Chapter 2 I'm two years older than Cassandra. When Mom and Dad separated, I was ten, she was eight. Dad figured I was older, easier to handle, so he wanted to take me. Mom originally wanted Cassandra too-she was cute, sweet, totally adorable. But Grandma shut that down: EFF F ů "How are you gonna work with a little kid?" "The older one's responsible. She can help with chores, do stuff around the house." "The little princess can't handle living like that." So Mom was "forced" to take me instead. Even though I was heartbroken, I quietly accepted moving from a big house to a tiny room. I thought even living with Mom, Dad would still take care of me. WRONG. Dad cut off my allowance, tutoring, after-school programs-everything. He said: "Your mom and I agreed-one kid each. You need something? Ask HER!" "She wanted equality, right? So why are you coming to me for money?" He trashed Mom completely. For her sake, I never asked him for another dime! After moving in with Mom, I tried not to worry her. While she worked, I handled housework and cooking. To save money, we ate peanut butter sandwiches and instant ramen every meal. I never complained. Blazing summer heat, 104°F, our little place had no AC and we couldn't afford the electric bill. I'd lie awake sweating all night. Tueurs Damon Hers? Gold Thanks. Mom! 0.7% I accepted ALL of it. But she HAD money-she was just saving half for Cassandra. Cassandra already had a full cup, but Mom still wouldn't give me more than half of hers, even as I was dying of thirst. What kind of sick "fairness" was that? I completely went off on Mom- Called her toxic, said she ruined my childhood and college years. I called her delusional and shameless: "As if you're even in the same league as Dad." "What's he pulling in every month compared to your paycheck?" "Cassandra's living it up like some princess while I'm stuck here as your personal slave, and you seriously don't get how messed up this is?" I didn't just block her-I posted all over social media, swearing to cut ties completely. Any relative who tried to play peacekeeper got blocked instantly. I even applied to drop out. I was literally starving! I couldn't afford this education! Word about me dropping out to work reached Dad pretty quickly. He called. I blocked and deleted him immediately. He never took care of me anyway-why keep his contact info? My professors tried desperately to convince me to stay. I said I'd "think about it" and got a week off. But I packed up and found a job at a boba shop instead. Screw that college anyway! I never wanted to be a doctor in the first place! My uncles and aunt came to find me, trying to get me back in school. They "apologized" on Mom's behalf: "We had a talk with her. She knows she messed up." "From now on, she'll make sure you can actually eat before buying Cassandra stuff." I just laughed coldly: "She's always talking about being 'fair'-let her give me the SAME life Cassandra has!" "Same parents, but somehow I'm living like trash." "Dad was gonna choose ME originally..." That thought made me hate Mom's betrayal even more. I'D chosen HER, I'D given Cassandra the good life. But Mom just took it for granted, feeling guilty only about Cassandra she "gave away" to Dad. I absolutely refused to go back to school, even threatened: "When my mom's dead and gone, maybe Dad will let me come back and live the good life." "At least I won't be starving my ass off delivering food just to survive. Then I'll think about going back to college." I was basically announcing I'd be a total ungrateful brat. Apparently Mom had a complete breakdown when she heard this. But I didn't give a damn. I used to care SO much about her-did she ever care about me? If she'd just made sure I had enough to EAT before buying Cassandra expensive gifts, I never would've hated her this much. When Cassandra found out, she actually showed up at the boba shop to start shit with me: "How could you say that about Mom?" "Do you have any idea how much I wish I could've lived with her?" Watching her get all righteous, I grinned: "Wanna switch?" "I'll go be Daddy's little princess." "You can do Mom's chores and be her emotional punching bag, huh?" Title: The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets (English-dubbed) In CrushReel's ongoing romance, "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets," a young woman ensnared in a decade-long struggle against familial constraints finds unexpected solace in a man who appears as her pathway to freedom. Initially leveraging his presence for escape, she is gradually swayed by his unwavering faith and unwavering dedication. Exploring themes of liberation and trust, the narrative delves into the complexities of breaking free from oppressive environments. The protagonist's evolution from using the man as a means of salvation to embracing genuine connection offers a poignant portrayal of emotional transformation. Amidst the backdrop of romance, the story skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength. What sets "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets" apart is its nuanced depiction of intricate relationships and internal struggles, resonating with readers seeking depth and authenticity in romantic narratives. Available to read online at CrushReel, this captivating tale promises a journey of self-realization and love amidst adversity.