Chapter 3 I stood on the steps, watching through the crowd. My brother-the one with severe OCD-was on one knee, gently massaging Amelia's ankle. She wore his expensive suit jacket and nibbled daintily at seafood from a lunch box. He didn't hesitate to wipe oil from her mouth with his sleeve. Amelia pouted. "You said I'm not a real Crawford. Why are you here then? Go be with your real sister." She shoved him, and he landed sitting on the ground-but his face showed no anger, only fond exasperation. "You little troublemaker. You know everything I do is for you." "The seafood at Eleanor's was some frozen thing I picked up-I just reheated it.. What you're eating-I picked and prepared everything myself." "Only the best for you. It's much better than what she got." The allergic rash on my skin seemed to burn suddenly, so sharply I swayed on my feet. Amelia smiled through her tears. "Swee >> Auto-added to the Library "She was passed around after she got lo and she'll be grateful." ad it hard. A little kindness from me, "Some cheap food makes her happy. And if she's happy, she won't threaten your place. Why can't you understand I'm protecting you?" "Don't go there on the fifteenth anymore. Her place is small and shabby. If you feel wronged, it's me who ends up heartbroken." Amelia sniffed. "I just hate her taking you away from me-even one day! You're mine! What right does she have? Why did she have to come back? Why couldn't she just die out there?!" He booped her nose indulgently. "Okay, okay. I'll make excuses from now on-no more visits on the fifteenth. I'll spend every day with my little princess, how's that?" "Hmph. Better." A wave of pain shot through my chest. I leaned against the wall, weak. So this was what he really thought. Because I'd suffered more, I should be content with scraps. A little kindness was enough to keep me willingly Chapter 3 37.50% exiled. I should be the Crawford daughter no one cared about, All so he could protect his precious sister-what a sacrifice he'd made. He even gave me one day each month to buy my compliance. But I still remember-back before I was five-he said I was his one and only princess. He said he wished his sister a life of happiness. That's why he named me Eleanor-for the meaning it held in his heart, 'free from worry'. I thought he remembered. I was sure he did. But in the end... only I remembered. Tears fell without warning, scalding my cheeks. The old wound near my heart throbbed painfully. The doctor had warned strong emotions could make it flare up. I tilted my head back, swallowing bitter tears. I stopped watching them, turned, and melted into the crowd. Maybe I should have left long ago. After all, someone who truly loved me was waiting in the future. As if sensing something, Ethan looked up suddenly-but saw nothing. He pulled out his phone, and texted his assistant, [Did you deliver the invitation to Eleanor?] The reply came quickly, [Yes, Mr. Crawford. She read it, put it in her bag, and didn't seem upset.] Ethan sighed in relief. He knew how much I cared about him. He knew I'd silently accept any decision he made. Chapter 3 37.50% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!