Chapter 33
Grandma shouted, “What nonsense are you talking about? The groom ran away from the wedding, and instead of blaming him, you’re relentlessly accusing the bride? Are you all crazy?
“Ever since Amber came back, this family has been in constant turmoil, fighting day in and day out. It used to be bearable, but now, you downplay everything and blame it all on Ally…”
“Calm down, Grace. But this is all Allison’s fault. She’s the one who caused all the trouble. All
of us want a peaceful life,” said Mom.
“I’ve watched Ally grow up. Do you think I don’t know what kind of person she is? She’s as gentle as a little angel. She wouldn’t hurt even an ant.
“How could she harm her own sister? What would she gain from it? It’s you guys who keep getting deceived by Amber again and again.”
Just then, Amber rushed in, tears streaming down her face. “Grandma, I know I’ve been away from the family since I was little, and I haven’t been able to stay by your side to fulfill my
duties.
“But you shouldn’t slander me just because you favor Ally. I’m your granddaughter too! How can you treat me so differently?”
“You bitch! You’re the one causing all the trouble in our family! What has Ally ever done to you? You couldn’t leave her alone even on her wedding day!” Grandma shouted. Then, she grabbed her cane and swung it toward Amber’s head.
“Little bitch! You made waves at the Schultz family and made Ally disappear! I’ll kill you!”
Grandma had been bedridden for so long that she hardly had any strength left. Despite this, Shane was quick to step in. He shielded Amber and took the blow to his back.
Grandma was even more enraged. “Look at you two! Shameless! Flirting right in front of me. I can only imagine how brazen you are at the Lundberg residence. No wonder you’ve made Ally so miserable.”
I went from being cheerful to becoming timid and insecure, constantly paranoid.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off between Shane and Amber. The cycle of pain and temporary healing left me mentally exhausted. I had to rely on medication for years to keep myself stable.
I became increasingly silent and withdrawn. Noticing my change, Grandma felt bad for me.
As for the rest of the Schultzes, their attention was entirely on Amber. No one cared about my feelings, let alone noticed the changes in me.
“Grace, you’re going too far. Abbie has been raised by the Lundberg family for years, and
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Shane has always treated her like a sister. If you say things like that, what will others think of Abbie?” Mom defended Amber.
Grandma said with a face full of sorrow, “You’re so concerned about how others perceive Amber, but have you ever thought about Ally’s feelings? Shane is her husband!”
Tears slowly fell down her wrinkled cheeks. “Even though I’m bedridden, it doesn’t mean I’m blind. I know what’s happening in the family. Open your eyes and use your brains! Is Ally really that kind of person?”
Her words left everyone in the room deep in thought, as if they were reflecting on everything that had happened.
Grandma continued, “I heard she disappeared after leaving on her wedding day and hasn’t been seen since. And yet, here you all are, circling around this bitch and letting her play you for fools.
“Allison is the child you carried for ten months! How can a mother be so coldhearted, not even loving her own daughter?”
Shane, still holding Amber, looked shocked. “What did you say, Mrs. Schultz Senior? Allison hasn’t come home?”
The Schultzes exchanged glances. They must have been thinking what Shane was—that I had returned to the Schultz residence early to visit Grandma.
They hadn’t seen me and probably thought I was in the kitchen making Grandma’s favorite shortbread cookies, as I had done many times before.
Mom’s face went pale with shock. “Allison isn’t here?”
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