In our family, there were two daughters: myself and Elizabeth. It was clear to anyone that Elizabeth held the dearest spot in our parents hearts, and they didnt bother to hide their favouritism. Their preference for her began in her early childhood. She received the finest gifts and clothes, whilst I was left with whatever was leftover. Moreover, Elizabeth looked remarkably like our parentsher beauty was often admired. In contrast, I resembled my fathers brother, who was never considered handsome. My parents even went so far as to call me unattractive.
When we finished secondary school, my parents purchased a flat for Elizabeth in London and began refurbishing it. Meanwhile, I was sent to live with my grandmother in her three-bedroom apartment. During that time, my grandmothers health declined rapidly, and I had to dash home after school each day to see to her needs. One evening, she confided in me that shed intended to leave her apartment to my parents in her will. I implored my parents for help, as caring for an elderly woman alone was difficult, but they insisted they were too busy arranging Elizabeths flat.
Shortly before she passed, my grandmother revealed she had saved a considerable sum of money just for me. She urged me to keep this secret from my parents and quietly take the money for myself. After her funeral, my parents conducted an exhaustive search throughout the apartment for her savings, overturning every shelf and drawer, but their efforts were fruitless.
By then, Id bought my own modest two-bedroom flat and had started renovating it. Nonetheless, I stayed in my grandmothers home for a while longer. Two months later, my parents announced they intended to let her apartment because Elizabeth needed financial support; they said her sister was struggling. Naturally, I asked if I could have my own place. They replied that I was grown now and should fend for myself. So I did. Once my flat was finally ready, I moved in. I eventually found myself a partner, and our relationship was quite serious.
However, as soon as my parents discovered Id purchased my own flat, they branded me a thief. Tired of their endless disparagement, I told them to leave and severed all ties. Looking back now, I realise how much stronger I became, standing on my own, forging a new path far from their shadows.
