Soon, hurried footsteps echoed up the stairs.
Damian rushed over and immediately wrapped his arms around Eleanor.
“What happened? What’s going on?!”
Tears welled in Eleanor’s eyes as she looked at me.
“She hit me... she barged in, yelling at me, then slapped me for no reason...”
“Audrey, have you lost your mind?!”
Damian glared at me, eyes full of disgust.
“All this over a wedding? That ceremony was just to fulfill her lifelong wish—it wasn't real. Must you be this petty?”
Ethan appeared too, his face was dark with disapproval.
“Mom, this is too much. Can’t you just let her be? Aunt Elly isn’t in good health. Letting her stay in your room—that’s just kindness from our side.”
I gave a cold, mirthless laugh.
“Kindness? Did you even ask me, your so-called mother, how I felt about it?”
“What right do you have to talk about feelings?” my son snapped, voice rising.
“What have you ever done besides giving birth to me? Dad’s success came from Aunt Elly supporting him behind the scenes—not you. Just stop making things worse.”
A sudden rush of blood surged through me, leaving me breathless. My body weakened all at once, and though I clung desperately to the wall, I still collapsed hard to the ground.
I gasped for air, unable to speak. A tight, suffocating pressure clamped down on my chest—my asthma had flared up, and even breathing became a struggle within seconds.
None of them moved.
Damian frowned. “Here we go again. Always using your illness to manipulate people. Aren’t you tired of this act? After all these years, you're still this pathetic?”
Eleanor tugged at his sleeve, feigning guilt.
“Forget it, Damian. Ethan, don’t blame her. It’s my fault. I was being too sensitive—I shouldn’t have stayed in Audrey’s room. Maybe I’ll just sleep on the couch tonight... It’s fine. I don’t have many days left anyway.”
Upon hearing that, they turned away from me without a glance and rushed to fetch medicated oil and an ice pack for her.
They hovered over her, comforting her gently.
“There, there. Don’t cry. I’ll make her apologize to you,” Damian whispered.
I sat slumped on the floor, watching the three of them fuss over Eleanor like she was made of porcelain.
Not a single one of them brought me my medicine.
Not one.
I remembered not long ago when Eleanor had eaten something that didn’t sit well with her, and they had panicked, rushing her to a private hospital, keeping vigil for three days and nights.
She, a woman nearing sixty, was draped in a custom-made haute couture gown they chose together, her skin was glowing from luxury skincare products I wouldn’t dare buy even if I scrimped and saved.
While me? I’m wearing a decade-old dress from a clearance rack, with a faded, fake-gold bracelet I picked up at a second-hand stall.
And in that moment, it hit me with painful, terrifying clarity.
In this family, I’m exactly what Eleanor said I was—someone treated worse than a nanny.
Gasping for air, I collapsed forward, face pressed against the cold floor like a dying fish.
Damian just frowned again and stepped aside with Eleanor.
“She always pulls this stunt. Crying, wheezing—it’s not the first time.”
They wouldn't help me.
I had to crawl.
Elbow by elbow, I dragged myself across the icy tiles to the cabinet. Gritting my teeth, inch by inch, I reached for the inhaler and pills, trembling as I poured a few into my palm and swallowed them dry.
Just as I wiped the residue from my lips, Damian reappeared.
“Audrey, give me your jade pendant.”
I froze. Before I could react, he reached to grab the red string around my neck.
“Damian, what are you doing?!” I recoiled, crashing into the coffee table behind me.
He scowled, growing impatient.
“What are you being so protective for? Let Elly wear it for a few days—it’ll keep her safe. You’ve had it long enough. It's time to pass it on.”
I clutched my neck, voice trembling. “That was left to me by my parents—”
“It’s just for a few days!” he snapped.
“Elly’s health is getting worse. Even the doctors said she should wear something for spiritual protection. Your jade has been blessed, hasn’t it? Stop being so selfish.”
I rasped, fury flaring in my chest.
“She wants protection? Let her buy one! Beg for one! Why do you have to take mine?!”
His eyes turned cold and he slapped me without warning.
The force knocked me back onto the floor. My ear rang, and my cheek burned.
“All this fuss over a lousy piece of jade?” he growled. “You’re ridiculous.”
