A Fate Reclaimed

"Mona, you really need to think this through. Our family isn't what it used to be. If you stay, you'll only suffer…"

My mother's voice pulled me out of those painful memories. I saw her holding Mona's hand tightly, her eyes full of reluctance and heartache.

I remembered it clearly. In my last life, when Mona chose to live a good life, my parents' eyes had been filled with satisfaction. They didn't even bother saying a single word to comfort me.

Of course. In their eyes, I was one year older than Mona, so I was supposed to give in to her in everything. I was the one who was meant to suffer.

It had always been that way, ever since we were kids.

Mona spoke with righteous passion.

"Mom, I know you love me, but I've grown up. Laura has never been able to handle hardship since she was little. I…"

Before she could finish, Mona's voice choked up. She glanced at me timidly, as if I had threatened her. In the end, she swallowed the rest of her sentence.

I sneered inwardly. How did I not see through Mona's fake act in my last life?

Sure enough, the moment Mona covered her face and cried, our mother's gaze toward me turned noticeably colder.

Mona even shot me a smug little smile.

"So, Laura, what do you think? Mona can't possibly handle a hard life…"

My father looked at me anxiously, as if hoping I would give a different answer.

It was always like this. They never stated their wishes outright. They knew I was soft-hearted and couldn't bear to see Mona lose out, so the only one who ever paid the price was me.

This question was really a threat, a warning for me to know my place, leaving me with no excuse to blame them later.

"I respect Mona's decision."

I lowered my eyes, hiding the chill in them. I pretended not to understand the deeper meaning behind my father's words.

My father froze for a moment, then let out a long sigh.

"Then it's settled. Laura, you'll marry into the Whites. Mona will stay and help me," he said. After a pause, he added, "Laura, once you're married, don't forget to help Mona out. Pay attention to the investment matter."

I remembered clearly how, in my last life, when Mona chose to marry Jonah, my father had only held her hand with concern and spoken earnestly.

"Just focus on living your life well. Don't burden yourself with the family. Our bankruptcy already dragged you down and lowered your standing with the Whites. We'll do everything we can to not trouble you again."

But when it came to me, I was expected to support the family at every turn.

What blatant favoritism.

So be it. I had already seen my own parents for who they truly were. The pain spread through me, but my heart was strangely calm.

I didn't answer. I just went upstairs and packed a few clothes.

Mona leaned against the doorframe, looking at me with open disdain.

"Life at the Whites isn't some cozy paradise. Go ahead and enjoy that psycho's love."

I only glanced at Mona indifferently, my face blank.

This time, I would be setting the rules of the game.