Chapter 23

The gift box in my hand slipped and hit the floor with a loud clang. My mother's words had struck me like a hammer to the chest. So in her heart, I never deserved anything good. I had always known that my parents favored Helen. But I had never truly believed that they didn't love me at all. The box was metal, and the noise drew my mother's attention. She suddenly pulled the door open and found me standing there. For a split second, her expression faltered. Then, she spotted the box on the floor and frowned. "What is that?" I looked up, forcing back the tears in my eyes. "Nothing. Just a gift I brought for you." She glanced at it with disdain and kicked it aside. "So you heard everything I said just now. Don't start thinking too highly of yourself just because you married Felix. You're still standing in Helen's place. He was never meant for you." She pointed at the box again. "Take your things and leave. Your sister is struggling out there, yet you have time to go shopping for