ted sense of security. The anxiety that had plagued me for the past six months finally eased a bit. This sense of security didn't stem from the 10% shar

ht of the family's favor. The sister I had once regarded as an a

wish. I looked at the only source of warm, orange-yellow light in th

my defenses to accept this sister wh

left wondering where she'd managed to find the time to gather those shells, and what kind o

xquisite presents in the fancy boxes, y

-aids, and asked the question I h

are you so

ountless times, "Beca

you're just afraid I'll take away your parents, I think you're overthinking it. Rather than vying for affection, having a

fingers, full of scratches and band-aids,

ings are insignificant compared to you. From the moment we met, you became my sister. Everything I've done is in hopes of being a good sis

need to remember that your sister is always on y

est part of my heart. Daisy's face bore a smile that could brighte

k a deep breath and opened my arms,

r bones feel sharp, yet this frail girl told me she

rs trickled down onto Daisy's neck. She patiently stroked my back, of

comforting embrace, I finally accepted my ide

meless, that she wasn't acting, and

e would be a

entered my world, becoming the most im

, and my parents' love became my soil, nurturin

iversity, and after graduation, we joined the Jennings Group to start

party, my parents never showed favoritism again. The l

ow I was the happiest

continue this way unti

olf in

he was incredibly hard-working, often pulling all-nighters. Even when

s family's biological daughter. I was already extremely grateful for the position they'd given

uently visit a nearby cozy bar, have a drink, listen to music, and pass the

n my usual spot, holding a Long Island

her, and the rich aroma of the high-proof alcohol, catal

I found myself too dizzy to rise easily. This action gave ill-intentioned people

sing his body firmly against mine. The stench of tobacco and alcohol on him was so overpowering t

away, but in my drunken state, my steps were uns

button on my phone, ready t

s held my shoulders, lifting me from the co

be mad at me; let's go home." His eyes were puppy-like, pleadin

inking," I pretended to be an

on of the small bar, and the three rough-looki

and I breathed a

ouldn't have stood a chance," he said, gently patt

glancing at him, then paused and added, "But thank you today. Other

t's best to avoid it next time. Fond of lemon? Then stick to your regular gin and tonic," He

s features sharp and refined, though his

a while. He said he'd been frequenting this bar daily, hoping t

is name w

ght, Rolf ent