Chapter 2

No one came to pick me up on the day I was discharged from the hospital. I dragged my things back home, only to be blocked outside the door.

Seeing the [Fingerprint Error] message, my heart sank. With a click, the door was opened by Maeve. She looked at me in surprise, as if I'd come back at the wrong time.

Inside, a big group of them were happily having dinner. It wasn't until they saw me, laden with bags, that they seemed to remember I existed.

Maeve looked guilty. "Oh, my poor memory, Estelle. I was just about to bring you some food. Since you're home now, join us."

I looked at her, thinking about the packed meals she had brought me during my stay. Even though I didn't want to believe it, I had to admit—those cold dishes were their leftovers.

I lowered my eyes, not knowing what to say. I only felt my heart was about to break into pieces.

"Honey." Perry stood up, intending to pull out a chair for me. But there was no space for me.

Stella and Wayne were sitting close to Perry. My spot had long been taken by Stella. There was no seat left for me.

Everyone realized this, and they all looked embarrassed. Perry frowned. "Stella, take him upstairs and make space for Estelle."

Stella, who was feeding Wayne, paused. Her eyes turned red. "But I haven't eaten either," she said.

She put a hand on her stomach, almost as if intentionally saying it for me to hear, raising her voice. "What about the baby?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. Bethany was the first to speak, her voice full of delight. "You're pregnant again?"

Stella nodded, her cheeks flushed, and said shyly, "Perry said he wants to have lots of kids with me."

I swayed on my feet, my face turning extremely pale. Perry realized this and hissed in a low voice. "What are you saying? Go upstairs right now. Do you want Estelle to make way for you?"

Hearing this, Bethany got annoyed. "Stella's pregnant. Why are you being so mean? I'll just give my seat to Estelle."

With that, Bethany stood up and led Stella away. It was the first time Bethany had ever been so cold towards me.

At that moment, Bethany, who had always showered me with affection, didn't even spare me a glance. I couldn't help but feel deeply hurt.

Roland and Maeve sighed, patting the back of my hand to comfort me. "Perry is here with you. We'll go check on Stella. Stella is just like you—she can't eat when she's upset."

Seeing the deep worry in Maeve's eyes, I choked up. "Mom, can't you even have one meal with me?"

Roland smiled and tapped my nose. "You're a grown-up. Don't be silly. It's not like we won't have other chances to eat together."

For the first time ever, Roland and Maeve, who had always spoiled me rotten, refused my request.

They were only worried that Stella would be too upset to eat, forgetting that I was the same way.

They took a few dishes off the table. "These are her favorites. You and Perry enjoy the rest."

I watched them take away the dishes I loved without saying a word to stop them. After they left, I looked at the remaining seafood and smiled bitterly.

Perry picked up a shrimp and held it to my lips, comforting me. "I'll explain everything to you later, okay? Let's eat first."

"I'm allergic to seafood. Have you forgotten?" My words cut him off abruptly. Perry's face paled, turning flustered.

Five years was too long. Long enough for everyone to forget my preferences.

Long enough for the person who once cherished me above all else to no longer care about me. And long enough for someone else to completely take my place.