A Fake Poverty that My Parent Build for Me

Dad admonished me, then hurriedly left the house with Mom.

"Talking about work? Really?"

With my heart full of doubts, I secretly followed them outside, only to see that familiar Lamborghini.

Moments later, Celline stepped out of the car and dove straight into Mom's embrace, her movements far more natural than mine had ever been. Mom’s face softened into a doting smile. Meanwhile, Dad frowned and scolded, "Didn’t I tell you not to come here? Why did you sneak over?"

Unfortunately for them, there is no such thing as a completely impenetrable secret—I already knew the truth.

"I missed you guys." Celline pouted, then pulled out a pair of movie tickets and said, "Mom, Dad, come to the movies with me tonight, okay? The last time we went together was two months ago."

Mom and Dad exchanged glances, hesitation flickering across their faces. Seeing this, Celline pouted again, her voice taking on a pitiful tone. "Mom, Dad, am I not your favorite daughter?"

"Of course you are!" Mom immediately reassured her.

Celline blinked innocently and added, "Oh, is it because Sister Naomi wants you to accompany her? If that's the case, then you should go with her instead. I don’t mind." Her falsely sweet tone sent shivers down my spine.

"No, it’s not that!"

"We have a meeting with a client tonight. We'll see if we're free later," Mom quickly denied.

Dad nodded. "Yes, we'll call you if we’re free."

"Alright then." Celline feigned disappointment as she got back into the car.

I clenched my fists, feeling a storm brewing in my chest, but I didn’t confront them. Instead, I silently returned home, waiting to see whom they would ultimately choose to spend the evening with.

Normally, when I went out with Mom and Dad, I would wash my hair, put on perfume and dress neatly. But tonight, I felt no desire to do any of that.

By the end of the night, Dad suddenly turned to me and said, "Naomi, the company just notified us that we need to work overtime tonight. Your mom and I have to go, so—"

"You guys go," I interrupted before he could finish.

Dad hesitated for a moment before sighing in relief. "Alright. Stay home and go to bed early. There are noodles in the kitchen. If you get hungry, cook yourself some dinner."

I watched them leave, my vision blurred by tears.

In the end, they still chose her. They abandoned their own biological daughter to spend time with their precious adopted one. I just wanted to be with them for one evening. Was that really too much to ask? Why are they doing this to me?

I ran into my room, my chest heaving with emotion and began tearing through the stack of birthday greeting cards my parents had written me over the years.

"Little Feather, we hope you have a joyful new year! Mom and Dad love you!"

"Naomi, you've grown up again. Don't stress too much—your health and happiness are what matter most."

"Our Naomi is the sweetest and most understanding girl! She truly is our little angel!"

These cards had been my only birthday gifts every year. I had cherished them because they had felt like proof of my parents’ love. But now, I realized—it was all a lie.

I tore them apart, along with the certificates and awards I had worked so hard for over the years. I had studied tirelessly, spending every free moment in the library. I had even turned down an opportunity to study abroad, all because I wanted to stay close to my parents and support them. But now, all my efforts felt meaningless. Another sleepless night. Another night spent in tears. And then, a sudden realization struck me— I had to start living for myself.

Without hesitation, I picked up my phone and called my college professor.

"Professor Joe, are there still any openings for the overseas study program?"