Landing Before Dawn

"I'm tired. Let me rest for a while," Michelle said.

Just as she expected, Parker and Janet wasted no time indulging in their inappropriate behavior, even on a boat.

The pain in her heart turned to cold determination as Michelle pressed the record button on her phone. It wasn't until the boat docked that their frenzy finally stopped.

While Michelle was in the backstage room preparing for the photoshoot, Janet handed her an ornate box and said, "Michelle, this is my engagement gift for you. I just know you'll love it," Janet said, her smile brimming with smugness before she walked off, looking as proud as a peacock.

Staring at the box for a long moment, Michelle hesitated. She couldn't imagine anything good inside, her heart aching faintly.

Summoning her courage, she opened it. An overwhelming stench hit her immediately, six used condoms and a tattered piece of vulgar lingerie. The revulsion was so strong that Michelle retched, her face turning deathly pale.

Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Janet: [Do you like the gift? Parker loved it.]

Eyes burning with unshed tears, Michelle let out a bitter laugh before anger overtook her, causing a mouthful of blood to spill from her lips.

At that very moment, Parker walked into the room, his face alarmed as he saw her, "Honey! Why are you coughing up blood?" Parker's voice was panicked as he swept her into his arms, carrying her towards the boat.

"We're not taking any photos! We're going to the hospital now," he murmured, more to himself than to her.

Michelle resisted his hold, managing a faint smile, "I'm fine."

Parker's face darkened with rare seriousness, "Honey, I forbid you to neglect your health like this."

Under his insistent demands, she was taken to the hospital. It was only when the doctor's report confirmed that Michelle was unharmed that Parker finally relaxed.

"I told you there was no way something could happen to my sister," Janet said, tone sweet yet cloying, but her words were interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Smith couple.

the Smith couple looked worried and nervously checked Janet's body, "What happened? Why are you at the hospital? Janet, say something! Don't scare your mom!"

"Michelle! Is this how you look after your sister? She's ended up in the hospital under your care! What kind of older sister are you?" Adele scolded her.

***

Michelle stood silently, watching the trio's dramatic display. Her face was cold, but there was a trace of scorn in her eyes.

So that's how it was, ten years of being raised by them was worth less than one blood tie.

Parker stepped forward, unable to bear her being wronged, "It was Michelle who wasn't feeling well and she's the one who needed a check-up. What does this have to do with Janet?" he said icily, gripping Michelle's hand tighter, a gesture of support.

"Mrs. Smith, your blatant favoritism is truly shocking," he added, his words hitting their mark as embarrassment flashed across Adele's face.

Looking at them with icy resolve, Michelle spoke slowly and deliberately, "You're right, I've never acted like an older sister. And I'll say it clearly, I have no sister. Janet will never be my sister."

She continued, "Since you've found your biological daughter, don't come looking for me anymore. As for the gratitude I owe you for raising me, I will repay it soon."

Seeing her resolve, Adele softened her tone, "Michelle, dear, that was wrong of me just now, but you should've told us beforehand. That's why I misunderstood!"

"We're family, why bring up repaying debts? Janet will need your and Parker's help in the future. Your father and I can't always be here for her, after all …" she pleaded.