When I arrived at the apartment I was renting, I immediately collapsed onto the sofa and stared at the ceiling. I still couldn’t believe that I met my sister—well, half-sister—at the café where I work. And the worst part? I accidentally called her “sister”

I didn’t know how long I stared blankly at the ceiling before I let out a deep sigh, got up, and decided to clean myself up. I set aside the handkerchief of the man who lent it to me in the drawer beside my bed, smiled at it, and walked toward the bathroom.

After freshening up, I sat on the sofa and grabbed my phone. I texted my best friend, asking where she was since she had promised to visit me. While waiting for a reply, there was suddenly a knock on my door.

Thinking it was my friend, I stood up happily and opened the door.

“I thought you weren’t…” I stopped mid-sentence when I was suddenly slapped.

From that slap alone, I already knew who it was. I remained staring at the floor. I thought she would’ve calmed down since she let it all out earlier, but I was wrong.

I was about to lift my gaze when I was suddenly pushed hard, causing me to fall to the floor. I showed no emotion. Even if I cried or showed that I was scared, it wouldn’t change anything.

I just heard the door close, and she walked past me before sitting disgustedly on my sofa.

“I heard what happened, Autumn.” Slowly, I lifted my gaze, and I wasn’t surprised to see my so-called stepmother.

I stood up and walked to the small chair in front of the mother-daughter duo. Just their aura alone screamed wealth, which was clearly out of place in my apartment. The disgust and irritation in their eyes were evident.

“Are you deaf? Mom is talking to you!” my sister shouted angrily.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” I said sincerely.

“Seriously, Autumn? Don’t you think about the possible consequences of the stupid thing you did? You called her sister in public? My god!” My stepmother glared at me furiously.

“No one heard it, though,” I said, full of sincerity.

“And so? What if someone did hear it? We’re just lucky no one did!” She quickly stood up and slapped me.

“You’ve always been trash in this family! Have you forgotten that? And don’t you think? What if people find out that the child of a well-known businessman works at a café? And how would they know you’re his child? Because you called my daughter sister? If someone really did hear that—imagine the chaos it would cause, Autumn. The trouble you brought upon us because of your stupidity.” She grabbed my hair forcefully, pulling my head up so she could look me in the eye.

“Why are you even working? Isn’t the allowance you’re receiving enough? You really are money-hungry.”

Everything she said was true. I am trash in this family—a child born out of wedlock, a mistake, a disgrace to the family, a source of trouble, and so many other negative things. But I really didn’t mean to call her sister. I just lost my senses for a moment. And I was so thankful that no one really heard it. I don’t want any trouble because I know that she and her daughter would do anything to erase me from this world.

For years, I’ve been quiet, living in peace, striving to survive. I don’t want to be associated with their family no matter what happens. But because of what happened earlier, it felt like fate spit me back into their lives.

“It’s for my studies. If I don’t work, I won’t be able to pay for what I need,” I answered bravely.

“Wow. And what’s the allowance your father gives for?”

I averted my gaze. Call me prideful or whatever, but ever since I left, I never touched the money they sent me. Honestly, I could survive on my allowance, but I refuse to use it. All the allowance I receive, I donate to charity—to abandoned dogs and cats, to the sick, to children, to the elderly, and to various causes.

And I know—oh, I know—that aside from my allowance, my father also sends money for my education. But I don’t receive a single cent because my wonderful stepmother takes it all.

I understand. I understand their anger toward me. Because in their eyes, I destroyed their happy family. Their husband betrayed her with my mother, and I am the result. And she grew even angrier when my mother died and my father brought me to live in their house. I am the product of her pain and suffering, so I can’t blame her. That’s why, when I turned 18, I decided to leave. So they wouldn’t have to see me every day and feel pain.

Tears began to fall slowly. I no longer know where I belong in this world. It hurts so much.

She continued slapping and pulling my hair as my sobs grew louder. I couldn’t defend myself because I’m nothing but a mistake. I have no right to be angry at them.

“Forgive me,” I pleaded as tears streamed down my face.

She hurt me for over an hour. I couldn’t do anything. I smiled bitterly. I really am weak.

And maybe when she finally got tired, she stopped hurting me and looked at me like I was something worthless in her eyes.

“You know what will happen if my husband finds out about this.”

I stared blankly at the floor as I cried, not realizing that the mother and daughter had already left. I’m starting to hate my life. It feels like I have to be careful every minute because even though I’m far from them, one mistake can still affect them.

“Hey, witch! I’ve been calling you—oh, shit.” I heard Tamara’s voice.

I immediately felt her arms around me as she gently helped me sit on the sofa in front of me. I continued sobbing. I saw her quickly stand up, get a glass of water, and return to my side, bringing the glass to my lips.

“Thank you,” I whispered weakly after drinking.

“I knew it! I saw the mother and daughter getting into their car. I thought I was wrong about what I was thinking, but they really did visit you. What did they do to you this time? Those monsters.” She spoke angrily, but I remained silent.

“Don’t tell me you’re blaming yourself again? Girl, if someone’s at fault here, it’s your parents, not you. If you were alive back then, you’d be one of those stopping them. Sure, you’re the result of a painful event. But you’re not doing anything wrong to that mother and daughter.”

I shook my head immediately.

“No matter what happens, the pain they feel can’t be matched by anything.”

Tamara sighed and hugged me again.

Maybe because of exhaustion, I slowly drifted to sleep, resting for even just a moment.

When I woke up, it was morning, and I was already in my room. Slowly, I sat up in bed, resting my head on my right hand, recalling everything that happened yesterday.

I sighed deeply and remembered Tamara. Did she already go home?

I checked my phone and saw no text from her saying whether she got home or not.

I quickly got out of bed, and as I opened my room’s door, I smelled food. Confused, I stepped out and saw Tamara in the kitchen, smiling as she prepared food.

“Good morning, my best friend! Just in time. I’m done cooking everything. Come on, let’s eat—we have so much gossip to catch up on.”

Shaking my head, I walked over and sat down. Hotdogs, scrambled eggs, spam, and mushroom soup.

“Did you buy groceries?” I asked since I knew I hadn’t gone grocery shopping yet. She quickly nodded and smiled as she sat down.

“Yep! Don’t worry, I have a lot of money right now. My uncles from abroad came home and gave me money. Let’s pray and eat.”

After saying grace, we ate like we were starving. We finished eating, washed the dishes, and sat together on the sofa.

“Did they fight with you again?”

“Well… I accidentally called her daughter ‘sister’, and I didn’t mean to. That’s where it all started.” I shrugged.

“Look, you even have bruises on your cheeks! What the heck.” She gently touched my cheek and sighed in frustration.

“They’re always like that,” she muttered angrily.

“Let it go. By the way, what was it you wanted to tell me?” I changed the subject. Her face immediately lit up as she grabbed something from her bag.

“Remember that book I told you to read before.” She handed me the book.

“I don’t feel like it yet. I’m reading something else right now.” She pouted.

“I’ve been telling you about this since last year.” I laughed.

One of the things we bonded over was our love for reading books, especially novels. Back in high school, Tamara influenced me to read. It’s what I consider my escape from the painful reality I live in. Even if it’s just in a fictional world, I can feel happiness and love from what I read. But even then, I know the difference between reality and fiction. As much as I want to enter a fictional world, I know it’s not possible.

Sometimes, I read novels on my phone, and when they’re published as physical books, I buy them when I’ve saved enough. Sometimes, Tamara buys two copies, so we always have one each. I’ve also dreamed of experiencing what I read, especially since many men in this world are just for show. There are good ones, but it feels so hard to find them. That’s why Tamara always tells me never to settle for less.

Until now I’m still addicted to reading but of course, only on my free time.

“This one’s really good, I promise,” Tamara insisted.

“This is the story you’ve been pushing the most,” I said. She paused but quickly recovered.

“Because I’ve been pestering you about it since last year.” I rolled my eyes and stood up to get ready for work.

“I’ll come with you to your café,” she said with a grin, and I just nodded.

When we arrived at the café, Tamara was in high spirits. She’s always cheerful, so I wasn’t surprised. When we entered, there were no customers yet, and I immediately saw Jonah, who looked restless. But when she saw me, she quickly ran to where Tamara and I were standing.

“Someone’s looking for you, girl!” Jonah said excitedly.

I stared at her, puzzled.

“Looks like you’re in love,” Tamara teased, and I glared at her.

“Is it a guy?” I asked Jonah, and she quickly nodded.

“Oh, come on, he just helped me yesterday. Don’t make a big deal out of it,” I said with a pout and shook my head.

“That’s how my grandparents started back then—look at them now, in heaven,” Jonah said with a loud laugh, and I just rolled my eyes and started preparing for the day.

But for a moment, I glanced at the café door. Would I see him again and get the chance to thank him? Hmm. Why didn’t I turn around last night?

I shook my head at the thought and continued preparing.