The Day My Mom Was Buried

3

When I got home that evening, the three of them were sitting down to dinner. My aunt was in my late mother's seat, wearing my mother's custom-made cheongsam and her jadeite bangle. She was completely transformed.

The moment she saw me, she immediately put on the airs of the lady of the house.

"Jasmine Sterling, how have you become so reckless? Spreading rumors online is illegal. If I wasn't taking into account that you're my niece, I would've already called the police to have you arrested!"

I shrugged and smiled faintly. "Is that so? Then go ahead and call the police. We'll see if what I said is true."

With that, I crossed my legs and sat down on the sofa, looking perfectly nonchalant.

Ella Shaw put down her chopsticks and started playing the innocent victim.

"Jasmine, it's one thing for you to slander Mom and me, but how could you slander Dad? Do you have any idea how much money his company stands to lose because of your selfishness?"

"If you're doing this to get back at me for being with Julian, you can just say so. We're truly in love, but I don't want our relationship to drive a wedge between you and your father."

"Jasmine, I'm willing to step aside."

As she spoke, fat tears rolled down her cheeks.

GAG~

My father slammed his hand on the table. "Jasmine Sterling, look at Ella, then look at yourself! Aren't you ashamed? She's a month younger than you."

"What's so hard about yielding to your younger cousin? If you can't do it, then get the hell out of this house!"

I scoffed. "Dad, do you even hear yourself? Kicking your own daughter out for your niece? Anyone who didn't know better would think Ella Shaw is your daughter, too!"

An unnatural look crossed my father's face.

My aunt said guiltily, "What nonsense are you talking about? Keep making things up, and I'll rip your mouth apart!"

Ella Shaw rubbed her nose and said nothing.

'So that's how it is. It couldn't be clearer. They all ganged up to hide the truth from my mom and me.'

'Fine. Well played. But if I don't turn this entire house upside down, then my name isn't Jasmine Sterling.'

I sneered, "I don't believe you. Do you dare take a paternity test?"

My father immediately flew into a rage. Stiffening his neck, he shouted, "Why the hell should I get a test? I didn't call you here to make a scene! I called you here to get on your knees and apologize to them! As long as they forgive you, you can come back home."

My aunt chimed in, "Jasmine, don't blame your father. What you did was just too much. He wants to teach you a lesson."

"Oh, Jasmine, you're still young. When you're older, you'll understand that we only have your best interests at heart!"

"Just get on your knees and apologize, and we can all still be a family. Your aunt will still dote on you just like before."

Ella Shaw smiled, gloating, and even pulled out her phone to record a video.

I casually pulled the paternity test report from my bag and waved it in their faces.

"Apologize for what? For secretly getting a paternity test for my father and Ella Shaw? For the results confirming they're father and daughter?"

I smirked, my smile dripping with mockery. "In that case, I am truly sorry!"