Chapter 3

I watched as Derek hurried out the door. It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. My eyes stung and ached, but not a single tear would fall.

When Derek was born, I had a massive hemorrhage and almost died.

But the moment I woke up and saw him, I knew every bit of pain was worth it.

From Derek's first babbling words to him learning to walk while holding my hand, I remember it all.

And then, his sweet little voice saying, "Mommy, I love you."

Every moment was etched in my memory.

But now, he'd given all his love to Regina.

He hated me.

Just realizing that made me feel cold all over.

My parents snapped out of it and rushed over to help me with my injury.

My dad frowned and said, "Bradley, go check on them. I'm afraid something might go wrong. We've got Sabrina covered."

Bradley hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded and left.

My mom was gently wiping the blood from my wound as she said, "Don't hold it against Regina. She's an orphan, you know how that makes her feel unsafe.

"And Derek, too. Regina was the one who looked after him growing up, so don't blame him."

Even though I hadn't said a thing, they always assumed I was picking on Regina.

I pushed my mom's hand away and said hoarsely, "I'm going to the bathroom."

As I walked out, I overheard my mom complaining to my dad, "Why does she always feel so distant, no matter how hard we try? Nothing like Regina, who's so sweet, so thoughtful, and she knows how to charm us."

But Mom, when I was at the age to be your sweet little girl, I was stuck in the mountains, working the fields. If I ever slowed down, my foster parents would just beat me up.

Regina, on the other hand, was your little princess—jet-setting around the world, getting all your love.

How could I ever be that pampered, lovable girl?

When I got to the bathroom door, I saw Regina pinned against the wall by Bradley, his lips crashing onto hers.

His eyes were burning with desire for her, his movements rough and suggestive, filled with a wild intimacy.

We'd been together for four years before we got married, and then another six years as husband and wife. He'd always been gentle and reserved with me.

I'd never seen him so lost in passion before.

My feet felt like they were glued to the floor.

I stood there, torturing myself by watching them so close together, my stomach twisting itself into knots.

Once they left, hand in hand, I bolted into the bathroom and started dry-heaving.

Tears and blood mingled as they streamed down my face.

Back when he was eighteen, Bradley swore he'd love me forever, and if he ever cheated, God would punish him.

But now, at twenty-eight, he was hiding behind the excuse of "taking care of my adopted sister," letting Regina—the girl who took my place—share his bed.

I wandered back to the private lounge in a daze, not even sure how I got there. When I opened the door, it was already empty.

The waiter glanced at me and said, "Your group just paid and left."

My fingers suddenly clenched, and I let out a wry, understanding smile.

They'd completely forgotten about me.

I didn't have my phone or any cash on me, so I ended up walking the whole way back home.

By the time I finally made it to my front door, my feet were rubbed raw and covered in blisters.

As I opened the door, the sound of laughter and happy voices drifted from the living room.

Dad was making coffee for Regina, while Mom peeled oranges for her.

Derek was lying across Regina's lap, making silly faces to cheer her up.

Regina was nestled close to Bradley, like they were a couple in love.

They were a happy family, and there was no room left for me.

Only when they heard the sound did they finally notice me, standing there in such a sorry state.

Regina pressed her lips together, looking apologetic. "I'm really sorry, Sabrina. I didn't see you. I thought you'd already gone home, so I came back with Mom and Dad...

"It's all my fault. If you need to vent, just hit me!"

Mom hurriedly pulled Regina over and had her sit down on the couch. "It's okay, you didn't mean to."

Dad added, "Sabrina, why didn't you call us and let us know?"

Before I could even say a word, Regina beat me to it with a sigh.

And just like that, everyone's attention shifted right back to her.

It took the butler finally having enough and calling a doctor for me—only then did they remember I even existed.

Maybe out of guilt, Mom and Dad rushed to get me some gifts.

Regina, though, got double.

The line between love and indifference was as clear as day.

The next day, I told my parents I wanted to return to the company.

Dad seemed uncomfortable. He said, "You've just recovered, so don't rush back to work. You can just collect your dividends when the time comes."

I paused for a moment, then instinctively looked up—and sure enough, there was Regina coming down the stairs in a sharp business suit. "Sabrina, I'm off to the office. Take care of Mom and Dad for me, okay?"