"Fiona, don't play these kidnapping games anymore. You worried Mom, Dad, and Jordan."
Diana's words made everyone remember my so-called kidnapping. They pointed and whispered, and my parents took her words as proof I'd staged the whole thing. But I didn't rush to defend myself like I used to.
I just nodded and admitted fault.
"I understand. Sorry for the trouble. It won't happen again."
"What kind of act is this now?"
Jordan was clearly irritated, convinced I was stirring up drama. He grabbed my hand—then recoiled from how ice-cold it was. He pointed at my umbrella.
"Throw that thing out. You brought it on Diana's birthday on purpose, didn't you? If you really want to die, then die somewhere else. Don't come back."
Even now, those words made my whole body ache. I lowered my head, throat bitter.
"Mom, if I died... would you all be happy?"
"What, threatening us now? Fine—if you want to die, do it far away from here. Don't scare Diana."
I knew they didn't like me. They thought I wasn't as accomplished as Diana, couldn't make them proud like she could, couldn't be sweet and charming like she could.
I just never expected them to hate me enough to want me dead.
Can you wait a little longer? In seven days, you'll get what you want!
Even if they heard I'd died, they'd assume it was just another bid for attention. They wouldn't care at all.
I watched them crowd around Diana, showering her with blessings and gifts.
Did they forget today was my birthday too? I was only a few hours younger than her. I died on my eighteenth birthday.
"Mom, today is my little sister's birthday too. Did we forget? She must be upset with us—that's probably why she's acting this way."
Awkwardness flickered across their faces. They'd remembered the adopted daughter's birthday but forgotten their biological daughter's. Only they could manage that.
They were people who'd seen the world. To avoid gossip, they pulled out the only card they had on them.
"Here's ten thousand dollars. Buy yourself something nice. Consider it a gift from your father and me."
Jordan took out the freebie that came with Diana's present.
I looked at their impatient faces, and something in my chest went cold. I didn't take it.
"No need. Even if I took it, I wouldn't be able to use it."
They were disgusted by my response, convinced I didn't know when to be grateful.
After the banquet ended, Diana couldn't wait to gloat.