Riley
The next morning.
My eyes fluttered open, as I woke up from my sleep. I was confused to find Xavier's side empty. Where is he?
I went downstairs and looked for Xavier everywhere. But, there was no trace of him. I decide to call him. After several attempts, I got annoyed. My calls were being redirected straight to voicemail.
Just then, my phone rang. But, my excitement died down when I saw that it wasn't Xavier calling me back.
"Mom."
Mom was silent as she drew a quick, hesitant breath. "We need you to come home. Let's talk over brunch. About everything."
"Oh, okay." I replied.
Pretty quickly, Mom hang up. I clutched my phone tightly. What was up with this cold attitude? I don't deserve any of it.
×××××××
I stepped out of my car after parking it nicely. My heels made a loud clinking sound against the marbled floor as I made my way inside my childhood home.
When I stepped closer to the dining room, I was surprised to see Xavier laughing and chatting away with my parents and Rhea. The four of them seemed to be enjoying each other's company over brunch. Why did they even bother inviting me if they were going to start eating without me?
"Xavier? What are you doing here?" I asked, stepping closer to the ding table.
The chatter and laughter died down. Xavier put down his cutlery, got up from his seat and approached me.
"Your parents invited me over. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you."
"Why didn't you?" I squinted my eyes in suspicion. "Matter of fact, why weren't you picking up my calls?"
Dad cleared his throat. "There's no need to argue." I was about to refute that statement, but Dad didn't let me. "Sit down and join us. There's enough food for everyone."
"We're not done with this conversation." I told Xavier, and went to take my seat beside his.
The maids quickly served me my plate. To be honest, I had no appetite.
Dad cleared his throat. "I know that as a family, we were supposed to sit down and talk about this earlier. But, it's not too late."
"I agree." Mom added. She then looked at me. "Riley, you'll always be our daughter, that'll never change. We just hope that you'll get along well with your big sister."
"Yes, Riley. I'm sorry about my behaviour at the hospital. That was wrong. I see that now." She smiled at me. "I'm just so happy that you're my little sister."
I remained silent. I hate that whenever I see Rhea, I'm always reminded that my life's never going to be the same. This identity of being the fake daughter will always haunt me.
"That's too bad. I don't consider you my sister. I never will." I spat the cold words that were full of venom.
"Riley!" Mom yelled.
"What?" I clutched my fork tightly. "She'll always be a perfect reminder that I'm nothing more than the fake heiress. Life was great before she came along!"
"You better take back what you just said." Dad said, coldly. "You're being unreasonable. Leave that bratty attitude, you're too grown to act that way."
"Dad!"
"Rhea is also our daughter just like you are. But one thing I won't tolerate is you disrespecting her." Dad said.
"Because she's your real daughter. Can't you see that she's ruining everything?!"
"Riley." Mom gave me a look of disapproval.
"Go home, Riley." Dad said.
His eyes were cold and void of any emotion. I couldn't believe that he was reprimanding me so harsh just because of that Rhea.
I looked at Rhea, my heart filled with even more hatred for her. This is all her fault!
"I don't want to repeat myself, Riley." Dad reminded me.
I huffed, quickly standing up from my seat. My chair fell down to the floor because of how quickly I got up. I started my car and drove out from the compound.