Chapter 5

The farce ended with my dad giving Tiffany an unlimited black card as compensation.

I didn't care; I just wanted to go back to my room as quickly as possible to see if I had any jewelry or valuables left to sell.

But opening the door, the sight before me made my breathing stop.

In my own bedroom, my personal belongings were piled in a corner like trash, and my favorite white dress had several distinct footprints on it.

And on my bed, a litter of stray cats lounged, cat hair flying everywhere, coating every corner of the room.

The largest stray cat saw me and immediately arched its back defensively.

It seemed as if it would attack me if I took another step inside.

The memory of being attacked by stray cats as a child resurfaced in my mind, and my whole body involuntarily trembled.

"Skylar, I'm so sorry, you came back so suddenly, I didn't even have time to clean your room."

"My black cat is pregnant, so I had to bring her home. Your room is big and airy, perfect for cats. Dad said you wouldn't be back anytime soon, so I didn't tell you about it."

"Skylar, you're not going to be petty about this, are you?"

Tiffany's voice held a challenging tone, and the malice in her eyes was unconcealed.

Seeing my pale face, she walked closer, in excellent spirits, and whispered to me:

"Skylar, I heard you're terrified of cats. Do you like this gift I gave you?"

"If I were you, I'd just stay in Africa and not come back. Anyway, no one in this family loves you!"

"I advise you to leave willingly, or don't blame me for doing it myself!"

When we were little, Tiffany secretly put several stray cats in my room to attack me while I slept.

Now, she was using the same trick to try and drive me away.

At this moment, I could no longer suppress the rage in my heart and grabbed her by the neck.

Tiffany froze for a second, then immediately screamed:

"Dad, Mom, come save me! Skylar suddenly went crazy, she's trying to kill me!"

"I'm sorry, I was wrong, I won't dare do it again, Skylar, please let me go!"

"Skylar, I really didn't know you were afraid of cats, I won't ever just use your room again!"

Even with my hands around her neck, Tiffany didn't forget to act.

Just as I was about to slap her again, my hair was violently yanked.

The sudden sharp pain made me instantly release Tiffany.

My dad violently threw me to the ground.

"You little wretch! You've been home for less than half an hour and you've already thrown the house into chaos."

"Get out! From now on, I'll pretend I don't have a daughter like you."

My mom, even, rushed over and shielded Tiffany with her own body.

"Skylar! How did you become like this?! What did your sister ever do wrong that you have to bully her again and again?"

"I gave her permission to use your room to keep cats. If you're angry, take it out on me!"

My biological parents fiercely protected their adopted daughter, yet looked at me, their own flesh and blood, with hatred.

At that moment, the light in my eyes completely died.

I had truly become an orphan.

My hair was disheveled, and both sides of my face bore clear slap marks, but I didn't hesitate, trembling as I leaned against the wall to stand up.

Now, I just wanted to leave this place forever and never come back.

I said nothing, slowly making my way down the stairs, leaning on the railing.

"Wait!"

My mom's voice, filled with a hint of concern, spoke up:

"Skylar, why are you so thin? And why do you have so many needle marks on your arm?"