2
The cold chain tightened around my throat.
To avoid provoking her, I hadn’t even worn the necklace Ryan bought me.
I yelled, “I bought this myself!”
“You bought it yourself? Aren’t you still spending the family’s money?”
The necklace snapped in her hand.
<
Brittany’s eyes were filled with nothing but malice and greed.
“The family’s money is for me and Ryan. How dare you be so extravagant?”
“Brittany!” Ryan’s voice rose as he spun her around.
“You promised me you’d apologize to my sister!”
Brittany’s eyes immediately welled up, tears streaming down her face.
“I humbled myself to cook for her and apologize, and she intentionally sat in *my* passenger seat to provoke me!”
“Ryan, you’re my boyfriend. Are you helping me or helping her?”
At that, Ryan’s demeanor instantly softened.
He immediately turned to me, trying to appease me.
“Chloe, don’t mind her. Brittany’s just a little stressed. Let’s just go inside and eat. She made soup…
I looked at Ryan’s evasive gaze, a lump forming in my throat.
Was this really the brother who usually doted on me and protected me?
Brittany smugly tilted her chin, eyeing me disdainfully.
It wasn’t until I got to her place that I understood what “sincere apology” meant.
On the dining table sat a sad plate of plain boiled cabbage and a watery egg drop soup with barely any egg…
I looked at Ryan, utterly incredulous.
Didn’t he say he’d gone shopping for groceries first thing in the morning and spent ages preparing?
Ryan scratched his head awkwardly, saying nothing.
Brittany slammed the forks hard onto the table in front of me.
”
<
“Eat up, don’t be picky. It’s an honor to eat my cooking.”
I honestly couldn’t bring myself to touch my fork.
Her expression hardened. She picked up the bowl of soup and flung it at me.
“Not eating, huh? You’re getting too comfortable!”
The scorching hot soup splashed all over my skirt, sticky egg bits everywhere…
Luckily, I dodged in time, so it didn’t hit my face.
Ryan flinched.
He jumped up to grab tissues and help me clean myself.
Brittany, however, just added fuel to the fire.
“Stop faking it, it wasn’t that hot. You think you’re some pampered princess?”
I’d been spoiled by my parents since childhood; I’d never endured such humiliation.
I grabbed the bowl of cabbage on the table, intending to throw it.
Ryan was quick, his hand shooting out to grab mine firmly.
“Chloe, Chloe, calm down!”
Ryan’s grip was strong; I couldn’t break free.
“Please, for me, okay? Don’t hold it against Brittany. Her parents didn’t love her, they were abusive when she was little, that’s why her temper is a bit short.”
“That’s no excuse for her to bully people,” I bit out.
Ryan still didn’t let go.
I could only watch as Brittany walked closer, poking my face with her greasy finger.
“Ryan and I are going to be a family in the future. You think he’ll take your side? Dream on.”
“You better be smart and promise you’ll never spend a single penny of Ryan’s money again.”
“And you
better drop out of school. Tuition is such a waste of money, or else I’ll make sure you can never show your face in front of your classmates!”
I snapped my head towards Ryan.
He avoided my gaze again.
“Chloe, your sister-in-law means no harm…”
It felt like something was lodged in my chest, heavy and bitter.
I found a burst of strength and violently yanked my hand free from Ryan’s grip.
I stared into Ryan’s eyes, enunciating each word.
“You’re such a wonderful brother.”
As I turned to leave, Brittany taunted me from behind.
“Oh, by the way, your parents sent you a birthday gift the other day, I already opened it.”
“It’s a dress, looks pretty expensive. I’ll keep it, I have a reunion next week.”
My steps faltered.
When I looked back, I saw Brittany greedily fiddling with the princess dress Mom and Dad had sent
Ryan looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing, just a barely audible
sigh.
