When I Had Telepathy, I Started to be Myself

I'd finalized the purchase and signed the contract for my new house.

It was conveniently close to the office—just a ten-minute walk away.

But Julia wasn't giving up. A few days later, she and Natalie showed up at my doorstep, putting on a sob story about being broke and desperate.

By the time I got home from work, a crowd of neighbors had gathered outside, whispering and pointing.

Julia was sitting on the steps, tears streaming down her face as she vented her grievances to the onlookers.

"Mom and Dad passed away too early," she lamented, "I gave up college and spent every penny I earned on my sister's education. And look where I am now!"

It was true that Mom and Dad died young, but Julia never helped me with school.

I worked multiple jobs to cover my tuition and living expenses.

The neighbors eyed me with suspicion as I walked up, holding a bouquet and dressed in stylish, high-quality clothes.

Julia and Natalie, on the other hand, were wearing faded, worn-out outfits. The contrast made it look like I was the ungrateful, self-indulgent one.

A nosy neighbor couldn't hold back and pointed an accusatory finger at me. "Look at the good life you're living now, all thanks to your sister. You're such a thankless wretch!"

Julia, ever the manipulator, gave a dismissive wave. "Christina is my sister. No matter how she treats me, I won't hold it against her."

She walked up to me, enveloping me in a false show of affection. "Christina, I know you're a good girl who appreciates kindness. You'll take care of your niece, won't you?"

For a brief moment, her sickly sweet gaze nearly threw me off balance.

But her inner thoughts hit me like a thunderbolt: Now that so many people are watching, I bet you're too embarrassed to hold your ground!

Julia was trying to use her pitiful act to force me into submission through public pressure.

I was having none of it. If it was a pity party she wanted, I could play that game too—better than her.

Tears began to flow freely down my face as I choked out, "Julia, do you remember when you tried to burn my college acceptance letter so I'd marry that old bachelor from the next village just to get the bride price for your husband's car? Have you forgotten?"

If I hadn't acted quickly back then, I'd have fallen right into Julia's trap.

Once the scheme was exposed, she had tried to pull a fast one on me, saying, "This marriage was arranged by Mom and Dad. I didn't want you to get married!"

I had been duped then, but now I wondered if her plans to use me for financial gain had started back then.

I didn't bother to wipe my tears or snot, letting them smear my face as I threw myself into the arms of the nearby woman, putting on a show of utter despair.

Julia was caught off guard by my refusal and immediately caved in instead of matching her drama. Seemed momentarily at a loss.

Natalie, ever the opportunist, fell to her knees in front of me. "Aunt Christina, you can hit me or scold me, but don't accuse my mom of things she didn't do!"

I crouched down and grabbed Natalie's chin. "Accuse her? Let your mom swear on our deceased parents to see if I'm lying."

In that instant, I heard Natalie's inner voice. You rotten-hearted wretch, may you get what you deserve!

I was no longer fazed by the spiteful thoughts of this mother-daughter duo.

I smiled, releasing Natalie and standing up to face Julia. "Julia, care to make an oath?"

Julia remained silent, glaring at me with venomous intensity.

The onlookers' curiosity was piqued as all of them turned to Julia, eager to see if she would dare to swear an oath.

I was just as curious to see if she had the audacity to lie through her teeth.