When I got home, my parents rushed to greet me, both holding plates piled high with food, their faces alight with greedy excitement.
"Lydia, sweetie, you're finally home!"
But then their smiles froze.
"Jade? What are you doing here? Where's Lydia?"
"We told you to stay by her side! To protect her! To make sure nothing went wrong!"
I stared at them, the familiar sting of their favoritism long since faded to a dull ache. If Lydia and I didn't look exactly alike, I would have sworn I was adopted.
I walked past them without a word. "I'm just here to pack my things. I'm moving out."
My mother's face twisted into an ugly mask of rage. "What are you talking about? How can you afford rent?"
As I folded my clothes into a suitcase, I said slowly, almost calmly, "If Lydia really marries into the Caruso family, they'll want to visit. What happens when they see me and realize the truth? Of course, if you want me to stay, I will..."
The moment they realized my presence might jeopardize Lydia's future, their concern for her evaporated.
They practically shoved me out the door.
"Get out! Don't be an eyesore here. I don't want you ruining Lydia's good fortune and dragging our family down with you!"
