Chapter 7:

Last year, Mabel participated in a music show and, to boost her exposure, secretly hired someone to add lyrics to a piece of music Elyse had composed. Although Mabel didn't win first place, she gained popularity and a steady stream of job offers.

By the time Elyse discovered the plagiarism, it was too late. She not only missed the registration deadline but also faced pressure from Glenda to compose music for Mabel. Elyse confided in Theo, hoping for support, but he dismissed her concerns as overreacting, accusing her of selfishness and lack of care for her sister. This left her feeling deeply wronged. Was she really being selfish?

Throughout her life, her parents had consistently favored Mabel. If Mabel wanted Elyse's room, Elyse was expected to give it up. When gifts were purchased, Mabel took both if she liked them, leaving Elyse with nothing. Even Mabel's academic failures were blamed on Elyse for not tutoring her.

Therefore, when Mabel aspired to be a "talented singer" and needed original music, Elyse's parents expected her to provide it. Over time, Elyse realized the stark bias in her family; all their affection was directed towards Mabel. It seemed her sole purpose was to facilitate Mabel's dreams.

But Elyse harbored her own aspirations. She dreamed of being a violinist and performing on larger stages. "Please give me one more chance!" she pleaded, bowing deeply. Seeing her earnest plea, Wanda accepted the registration form. "I will trust you again. Don't let me down."

Elyse was profoundly moved. She recalled Wanda's previous attempts to dissuade her from abandoning the opportunity. Then, overwhelmed by her parents' manipulation, she had been too timid to resist, leaving Wanda deeply disappointed.

This time, however, Elyse was determined to pursue her dream. After saying goodbye to Wanda, she left the office and received a call from Lanny.

"What did you do? Why did Theo cancel the cooperation with my company?" her father's angry voice boomed. Yet, Elyse felt a calmness she wouldn't have felt a year ago.

"He abandoned me at the wedding, so I broke up with him," she stated calmly.

"Stupid! Come home now!" Lanny shouted before hanging up.

Elyse had anticipated Lanny's call and the ensuing interrogation. Her father valued power and business interests above all else. If she had been involved with an ordinary man, he would have demanded she end the relationship. His acceptance of Theo was solely due to the Ward family's potential business benefits. The call was Lanny's attempt to coerce her into apologizing to Theo, but she remained firm. Having taken a day off for her wedding the previous day, Elyse didn't plan to request another day off. Now that she had registered for the tour, she was committed to diligent practice.

By six o'clock that evening, Elyse walked at a leisurely pace to her parents' home. Upon entering, she found Lanny and Glenda seated on the sofa. Mabel made a feigned gesture of kindness, but Elyse ignored her and went into the living room. "Why did you ask me to come back?" she asked.

"Look at what you've done! It's true he left you at the wedding, but why make such a fuss? Why did you break up with him? Do you know how much money I've lost?" Lanny slammed his fist on the table.

"He left me for another woman and made me the subject of ridicule. And you think he did nothing wrong?" Elyse retorted.

"Men are like that. It's your fault for not keeping his attention. Go and make amends. Make him forgive you," Lanny insisted.

His words cut Elyse deeply. The last flicker of hope within her died. She closed her eyes briefly, then reopened them with resolve. "I won't go to see him. It's over between us. Besides, I'm not your only daughter." Her gaze then shifted to Mabel, whose eyes gleamed with expectation.

"Fool!" Lanny exclaimed, slapping Elyse across the face. Elyse's head snapped to the side. She clenched her teeth, enduring the pain silently.

Lanny, furious at the thought of losing millions in projects, grew even angrier at her defiant expression. He grabbed a stick, ready to strike again.

Glenda intervened quickly, assuming the role of the concerned mother. "It was indeed Theo's fault. He called later to explain that he had to handle something urgent, which is why he left you at the altar, Elyse. He didn't intend to cause such embarrassment. Remember, for men, their careers often come first. He's even promised to arrange another wedding. He has apologized. Why must you be so stubborn?"

Elyse stared at Glenda, incredulous. "Yesterday, when he walked away from the wedding, you and Dad accused me and left immediately. You never even considered defending me." Tears streaming down her face, she cried out, "Dad! Mom! Are you really my parents? You didn't care about my feelings at all. You just want me to forgive him? You can't be my real parents—I feel no concern from you at all!" ... ... ...