It was unknown when Nina had fallen asleep. When she woke up, her body was already sore from sitting in the same position the entire night. After massaging her limbs, she stood up and pulled open the curtains on the windows.


    Her eyes rested upon the golden arcing rays that illuminated outside.


    The sunlight conjured the most brilliant of mosaics, reflecting from each leaf and cloud. As if it were happy to create art where it shone, warm and steady.


    But unlike the joy in the light, there was only darkness in Nina’s life.


    After she freshened up, she entered the kitchen and prepared breakfast for everyone.


    Although the Santiagos were considered slightly well-off, they did not have any helpers.


    But they did have her though, the unofficial maid.


    She was solely in charge of all the household chores, includingundry, cooking, cleaning, and so on.


    By the time she was done preparing the food, everyone had gathered at the dining table.


    The family of three was discussing something fervently but immediately quietened down when she came out.


    Serving them, Nina pulled out her chair and began eating, ignoring their asional nces.


    Mr. Santiago cleared his throat and started. “Alyson was carelessst night and did not notice that the makeup products were expired.”


    Nina paused and raised her head.


    Mr. Santiago avoided her gaze guiltily and spoke. “It was my fault for not knowing the truth and ming you. But you should understand that Dad only did it because he loves you both equally and can’t see you two at loggerheads.”


    “That’s right, Nina. You both are the daughters of this family. You won’t mind this bit of misunderstanding, will you?” Mrs. Santiago continued, ying her role of a loving mother.


    A mocking look appeared in her eyes as she watched the hypocritical acts of the couple.


    This was how it was. Every time something happened, they would release their frustration on her and treat her like a punching bag. Curse her for being a jinx and, as soon as the day passed, they would act as though nothing happened.


    Nina was ustomed to it and continued eating her breakfast, not entertaining them.


    Mr. Santiago cursed in his head at herck of response but calmed himself after getting a look from his wife. With a smile, he turned to Nina. “Yesterday we did not have a proper celebration for Alyson’sing-of-age ceremony, hence I have booked a table in the restaurant tonight to make up for the same.”


    “I’ll skip. I have work to do.” Nina declined.


    “What work can be more important than your family?” Annoyed, Mr. Santiago asked angrily.


    At that moment, Alyson, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke. “Sister, I know you’re angry about what happenedst night. I was just too excited about my birthday and did not check the products beforehand, causing all the misunderstanding. If you want to want to vent your anger, I’ll let you hit me. I can also kneel for you. Please forgive me.” To prove her sincerity, Alyson stood up from her seat but was immediately held down by her mother.


    “Alyson, what are you doing? Your sister is very magnanimous and won’t hold it against you. Right, Nina?”


    Nina remained unfazed by her crocodile tears. She ced down the spoon and leaned back on the chair unhurriedly. “Alright, kneel if you want me to forgive you.”


    Alyson was spoilt by her mother. From a young age, she was overbearing and selfish. Nina really wanted to see how long she could keep up the pretense.


    “Presumptuous!” Mr. Santiago threw his cutlery and stood up angrily while Mrs. Santiago’s face also darkened.


    “What? She was the one who suggested it.” Nina shrugged her shoulders and said coolly. “Or were you just doing lip service?”


    Alyson bit her lower lip. Tears immediately gathered in her eyes, ready to fall any second. Her demeanor of a delicate and pitifuldy immediately softened the hearts of her parents.


    “You…”


    “Alright. I’ll apologize to you on her behalf. Let bygones be bygones. Today is a good day. Nina, remember to dress up properly tonight.” Mrs. Santiago intervened, mediating the situation. If this went on, they could forget about taking action tonight.


    Nina sneered inwardly as they rambled on, feeling the urge to ssh the hot soup on their faces. They portrayed their words beautifully, making her the viin.


    When they were happy, they would talk about familial ties. When they were not, they would be utterly heartless.


    She expressed her assent. If she did not agree, they would continue to cause a ruckus until they coerced her into conceding to their request.


    “Alyson is such a sensible girl. You’re older than her, but still not half as understanding.” Her fathermented disappointedly.


    Nina suddenly lost her appetite and excused herself.


    After making sure she was nowhere in sight, Alyson turned serious and asked in a low voice, “Dad, are you sure this will work? There’s still one final round left before I sign the contract. I really don’t want to lose this golden opportunity.”


    Mr. Santiago patted Alyson’s shoulder and said confidently. “Don’t worry. I’ve asked around and invited Mr. Lawrence. At worst would just let Nina take the hit for us.”


    Mrs. Santiago also reminded her. “Alyson, it wasn’t easy for your father to invite that person. Don’t disappoint us.”


    —


    The evening sky was aglow with bright city lights. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery w in the night sky.


    Mr. Santiago and his family arrived in their car at the hotel. It was a three-star Michelin restaurant. The couple had gone all out for their darling daughter’s birthday dinner.


    Tonight, Nina wore a gorgeous redce dress that entuated her lithe figure. Her long ck hair was down, making her face appear small and delicate.


    Alyson looked at her, green with jealousy.


    Unlike her, who was dressed head to toe in brands, the miser in front of her was wearing clothes she had stitched with her own hands.


    No matter howvishly she dressed and dolled herself up, she would always be reduced to her shadows once Nina appeared in the picture.


    She really hated Nina to the core.


    But after tonight, she would see if she can continue to be smug. Thinking about what was about to happen tonight immediately put her in a good mood.


    With a sweet smile, she walked towards Nina and held her arms intimately. “Sister, you look really beautiful. I wonder how many men will break their hearts tonight.”Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    Nina furrowed her gentle brows when thetter came up to her. Although this wasn’t the first time, she was still ufortable with her touch.


    Alyson knew very well that she hateding into close contact with anyone, yet she would alwayse up with ways to make her feel disgusted.


    Inside the hotel’s private room.


    Laughing and chattering could be heard inside the room. Dishes were served on the table. Aside from their family, there was also a middle-aged man in his sixties. He was one of the investors of thepany Alyson had auditioned for.


    Although they imed it was a family dinner, Nina knew that her family was just trying to suck up to the investor.


    Throughout the dinner, she noticed the investor, Henry Lawson’s obscene gaze, had been fixated on her body, as though she were a delicacy that hadnded in his hands. Her stomach churned in disgust whenever he ‘identally’ touched her. Anyone with eyes could see through his intentions, but her father chose to turn a blind eye to it.


    Nina wasn’t oblivious to how the entertainment industry worked. This type of thing was somon that it had been normalized in their workce. Hence, she had never liked the idea of Alyson entering the entertainment industry. With great fame came great consequences. But Alyson did not care about any of it. She and her parents only wanted to integrate themselves into the upper ss of society. And for that, they would resort to all means.


    Hence, she could only endure.


    The rest of the dinner went on quickly. Her parents were in a good mood and even Alyson was all smiles as she talked with Henry.


    As they wrapped up the dinner, Mr. Santiago called the server and asked him to bring over Gerard Boy.


    He filled up his ss and gave his precious daughter a toast. “Here, cheers to Alyson for turning eighteen! May you have a bright future ahead.”


    Nina unhurriedly picked up her ss and lightly clinked it with the others.


    After gulping it down, she excused herself and went to the bathroom. As soon as she left the room, she heaved a huge sigh.


    Finally, she could go home.


    After she was done with her affairs, she stood in front of the washbasin and washed her hands.


    Suddenly, a warm feeling rushed through her body, causing her to sway slightly.


    Nina quickly held on to the stand to support herself.


    There was a dry and hot sensation within her body that made her incredibly unwell. She felt something was wrong with her body. Just as she was about to call out someone for help, her head spun and her vision turned ck before she fell into unconsciousness.