A fake poverty that my parent build for me novel

08 Why come back to me now ? I met my mom and dad at a coffee shop .

They looked worn out haggard expressions , bloodshot eyes and strands of gray hair streaking their temples .

Even their usually impeccable attire was absent , replaced by something plain .

Eighty percent of it had to be an act .

After all , they had spent twenty years pretending .

I thought to myself as they rushed over , practically stumbling in their eagerness to reach me .

Their eyes roamed over me , scrutinizing every detail as if to reassure themselves I was still intact .

Its good that you havent lost any weight , Dad mumbled hurriedly , Little Feather , weve been worried sick about you , Mom added , her eyes reddening .

Afraid that youd be bullied out there .

There was a time when such words would have pierced my heart , making me ache for them .

But now , ther nothing no sorrow , no warmth , just a hollow amusement .

It all felt so scripted .

Little Feather , I brought you a gift .

Dad pulled out a diamond necklace , the stones glinting under the cafés dim lighting .

I had an international master custom make it just for you .

Your name is engraved on it priceless .

You couldnt buy this anywhere , no matter how much money you spent , Mom chimed in .

Also , it must be inconvenient living in a dormitory , right ? Well buy you a villa nearby , hire dozens of bodyguards .

Oh , and a sports car too ! Any model you want , just say the word .

They were overflowing with enthusiasm .

Yet I remained as indifferent as ever , I gave the necklace a brief glance .

A Fake Poverty that My Parent Build for Me before pushing my coffee cup aside .

I dont need anything .

My voice was calm , but firm .

Give them all to Celline .

Shes your favorite daughter , isnt she ? At my words , Mom and Dad visibly froze , disappointment spreading across their faces like a storm cloud .

Ah … Dad let out a heavy sigh .

Little Feather , we were wrong in the past .

We shouldnt have lied to you … shouldnt have raised you so poorly .

I leaned back in my chair , stirring my coffee lazily .

Then tell me why ? Why did you do it ? Dad opened his mouth but hesitated .

Because … because … Its come to this point , just be honest , Mom interjected with a sigh .

She hesitated before finally admitting , When you were born , all the nannies and drivers in the house said you were unattractive .

My grip tightened around my coffee cup .

One of the older nannies suggested that we keep you hidden and try for another baby instead .

She bit her lip .

But even after two years , nothing worked , no matter what methods we tried .

So that same nanny suggested we adopt a child .

Originally , she wanted us to send you to an orphanage … but we couldnt bring ourselves to do it .

Her voice cracked as tears welled in her eyes .

Dad took over , his voice quieter now .

As you grew up , we saw how hardworking and intelligent you were .

You started to prove yourself , but we didnt know how to tell you the truth .

We planned to lie say that we were trying to cultivate your hardworking spirit while sending Celline abroad … But we never expected you to find out on your own .

A sharp , bitter laugh escaped my lips .

A tiger never eats its own cubs , but you abandoned me just because some outsiders said I was ugly ? And then you brought in a stranger to replace me ? I stared at them , my voice laced with ice .

What kind of parents do that ? Faced with my accusation , they could only bow their heads in shame .

Little Naomi , Mom murmured .

It was all our fault .

From now on , it will never be like this again .

Weve already driven Celline away .

Dad reached out , as if to hold my hand , but I didnt move .

The family heir will be you .

Whatever you want , well give it to you .

Were your parents , your backbone , Mom added , clenching her fists .

Whoever dares to bully you , well make sure they regret it .

Right , right ! Dad nodded like a pecking chicken .

With us around , no one will ever dare to hurt you again ! No need , I can take care of myself .