Unapologetically Me

I put on oven mitts and carried the cheesy seafood casserole to the dining table. But before I could even reach it, the scene that unfolded before me made my eyes sting.

My dad, Marcus Lawson, was a man who never had the patience to hear me out. He was sitting quietly on the couch, hanging on every word as Jocelyn shared funny stories from school.

My mom, Olivia Bennett, had an arm gently draped around her as she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind Jocelyn's ear.

Joseph sat nearby, his eyes brimming with amusement.

The whole family was gathered around her, like she was the star of the day.

I stood in the doorway, feeling like an outsider in my own home.

"Dinner's ready," I said softly.

Jocelyn looked up at me, a triumphant smirk flickering across her lips before she slipped into her best wounded puppy act.

"Joanna, are you still mad at me? Did… your wedding get wrecked because of me?"

Mom's expression immediately lost its warmth. "Joanna, what's with that attitude? Jocelyn's graduation only happens once in her life. If you've got a problem, keep it to yourself. Don't ruin the mood for everyone else."

Dad scowled and snapped, "Get over here already! Stop dawdling!"

Mom's tone was chilling as she warned, "If you dare hold a grudge against Jocelyn, don't bother calling me Mom anymore."

Jocelyn feigned concern as she tugged Mom's hand and cooed, "Mom, please don't be mad at Joanna. She must be upset that her wedding was called off."

She emphasized the words "called off", her eyes gleaming with deliberate provocation.

I raised my head and met her gaze, my voice devoid of emotion. "I'm not upset. Your graduation is a big deal. It deserves to be celebrated."

They all froze, as if they hadn't expected me to take it so calmly.

Just then, the door swung open.

Felix walked in, carrying a beautifully decorated cake. His voice was gentle, so much softer than it had ever been with me.

"Jocelyn, happy graduation. I had this custom-made for you. The little piano on top was personally made by a master pastry chef."

Jocelyn's smile was radiant, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Thank you, Felix. But… Did you forget to get something for Joanna?"

That was when he seemed to remember I was here. He pulled out a small slice of tiramisu from behind his back. "Joan, this is for you. Your favorite chocolate flavor."

I stared at the lonely piece of tiramisu, then at the extravagant strawberry cake on the table, and couldn't help but laugh bitterly to myself.

He had never bothered to learn what I liked. I didn't even eat chocolate, yet he kept giving it to me.

Over the years, it wasn't just my desserts that ended up in Jocelyn's hands. It was everyone's attention, too.

I reached out and took the tiramisu, my lips curving faintly. "Thanks."

My fingers accidentally brushed against the pregnancy test in my pocket.

Two lines, bright and clear.

This morning, I'd stood in the bathroom, staring at it for what felt like an eternity as my heart pounded uncontrollably.

I'd planned to tell Felix at the wedding, picturing his face lighting up with surprise. Maybe he'd even lift me into his arms and spin me around.

But none of that mattered now.

This child wouldn't be welcomed by anyone, but I'd protect them. Even if it were just me, I'd take them and leave this place.

I shoved the thought away and walked to the dining table.

The spread was almost entirely of Jocelyn's favorites, except for the seafood casserole I'd made. Mom, Dad, and Joseph kept piling food into her bowl, showering her with praise between bites.

"Jocelyn, you're the pride of our family. Landing a spot in a piano concerto right out of college is just incredible!"

"Yeah, Joanna's nothing like you. What else does she even have besides cooking?"

"Jocelyn, don't you follow her example. Kitchen grease and smoke will ruin your hands. They're meant for the piano."

Jocelyn flashed a sweet smile, then said with deliberate kindness, "Mom, Dad, you should try some of Joanna's cooking. She worked hard on it."

It was only then that Mom seemed to remember me. She casually dropped a single shrimp into my bowl as a token gesture. "You worked hard, Joan. Go on, eat some."

I gently set down my cutlery. "I'm full."

Mom's expression hardened instantly. Feigning innocence, Jocelyn said, "Mom, is Joanna still upset about the wedding being called off?"

Mom shot me a glare. "Eat it or don't. No one's begging you!"

In the next second, Jocelyn suddenly clutched her throat, her face flushing bright red.

"Mom! Help me… I can't breathe…"

When I looked over, angry red hives were already spreading quickly across her skin—a clear sign of an allergic reaction.

Dad shot to his feet, his sharp gaze locking on me. "Joanna, there's something wrong with the food you made!"

Mom's shrill voice followed. "I knew it! You're fuming, so you hurt Jocelyn on purpose, didn't you?"

Joseph stepped in front of Jocelyn, shielding her as if she were a fragile treasure. "I should've known you were up to something when you went all quiet."

Felix's gaze joined theirs—cold and distant, without a trace of doubt in their accusation against me.

Four pairs of eyes bore into me, pinning me in place.

I hadn't done a thing, yet their baseless accusations painted me as the villain who'd poisoned Jocelyn.

A chill crept through my chest.

So this was what I meant to them. I was nothing—not a daughter, not a sister, and not a fiancee. Just a shadow they could cast aside whenever they pleased, and a convenient scapegoat whenever things went wrong.