Chapter 3
“Why? Why is it like this?”
“Jason, am I their adopted daughter? Or is this some kind of project where m just
experimental subject?“]}]
Jason seemed to understand my confusion. He raised an eyebrow and wagged his finger. “No, you’re actually a Thompson by blood“]
“As for why they raised you poor? Simple–because I’m the only true heir to the Thompson fortune?
“Emma, you were born just one minute before me. Did you think that entitled you to anything?”
“This isn’t your place. Get lost!“]
“Poor little thing, don’t look at me like that. Mom and Dad invested quite a bit in raising you, you know!”
“Oh, and stop visiting Grandma and Grandpa. They’re too old to keep up the charade for you!
Jason sped through the gates, leaving me standing there as everything clicked into place
My birth and Jason’s were apparently tied to inheritance issues
But what had I done wrong? All I ever wanted was my parents‘ genuine love!
They’d deceived me for years, though their care seemed real enough
Now, looking at the mansion and that motorcycle. I questioned how much of thy
I turned to leave.]]
Before going, 1 called Dad: “Dad, are you coming home for dinner tonight?
“Can’t make it tonight, Emma. Gotta work overtime to make that money, you kno
“Your mom too, by the way!”
Yet I could clearly hear a motorcycle engine roaring in the background of his call
I softly replied “olcay.” my decision already made.]
Hon was ever genuine.
Back hoone, I started packing while applying for a special research project the university had announced []
The project was based in the Las Vegas desert–three years of isolation with zero outside contact. Perfect.]
After packing, I printed the photo Fd takon of Jason on his motorcycle and placed it on my bedside table
That night, they didn’t come home. I was alone,
I tried calling Dad again, but no answer!]
De, na usual:[]
Meanwhile, Thompson Enterprises was hosting a lavish Christmas party with generous houses. Employees were posting thanks on Instagram
Os regular employee received a $40,000 hos
Many others posted photos from the event.]]
There were my parents–Dad in a tadored wait, Mean with impeccable makeup, dripping with elegance, both holding champagne Outes]
In the center of it all was jason, surrounded by admirer
My parents seemed certain I was too busy working to notice any social media posts
They forgot that I was just an ordinary girl, r
, raised in manufactured poverty. How could I not be drawn to glimpses of the “rich life” online?||
A reporter interviewed them about their New Year’s plans.]
Dad smiled into the camera: “My son Jason turns twenty two this year. We always take a family trip–we’re leaving today, actually“]
My heart sank. I was nventy two as well. The farthest I’d ever been was a summer camp at the University of Miami during elementary school.]
I laughed bitterly, picking up Jason’s photo, running my fingers across it
The irony was, after I started college, my parents” “poor act” became almost obsessive.]]
They told me I was an adult now and needed to be responsible for myself.
Fine. If that’s how they wanted it
I grabbed my bags and headed toward Las Vegas without a second thought.|||
Mom, Dad–goodbye forever!
