My Aunt's Will

I knew that it was human nature to be biased. While I was running around paying bills and coordinating her care, Aunt Leah didn't so much as acknowledge my efforts.

Yet, the moment Camila walked through the door, she showered her with concern.

It was clear as day to the outsiders watching. I was the one running up and down the hospital halls with the payment slips.

I was the one constantly checking with doctors about Aunt Leah's condition and the details of her care. As her niece, I had acted more like a dutiful daughter than her actual child.

Aunt Leah's favoritism wasn't just disappointing. It was downright shameful.

If the others in this room were hurt, I was sure they'd want someone like me by their side. Not a child who dragged their feet for half a day before finally showing up at the hospital.

Even so, Aunt Leah and Camila seemed oblivious to the subtle shift in the family's attitude toward them.

"Oh, Mom, stop worrying about me! When I heard about your accident, I was so scared that I could barely breathe," Camila said with a dramatic flair.

"If I hadn't been so busy studying and missed my phone notifications, I would've rushed to the hospital immediately to take care of you."

Her words sounded nice, but since walking in, she hadn't even thought to pour her mother a glass of water.

Still, her earnest expression made her performance believable. It was as if she really were some diligent student too consumed with her studies to notice the world around her.

If we hadn't all seen her social media post earlier, we might've fallen for it.

Uncle Randy's expression darkened further. Showing up late was one thing, but lying about it was another. As a teacher, he despised deceit more than anything.

He had already been displeased with Camila. Now, he was starting to feel a quiet disdain.

On the other hand, Aunt Athena wasn't the type to hold back. Unlike Uncle Randy, who could keep his frustrations in check, she went straight to the point.

"You've been in this hospital for hours, and she only just got here? The school isn't far from here, is it?" Aunt Athena said bluntly to Aunt Leah.

"Anyone with half a brain can see where her priorities lie.

"And look at Paisley. She's been running around nonstop. She hasn't even sat down for a sip of water, and you don't have a word of concern for her?

"Yet you're worried about Camila, who hasn't lifted a finger? Are you out of your mind?"

Her words were sharp, but the truth in them made Aunt Leah's face fall. It was only then that Aunt Leah finally looked at me. However, Camila jumped in before she could say a word.

"Well, isn't it her job to take care of my mom?"

"My mom took her in after her father died young. She worked so hard to raise her. What's wrong with asking her to put in some effort now?

"And let's not forget, our family's money doesn't grow on trees. Why should we waste it on someone who freeloads off us?"

Camila crossed her arms as she said this. There was a smug expression on her face as she glared at me with disdain.

I'd heard these words nearly my whole life.

The room immediately fell silent, and all eyes turned to me. What Camila said wasn't wrong—it was the truth.

My parents died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver on their way to my graduation ceremony when I was in my final year of middle school. From that moment on, I became an orphan.

Thankfully, Aunt Leah took me in and gave me a roof over my head.

Of course, living with her meant daily chores—cleaning the house, doing laundry, and cooking meals. Plus, I didn't get pretty clothes or an allowance like Camila did.

Even so, I never felt resentment toward her. I understood that Aunt Leah owed me nothing. Even though I worked hard for her, she gave me a place to stay and the chance to go to school.

That was why, even in my previous life, I didn't hate her after caring for her for 15 years and being dismissed with a mere 50,000 dollars.

I just pitied myself for foolishly hoping to gain something that wasn't mine to begin with. Out of gratitude for what she'd done for me, I never even thought of revenge.

However, I wouldn't blindly devote myself to her care this time around. The bridge between us would stay where it belonged, and our paths would diverge.

Once I started working, I planned to repay Aunt Leah every penny I owed her. But before that, I'd make sure to calculate everything in front of the family to avoid any disputes later on.

I didn't stay silent this time. I nodded and said, "Camila's right. Aunt Leah's kindness to me is something I'll always remember."

Aunt Leah's face lit up with satisfaction upon hearing my response.

Camila, too, raised her chin even higher. She looked as smug as a peacock flaunting its feathers.

But the next moment, I reached into my bag and pulled out a notebook.