Chapter 20 She Owes You
The old lady spoke loudly, instantly drawing the attention of curious onlookers.
Maggie’s smile faltered as she said, “Aunt, Tiffany’s mother was like a sister to me. After Tiffany lost her parents at such a young age, what’s wrong with me loving her as if she were my own?”
The old lady shot back. There’s nothing wrong with caring for Tiffany. But that doesn’t give you an excuse to mistreat your own daughter. Lisa was missing for over ten years–now that she’s finally home, the least you could do is show her some warmth. Instead, you’re still playing favorites.”
She pulled Lisa over and said, “If I’m not wrong, this dress used to be yours, didn’t it? It’s been what–over ten years? Now you’re putting it on your daughter? To anyone looking, it’d seem like the Olsens are going bankrupt
Maggie hadn’t expected the old woman’s memory to be so sharp–she actually remembered a dress from over a decade ago!
“You do have an amazing memory, Aunt,” Maggie said with a forced smile. “Can’t believe you still remember that.”
Of course I remember,” the old lady replied. “You wore that dress at Lisa’s full–month celebration.”
Maggie stiffened.
The old lady continued, “Just take a look at your two daughters–one’s covered in jewelry, shining from head to toe, while the other doesn’t have a single accessory on her. It’s pretty obvious who you favor, isn’t it?”
The crowd couldn’t help but glance over at Lisa and Tiffany. Only then did they notice the stark contrast between the two. The difference in their outfits was night and day. The only reason Lisa still turned heads was because of her stunning looks- anyone else in that dull black dress would’ve looked at least ten years older.
Maggie could no longer keep up appearances. “Aunt, you might not know this, but Lisa’s never really liked jewelry. Even if we give it to her, she won’t wear it,”
She linked arms with Lisa, and under the guise of affection, pinched the soft flesh on her arm hard. Her voice remained sweet as she said, “Right, Lisa?”
Lisa lowered her gaze. “Yeah.”
“You hear that, Aunt? She said it herself, Maggie said quickly. “So, please don’t worry. I’ve always treated all the kids in this family equally. I’d never play favorites.
The old lady snorted. “You make it sound so convincing. Then tell me, if you’re really not playing favorites, why is this birthday party only for Tiffany? Lisa’s birthday is today too, isn’t it?”
Her words caused an uproar among the guests.
If the difference in their outfits could still be brushed off, this was harder to justify.
Her biological daughter and adopted daughter shared the same birthday, yet only the adopted one got a party. No one even knew today was Lisa’s birthday too.
Tve heard of people mistreating adopted kids, but the Olsens are out here doing the opposite–treating their biological daughter like this?”
“Maybe it’s because the adopted daughter’s
daughter was mussing for over ten years, would with them since she was little, so the bond’s stronger? But still, if your real
you want to dote on her even more after getting her back?”
They share the same birthday, what’s so hard about throwing a party for both? It’s obvious who’s being left out.”
“So weird… Does Maggie have a grudge against her own daughter?”
The murmurs and whispers were growing louder. Maggie took a deep breath, trying to explain. “That’s because … Because …*
Tiffany’s eyes welled up with tears as she suddenly spoke, “It’s my fault! I was being selfish. After what happened at my birthday party last year, I just wanted this year to be more special. I made Mom go through so much trouble, and she ended
1/2
10 09 AM
Chapter 20 She Owes You
up forgetting about Lisa Lisa, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”
+5 Free Coins
Tiffany had taken all the blame onto herself, and just as expected, the tide of criticism shifted in her direction. Maggie clenched her teeth, her resentment toward Lisa deepening-
Tiffany wasn’t even her real daughter, yet she still tried to protect her. And Lisa, her own flesh and blood, was nothing but trouble from the moment she came back..
“Enough” Xavier strode over, wrapping a protective arm around the trembling Tiffany. He snapped at Lisa, “Stop pretending to be the victim. Why don’t you tell everyone the real reason Mom didn’t want you at the party?”
“Xavier, don’t…Tiffany tried to stop him, but Xavier had already spoken. “Isn’t it because you ruined Tiffany’s dress out of jealousy last night? She had to wear a backup dress because of you! Lisa, being selfish and spiteful is one thing–but now you’re trying to stir up trouble in front of the elders? Unbelievable,”
Tiffany let out a helpless sigh. “Xavier, didn’t we agree not to bring that up again?”
“If you weren’t always so soft–hearted, would Lisa dare walk all over you like this!” Xavier crossed his arms and looked at Lisa. “I don’t know what lies you fed Great–aunt, but don’t think sweer words can change the truth. After everything Tiffany’s being accused of because of you, shouldn’t you be the one apologizing to her!!
Let that you want to
Lisa said calmly, “I didn’t ruin Tiffany’s dress. And today was the first time I ever met Great–aunt. Xavier, I get that you protect Tiffany, but that doesn’t mean you should blame everything on me.”
The old lady snorted. “Xavier, you’re being foolish. Lisa is your biological sister and yet you’re standing up for an outsider
instead.”
“Great–aunt, it really was Lisa who-
“Alright! Since you’re all so eager to take Tiffany’s side. I won’t waste my breath. The old lady cut him off, grabbing Lisa’s hand with a warm smile. Come on, Lisa, come with me. We don’t need to stay around people with no conscience.
Her daughter–in–law quickly apologized. Tm so sorry. She’s getting a little confused these days. She adores Lisa, even when she was younger. Please don’t take it personally”
Maggie was already holding back her anger, but she couldn’t afford to fall out with a family elder in front of so many people. Forcing a smile, she said stiffly, “Of course not.”
Xavier muttered sarcastically. “Well, she must be senile by now. I’d love to know what kind of spell Lisa cast on her to get that much favoritism.”
“Xavier!” Maggie snapped. “Don’t speak ill of your elders behind their backs
Xavier rolled his eyes and sneered. “Fine. Next time I’ll say it to that old hag’s face”
He ignored Maggie and turned to Tiffany “Forget about that crazy old lady and her rambling. Blood or not, you’re the only sister I recognize. Come on, let’s head over there. It’s your birthday, you should be happy, alright?”
“Thank you. Xavier. Tiffany nodded, wiped her tears, and smiled. “As long as you’re all here with me. I’m already happy.”
The old lady brought Lisa over to the balcony
She was getting on in years, drifting between moments of clarity and confusion, she spoke in circles, but Lisa was super patient. She simply stood by and listened to her quietly
ver had the chance to meet this great–aunt. She never
In her previous life, she hadn’t shown up to the banquet, so she’d never knew that one of the Obsens had actually cared about her this much.
But this rate kindness, rare truth, was also defined as ‘senile by her mother
“Good girl, don’t cry the old lady suddenly said. “It’s your mother who’s in the wrong. She owes you”
