I clutched my leg, cold sweat beading on my forehead from the pain. "Who took the non-slip mat from the doorway?!"
"And why is there shower gel all over the floor? No wonder it was so slippery!"
Mom helped me up while questioning Sabina. "You moved the mat? And spilled shower gel everywhere?"
Sabina's face crumpled with guilt. "I accidentally knocked over the bottle earlier, so I took the mat to rinse it off."
"But before I could clean up the mess, Maisie came out. I really didn't mean for this to happen."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Maisie, are you okay? I'm so sorry."
Dad supported my weight. "We need to get her to the hospital. That was a bad fall."
The whole family rushed me to the emergency room. After a thorough examination, thankfully nothing was broken.
But my ankle and knee had swollen to the size of steamed buns. I couldn't walk without someone holding me up.
Sabina's brow furrowed with concern. "Maisie's injuries are so serious—she definitely can't go on tomorrow's trip. This is all my fault. Will the tour fee go to waste?"
"Godmother, can the fee be refunded? If not, it would be such a shame for all that money to go unused when no one's going."
I couldn't go anymore, and she was perfectly positioned to take my spot.
Sabina's hint couldn't have been more obvious, but my parents refused to take the bait.
"Then none of us will go. We'll stay home and take care of Maisie."
Irritation flickered across Sabina's face, but she quickly smoothed it away.
"Godfather, Godmother, please go and enjoy yourselves. I'll look after Maisie."
I chimed in. "She's right, Mom and Dad. Go have fun. Sabina and I will be more comfortable here on our own."
After my persistent urging, my parents finally decided to go on their trip.
That left just the two of us in the apartment.
"You sabotaged me on purpose yesterday."
Not a question. A statement.
"Oh come on, I really didn't mean to! Why do you always think the worst of me?" She rolled her eyes. "Godfather and Godmother didn't blame me. Why are you still hung up on yesterday?"
She opened the refrigerator and helped herself to the durian and cherries inside without a shred of hesitation.
"Hurry up and order delivery. I'm starving." She popped a cherry into her mouth. "And order plenty—I invited my friends over. Five of them, and they all have big appetites. Don't be stingy and embarrass us."
"Your friends are coming to my apartment?"
"Yeah, and it's my home too. What's wrong with inviting my friends over?"
I was absolutely livid.
"Excuse me? You're inviting people over without even asking me? This is my home. You're just my roommate. Don't act like you actually live here!"
Sabina shot to her feet. "How is this not my home? I'm their goddaughter now—this is my home!"
"Godfather and Godmother told me to treat this place as my own. They adore me. You're the only one who treats me like an outsider!"
"Sabina, can you seriously not tell the difference between politeness and an actual invitation?"
"Whatever, I'm done arguing. My friends will be here any minute. If you don't want to be around, you can leave."
"This is my apartment—why should I leave?!"
A knock sounded at the door. Sabina immediately went to answer it.
"Finally! I was just about to order food. What do you guys want?"
"I want steak!"
"I want Japanese!"
Five girls poured in—some classmates from other departments, others people she'd met through her part-time jobs.
Sabina grabbed my phone and started scrolling through the delivery app.
"Sabina, that's my phone!"
"I know, I know." She waved dismissively. "Oh, come on, little sis. Your big sister's friends are here—shouldn't you be a good hostess and treat them to something nice?"
I thrust out my hand. "They're your friends. Entertain them yourself. Give me back my phone!"
