Ch. Forgot what 7 Forgot what 7

**7** 

That evening, having nowhere to go, I tried to sneak back home. 

If Willow forgave me. 

Could I finally go home? 

Mom must have been too busy, so she forgot she had a little daughter wandering outside, right? 

I stood outside the mansion, dazzled by the courtyard lights. 

The mansion was brightly lit, filled with laughter. 

Mom was placing a crown on Willow’s head. 

Willow looked shy and coy, truly like a princess. 

Dad clapped excitedly, tears welling in his eyes. 

Christian’s lips curved slightly as he looked at Willow. 

The light from the crystal chandelier cascaded down, soft and warm, a perfect picture of earthly bliss. 

Oh, so it was Willow’s birthday tonight! 

Then, it was my birthday too. 

Willow and I were twins. 

From childhood, our birthdays were always celebrated together. 

Only, Willow was always the star. 

Everyone gathered around her to sing “Happy Birthday.” 

Only she was allowed to blow out the candles. 

Everyone only cared about what wish she made. 

As for me, I only ever got a mere slice of Willow’s cake. 

Once, I curiously blew out the candles first. 

Willow cried heartbrokenly. 

Dad swept the cake off the table, yelling, “Nobody’s eating!” 

Later, Mom and Dad took Willow to a luxurious hotel to re-celebrate that birthday. 

I knelt on the floor and ate the smashed cake. 

I gave a bitter laugh, looking at the brightly lit mansion. 

So, Mom hadn’t forgotten her little daughter was still out there. 

She had forgotten that besides the dazzling Willow, she had another daughter. 

Wiping away my tears, I turned and left.