful glass, a sloppy sneer spreading across his face.
"Full scholarship? Don't make me laugh. Her junior year, she failed a course and almost didn't graduate!" He took a swig. "Your parents sold the farmland and the house back home. Even borrowed ten thousand from me. That's the only reason she made it overseas."
The champagne glass in my hand turned to lead. Cold dread pooled in my stomach.
The timeline clicked into place with sickening precision.
The year Lily went abroad was the same year I failed my graduate entrance exam. I had begged my parents for just $1,500—a prep course so I could retake it.
They refused. Claimed they were broke. Couldn't squeeze out a penny.
Turns out they weren't broke. They'd funneled every last cent to my sister.
I couldn't breathe. Without a word, I walked out of the banquet hall.
I'd barely stepped inside my rental when my phone buzzed. My mother's voice came through, shrill and accusing.
"Why did you leave without saying goodbye? You're a grown woman with absolutely no manners! Both of you are my daughters—so why is one a phoenix soaring through the sky while the other is just dirt?"
I gripped the phone. My voice came out deadly calm.
"Since that's how you feel, you can pretend you only have one daughter from now on."
——
The receiver exploded.
"Are you crazy? I criticize you once and you want to disown us?" Her words came rapid-fire. "You think because you have a job now, your wings are strong enough? You think you don't have to listen to me anymore?"
In the background, relatives murmured, trying to smooth things over.