Chapter 2
I watched my family through the live surveillance feed on my phone. I had installed those cameras in the living room a long time ago.
I originally put them in to keep out thieves. I never thought I would need them to keep out my own family members.
The moment Iris walked in, she threw her bag onto the couch, fuming.
She snapped, "Seriously, what's wrong with Erin? Andy kept asking all night where she was.
"His mom was giving me the stink eye, saying our family has no manners."
My mom gently rubbed Iris's shoulders, feeling sorry for her.
"Ignore that ungrateful brat. I'll deal with her when she gets back. Where is she anyway?" my mom said.
She rushed to the storage room and kicked the door open. The room was empty.
She ran to the master bedroom and opened the closet. It was also empty.
On the camera, I watched my mom's face turn pale with panic.
She was not worried about me but about who would cook and clean for the family now.
Who would pay the utility bills? Who would buy Iris new designer bags?
"She's really crossed the line now," my dad roared.
He slammed his hand down on the coffee table, making the cups rattle.
"Find her! Bring her back. How dare she run away from home? She needs to be taught a lesson," he snapped.
I watched the chaos on the screen with a cold stare, then ordered some takeout.
I ordered a pizza with extra cheese.
Iris always said cheese was too high in calories and smelled bad. We were never allowed to eat it at home.
I sat alone on the hotel bed and ate the pizza, cheese dripping down my chin.
It was freaking delicious.
*****
I went back home voluntarily on the third day.
I wasn't being soft. I had to settle some scores face-to-face and dig some traps for them with my own hands.
The moment I opened the door, a glass cup flew straight at my head.
I tilted my head to dodge, and with a sharp crack, the glass exploded against the wall.
Glass shards sprayed across the floor.
"You finally decided to show up!" my dad shouted.
His face turned red with fury, his neck tensed up, and he had an ashtray raised in his hand.
"Where the hell have you been all this time? Didn't even bother to answer your phone. Are you trying to defy me?" he snapped.
Iris was sitting on the sofa painting her nails. She glanced at me.
She spoke sarcastically. "Dad, she probably felt wronged on the highway and wanted us to beg her to come back.
"After all, she is such a delicate little princess. Not like us common folk."
I ignored them and walked straight to the water dispenser to get a drink.
"Where's the house deed?" my mom demanded.
She rushed over and grabbed my arm.
"I searched everywhere and couldn't find it. What did you do with it?" she asked.
So that was what they were worried about.
I shook her hand off and said calmly, "I put it in the company safe."
My mom shouted, "Bring it back tomorrow. No excuses.
"Iris is getting engaged. The Wilkersons said they want a fully paid house in the city as a wedding gift.
"This house is perfect. Transfer it to Iris."
I laughed in disbelief. "I paid for this house. Why should she get it?"
My dad roared, "Because she's your sister.
"Isn't it your responsibility as the older sister to take care of her?
"Besides, you'll get married eventually and leave the family anyway.
"If you keep the house, it'll end up in someone else's hands. It's better to give it to Iris. At least it stays in the Norris family."
Iris blew on her nails and added casually, "Erin, Andy's family is loaded. They'll definitely back us up in the future.
"If you hand over the house now, I'll have him hook you up with some rich sugar daddy later.
"You won't lose out, trust me."
I looked at the three of them. They were leeching off me like it was their birthright.
They probably believed my whole existence was to feed them, like I was born to be their endless meal ticket.
"What if I don't?" I leaned back against the wall, arms folded, staring them down.
"You don't?" My dad snorted and grabbed the switch.
He continued, "I'll beat you to death, you ungrateful brat. We'll see if you still dare to say no."
The switch cut through the air and lashed down at me.
Before, I would have curled up into a ball and cried for mercy.
But today, I grabbed the vase next to me.
I said, "Lay a finger on me, and I'll call the cops.
"I'm covered in bruises right now. I can go get a medical examination.
"Assault is enough to put you in jail for a few days.
"Then Iris will have a father who has been to prison. Do you think the Wilkersons will still want her?"
The switch froze in midair. Iris's face turned ashen.
"Dad, stop. The Wilkersons are all about their reputation," she said.
My dad's hand shook with anger, but he didn't dare hit me.
"Fine. So you think you're tough now, huh? Threatening your old man?" he snarled.
My mom's eyes darted around. She immediately changed her tone and forced a few tears.
She said, "Erin, I know you're upset. It was my fault that day. I was carsick and not thinking clearly."