Nice Try, But No Kidney

"Oh, let me guess—you're about to say you gained weight because you were overworked after having me? That all the meds ruined your body?" Talia rolled her eyes. "Please. You're just lazy. Stop blaming me. Bianca had a kid too—why is she still slim?"

And just like that, it clicked. The real reason Talia never let me attend her school events. I used to think she was being considerate, that she knew crowds drained me. But no. She was just ashamed of me.

The perfect family I once believed in? Nothing but broken pieces.

"Sign the papers, or we'll settle this in court," I said, exhausted.

Talia scoffed. "You think threatening Dad with divorce will work? Have you seen yourself?"

Hudson let out a frustrated sigh. "Do you really have to make such a big deal out of this?

"Fine. Do whatever you want. But you're still coming to the hospital tomorrow. If you don't, don't expect a dime next month.

"Oh, and Bianca doesn't like hospital food—make something light for her. You cook all day anyway. One more meal won't kill you."

Talia groaned. "I was supposed to have a celebratory dinner with Bianca tonight. What a buzzkill." She shot me a look of disgust. "Let's go eat out. I can't stand pretending to be a sweet daughter to this old woman any longer."

Given her words, it almost felt like they and Bianca were the real family—while I was just the outsider. The disposable maid.

That night, I packed my things and left for good.