Chapter 4

A few minutes later, someone emerged from inside.

It was my brother, Jake Campbell.

Seeing me, his expression was surprised, almost wary.

"What are you doing here?"

It wasn't how you'd greet a sister you hadn't seen in a long time.

More like seeing someone you disliked.

I was used to it.

"I have something to discuss with Mom."

Jake hesitated before opening the gate.

"Come in, Mom's in the living room."

Stepping into the yard, I immediately noticed the newly planted flowers.

Winter jasmine, filling half the yard.

Victoria's favorite flower.

That spot used to be where I'd planted red camellias, trying to please Dad.

Now, there wasn't a trace left.

Catching my gaze, Jake said, "Victoria likes winter jasmine. Dad had them planted."

It sounded like an explanation, but it was just information.

After all, nothing of mine ever mattered in the Campbell house.

I looked away.

"Oh."

Jake gave me a strange look.

In the past, I would have been hurt by something like that.

Why was I so calm today?

Jake tried to find a hint of sadness on my face, but found none.

Before I even stepped into the living room, laughter reached my ears.

My mother, Eleanor Campbell, was holding a finished dress, draping it against Victoria.

"Robert, look, how's the dress I embroidered for Victoria?"

My father, Robert Campbell, nodded in admiration.

"Beautiful. The yellow winter jasmine looks truly elegant."

Victoria smiled, linking her arm through Eleanor's.

"Mom, your dresses are always the prettiest! I love them all!"

Eleanor looked at Victoria with loving affection.

"You're such a sweet talker."

Victoria loved handmade dresses.

Eleanor thought store-bought ones weren't good enough, so she'd personally made them for her for years.

Victoria was in her thirties, yet still acted like a child, playfully clinging to my mother.

She held up the dress and twirled around.

"Daniel, does this dress look good on me for the New Year?"

It was then I noticed Daniel, partially hidden by the wall.

He was sitting on the sofa, looking up at Victoria with a soft smile.

His misty blue sweater made him look incredibly gentle.

Nothing like the distant man he was with me.

"It looks great."

Hearing Daniel's warm, almost loving voice.

My heart ached subtly.

He had never told me I looked good.

Not once.

The scene before me was warm and touching.

Like a truly happy family.

Jake cleared his throat.

"Dad, Mom, Sarah's back."

Everyone's smiles froze.

Eleanor turned and met my gaze.

Her eyes darted away, then she spoke awkwardly.

"Sarah's back."

Her tone was distant, polite, utterly devoid of the warmth she showed Victoria.

Robert sat up straighter, not sparing me a glance.

"What are you doing here?"

His tone made it sound like I was the outsider.

And it was true; apart from the Campbell name, I was nothing like a Campbell.

Victoria fluttered the dress, smiling at me.

"Sarah, this is what my godmother made for me. Don't think too much of it."

Robert scoffed at her words.

"Your mother can make dresses for whoever she wants. It's not up to you to approve."

A flicker of triumph crossed Victoria's eyes.

It was always like this.

Victoria's few words were enough to turn my family against me.

I used to argue, but now I had no energy left.

Daniel watched my silence, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

I wouldn't have been so cold before.

What was wrong with me today?

Suppressing the pain in my heart, I stepped forward.

"Dad, Mom, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Nonsense, how could your mother ever think you're interrupting?"

Eleanor reached for my hand, but I pulled away.

Eleanor's smile stiffened, and she awkwardly withdrew her hand.

I didn't want pleasantries; I went straight to the point.

"I'm here today to retrieve the white jade pendant my grandmother left me."