atical instructions, had prepared a simple meal of roasted chicken and vegetables

at his plate as if i

ed, his voice dripping with disdain. "We run a billion-do

said, not looking

cked at a piece of chicken with her fork

oftly. "It's much more than I'm used

t, aimed directly at m

hter can't even be bothered to arrange a proper welcome-ho

hat all you think about? Your family comes home after a year away, and you can't even be b

ompany's network security, which I've been doing flawlessly for the past twe

umped. "Maya is your sister now. You will show her respect. You will show us respec

I started to cry. This was when I begged them to unders

this

" I

n the air, heav

a dangerous shade of r

ave nothing to

logize," he commanded, his

without flinchi

enforcer. He shot up from his chair, rounded the ta

o kneel," he sn

harp, but the memory of a thousand worse pains from my first life burned hotter. He was strong, an athlete, and he pu

washed over me. I coughed, a dry, racking sound, and a small tri

them. My mother let out a small gasp. My father's face went pale

d up, not at them, but at the spot of blood.

ignoring the throb

were both in Zurich closing a deal. You left me with a nanny who didn't speak English. I ran a fever of 104 for three days. When

pped her. "Ava, that's not... we

m fine, an efficient machine running in the background. But now you have her." I flicked

ould feel it. Their guilt was a palpable thing in th

of her craft. She didn

let that happen. I have to rem

ting blanket, enveloped my parents and brother.

A good daughter wouldn't do that. A good daughter would forgive. She's cruel. She's tr

lt vanished from their faces, replac

dging up the past to hurt us. To hurt

ed. The irony

It was pointless. They were pupp

knee screaming in protest with every step. I di

nual Sterling Foundation Gala! You will attend, and you will be on your

, leaving my drop of blood on their