Chapter 3

Hazel POV

Before I'd even left the visa center, Adam's call came through.

"Hazel, where are you?"

Before I could answer, a staff member's voice came from behind me: Your visa materials have been collected. Processing will take approximately ten business days.

"What visa?" Adam's tone tightened sharply. "You're applying for a visa? What for?"

I gripped my phone, trying to keep my voice normal. "I want to travel and gather inspiration for my designs in a little while."

Adam seemed to believe me. His tone relaxed. "I'll go with you when I'm done with work."

He paused, then continued, "Come home today. Your place, I mean. Your sister is back. It's her birthday today. We need to go over."

My hand clenched my clothes.

In the past, Adam never proactively made me go back to the Jones house. He always said, "If the Jones house makes you unhappy, you don't have to go. That's not your home."

As soon as Winnie came back, he changed.

I said softly, "I don't want to go."

"Don't be difficult."

Adam's tone grew heavy.

"She's your sister. You're still part of the Jones family."

So with Winnie back, I was part of the Jones family again.

Adam didn't give me a chance to refuse. He picked me up and brought me back to the Jones house without question.

The Jones family living room was piled high with gifts for Winnie.

As soon as I walked in, Winnie came up to me, opening her arms to embrace me. Her tone was sickeningly sweet.

"Hazel! I haven't seen you in years. I missed you so much!"

My body went rigid. I struggled to maintain calm.

Dad snorted coldly.

"Why the long face? Your sister finally came home. Can't you show a little warmth?"

Mom took Winnie's hand and turned to Adam with a smile.

"Winnie, this is your brother-in-law, Adam."

Winnie blinked, speaking sweetly. "I love the necklace Hazel gave me. Thank you!"

Adam looked at her, his expression gentle. "I'm glad you like it."

I stood to the side, my nails digging into my palms.

At dinner, Adam instinctively sat next to Winnie instead of beside me.

I glanced at the dishes on the table. All things I didn't like.

I wasn't surprised.

Winnie loved spicy food. When she was home, the dinner table was always dominated by spicy dishes.

I couldn't handle spice. As a child, I often could only drink water.

Nothing was different now.

Like before, I drank water without eating. I didn't make a sound.

Adam had taken good care of me for five years, but with Winnie back, I'd become that Hazel in the corner again. The one no one cared about.

"Hazel, you can't just drink water without eating anything."

Winnie looked at me with a smile.

"Come on, eat. Have more."

Mom glanced at me irritably.

"Leave her alone. She's perfectly healthy. She doesn't need to eat! Winnie, you eat more!"

Adam was focused on taking care of Winnie. He'd completely forgotten about me.

The birthday cake was brought out. The whole family raised their glasses to wish Winnie happy birthday, having her blow out the candles and make a wish.

Adam smiled, his gaze following Winnie the whole time.

I held my water glass, sitting quietly in the corner.

The maid brought out a new hot dish. It was scalding.

There was water on the floor. The maid slipped, and the bowl flew straight toward Winnie.

Adam reacted instantly, swatting the bowl away and pulling Winnie firmly into his arms.

The scalding food, deflected by Adam, splashed onto me.

I cried out. My arm turned bright red over a large area.

Only then did Adam notice he'd splashed the food onto me. His expression changed sharply. "Hazel! I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

In the past, if I cut my finger even slightly while chopping vegetables, he'd be so distressed he'd never let me touch a knife again.

Adam let go of Winnie and was about to come check on me.

Winnie cried out at just the right moment. Some of the soup had splashed onto her fingertip.

Adam's attention immediately shifted. He held Winnie's hand, examining it carefully. "Does it hurt? Don't be scared. Let me see."

Mom rushed to stand up. "I'll get the burn ointment! Winnie, hang in there!"

Dad looked at me with disgust, scolding coldly.

"So clumsy! Stop embarrassing yourself. Go change your clothes!"

I stood there. The scalding soup dripped down my arm. My skin had already turned bright red.

No one asked if I was burned. No one asked if it hurt.

The whole family bustled around Winnie's single finger.

Adam lowered his head, bringing Winnie's finger to his lips and gently blowing on it.

I looked down, turned, and went upstairs.

My arm burned with pain.

But my heart hurt even more than my arm.