My parents forbade me from celebrating my 18th birthday because my sister didn’t feel special enough. So I moved out that night. A year later, their golden girl saw how successful I’d become, and her jealous meltdown shattered the family.

just determination and spite.

“You okay?” Marcus asked, pulling me closer.

“Yeah,” I said—and meant it. “I really am.”

My phone buzzed. Another text from my mother.

“We’re willing to reconcile if you’re ready to be mature about this situation.”

I snorted, and the sound turned into a sharp breath.

Instead of replying, I blocked the number and turned off continue reading …