Chapter 2

My parents didn't dare to defend themselves, fearing it would make her angry, treading on eggshells.

Every time Celeste came over, they instructed me to wash the fruit, arrange it neatly on a platter, and repeatedly invite her to eat it.

She liked eating durian, so my mother would send it to her home.

She loved shopping, so my mom would frequently slip her money, ensuring she never went without.

Yet Celeste treated me with extraordinary warmth. She'd link arms with me, chat endlessly, and even buy me collectibles I adored or treat me to late-night snacks.

She said, "Aurora, you work so hard cooking and cleaning for me. I can't thank you enough!

"I like you the most. From the moment I met you, I knew we'd get along so well!

"Aurora, you're the person I feel closest to in this family!"

I sympathized with Celeste for leaving her own parents and trying to fit into our family. It seemed natural for her to have some friction with my parents.

Whenever my parents complained that Celeste was two-faced or had changed, I always defended her.

"Celeste left her parents to come to our home for love. She has to adapt to a new environment and adjust to living with us. It's completely normal for her to feel anxious, upset, and frustrated.

"We need to understand her and show her more love and tolerance.

"Mom, Dad, treat Celeste like your own daughter. Stop being so critical of her all the time!

"Celeste is actually a really good person; she just has a bit of a 'princess syndrome', but it's not a big deal. Just pamper her a bit, and she'll be fine. She's both gentle and innocent! Stop nitpicking over every little thing!

"She only pays attention to details because she craves love and attention. What's wrong with that?

"How would you feel if someone called me two-faced in another family?"

My parents would fall silent, guilt-ridden.

They stopped nitpicking Celeste and tried even harder to please her.

My mom tried hard to please Celeste, taking her shopping and buying her anything Celeste liked.

During holidays, she would even prepare gifts for Celeste in advance

They would do their best to make her happy, always managing to get Celeste smiling

They would even occasionally pay for the items she added to her Amazon shopping cart!

This effort seemed to improve their relationship.

When Celeste became pregnant with Oliver, we treated her like royalty.

She quit her job to focus on her pregnancy.

My mom accompanied her on walks and to yoga classes.

To ensure Celeste's health, my mom bought numerous pregnancy nutrition books.

After work, I would go to Celeste's home, cooking meals from those books and caring for her as best I could.

I would often buy her maternity milk powder, fruits, and calcium tablets, taking great care of her.

When Oliver was born, Celeste complained about the financial burden on Elliott.

Heartbroken, my parents dipped into their retirement savings to support their little family.

I volunteered to cover Oliver's milk and diapers, even though it left me pinching pennies for years.

But whenever Oliver smiled at me, I convinced myself it was all worth it.

In my mind, family should always support and help each other.

Celeste had just given birth and was emotionally unstable. She was so good to me, so I definitely couldn't let her worry about money.

While money was no longer an issue, childcare was a massive challenge.

I was busy working, often returning home late at night.

Elliott was too tired from work during the day and lacked patience. One night, while trying to put Oliver to sleep, he almost dropped him.

He broke six bottles trying to prepare formula.

All the burdens fell on my mom. Not only did she take care of Oliver during the day, but she also stayed overnight at Celeste's house. After several days of this, she became seriously ill and had to stay in the hospital for several days.

Three days later, Celeste, disheveled and desperate, came to me.

"Aurora, these past few days of taking care of Oliver have been nothing but fights with Elliott. Our life is in shambles.

"I'm so exhausted! I feel like I have no freedom. Everything revolves around the baby!

"I can't breathe. It feels like there's no light at the end of the tunnel!

"Sometimes, when Oliver is crying nonstop, I just want to jump off the building with him!

"Aurora, I can't stand his crying. It drives me crazy. What's wrong with me?"