Chapter 4
The next day was the weekend, and I decided to go to the library.
As I passed a newsstand, the cover of a financial magazine caught my eye.
There was Richard, grinning from the front page in his flawless suit, the headline beside him proclaiming: [Carter Group Reaches New Heights.]
A chill ran through me, and I hurried past.
At the library, I studied some books on investing and finance.
Back in my previous life with the Carter family, I had to learn finance so I could become an asset to my in-laws someday.
Now, I could use that knowledge to help my real family.
On my way home, I stopped by a pharmacy to pick up some ointment for Mary's wrist, something to help with bruises and circulation.
As soon as I got home, I heard Mary sobbing inside.
My heart clenched, and I quickly opened the door and rushed in. "Mom, what's wrong?"
Mary looked up, tears still streaking her face, but there was a strange, almost radiant light in her eyes.
"Stella... I... I'm pregnant," she said.
I froze for a moment. Then, a rush of happiness washed over me. "Really? That's wonderful!"
But Mary's face was clouded with worry. "But things are so tough for us right now, and... are you sure you're okay with it?"
I held her hand tightly. "Mom, I'll be the best big sister ever, I promise."
Right then, I truly looked forward to welcoming a new sibling into our family.
It was a world apart from how Lily reacted when she heard Mary was pregnant in my previous life.
Back then, Lily totally lost it, yelling, "I'm just your adopted daughter. Now that you've got your own kid, you won't want me anymore!"
That night, I rubbed some ointment on Mary's wrist and gently massaged it in.
"Stella, where did you learn to do this?" she asked, curious.
I smiled. "The ladies at the orphanage taught me some basic nursing skills."
Mary suddenly lowered her voice. "Lily... I mean the girl who always writes you letters... How's she doing these days?"
My hand froze for a second.
"She... she's really gotten used to living the high life," I replied.
Mary sighed. "That look she gave you didn't seem very friendly. Just watch out, okay?"
I was taken aback by her insight. Without another word, I nodded.
Before bed, I checked the records for our little sewing side hustle.
We made 800 dollars this month. It was not bad for a start.
I quietly put the money into Mary's account.
Just then, my phone buzzed. Another text from Lily popped up. [I'm going to a socialite tea party tomorrow. My mom bought me a diamond hairpin. Bet you wish you had one, huh?]
Without replying, I just turned off my phone.
Outside my window, moonlight gently washed over my blanket.
This tiny, shabby room felt a thousand times warmer than any of the Carter family's luxurious bedrooms.
*****
The months flew by, and before I knew it, Mary's due date had arrived. I paced the hospital hallway, my nerves gnawing at my insides.
David sat on a bench, his hands clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"Dad, have some water," I said, handing him a bottle.
He shook his head, his eyes glued to the delivery room door.
Suddenly, the wail of a newborn cut through the silence.
A few minutes later, a nurse came out holding a bundled-up baby.
"Congratulations! It's a healthy baby boy," she said.
David took the baby, his hands trembling. His usual stern demeanor softened and melted away, as quiet tears of joy streamed down his face.
"Stella, come meet your little brother," he said.
I carefully leaned in, trying not to disturb him.
The baby's little face was all wrinkled, and suddenly, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect him.
"He's so tiny..." I whispered.
The nurse smiled. "He's 7.5 pounds. That's not tiny at all. The mother is doing great, too. She'll be out in a bit."
When Mary was wheeled out, she looked pale, but she was absolutely beaming with happiness.
Mary smiled at me. "Stella, you've got a baby brother now."
I squeezed her hand and nodded, my throat tight with emotion.
Once we got home, our little family settled into a whole new rhythm.
I named my little brother Raymond, hoping he'd be a ray of light and bring hope into our lives.
While Mary was on her postpartum rest, I took over all the housework and kept our little sewing side hustle running.
Every day after work, the first thing David did was wash up and scoop Raymond into his arms. Only after he'd had his fill of holding his son would he head to the kitchen to make dinner for Mary and me.
"Dad, why don't you take a break?" I'd always say.
But he'd just smile and shake his head. "Honestly, this makes me happy."
On Raymond's full month, we threw a simple celebration at home.
Our neighbors came by with well-wishes and little gifts. Our tiny living room was packed with people, the whole place buzzing with excitement.
I held Raymond in my arms, and his big, curious eyes were taking in the world around him.
"Stella, you really look like a big sister," Wendy, our neighbor, said with a smile.
Mary proudly put her arm around my shoulders. "Stella is the best big sister ever."
Right then, I felt a sense of belonging I'd never known before.
Back in my previous life with the Carter family, I was never really seen as one of their own.
To them, I was just a meticulously groomed "showpiece."