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Chapter 5
Since my phone broke, I hadn’t been in
contact with Matt, so I was surprised he still remembered me.
Every year, I attended Jennifer’s birthday, either cooking or serving, to the point that I had forgotten my own birthday.
The only birthday celebration I ever had was when my grandmother was alive, and she made me a small birthday cake.
“Serena died in the fire; we were all heartbroken over her loss. But today is Jennifer’s birthday, so let’s not dwell on sad memories.”
Tears welled in my mother’s eyes as Jennifer
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handed her a handkerchief to dry her tears.
I had never realized how quickly my mother, who had been smiling moments ago, could succumb to sorrow. Why didn’t they cry on the first day I died? Even a pretense would have sufficed.
“My sister never missed my birthday; I can’t believe this year turned out so tragically.”
The mother and daughter took turns shedding tears and drying each other’s faces, showcasing their deep bond.
Perhaps I was too dull, failing to please my
mom and dad, which made them dislike me so
much.
Maybe it was my inability to cry that kept their
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attention away from me.
“The fire was too fierce; all we could do was save Jennifer. Every night, I wake up startled, as if I can see Serena calling for help. I failed her!”
I had been lingering beside Jennifer when I heard my father’s words, and I drifted closer to
stare at him.
Among the three of us, he slept the soundest, lying without a care or a hint of remorse.
Perhaps what he said reflected the mindset of a grieving father; if he knew that his beloved little girl was a murderer, he would surely be
devastated.
Matt wore a forced smile, saddened by my death, while trying to console the family of
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three.
A server wheeled out a grand three–tiered cake.
Jennifer mingled among family and friends, soaking in their compliments about her beauty, grace, and maturity.
I had long grown accustomed to this; she had always reveled in the praise she received from others.
If my parents wanted to take their anger out on me, I only had to flatter her to spare me their wrath.
The first slice of cake went to her, and she
handed the second slice to Matt.
“Let’s give this one to your sister,” he suggested.
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When Matt said this, Jennifer’s expression noticeably stiffened.
“Then I’ll give you this one!”
She handed the first slice to Matt, clearly eager to claim the spotlight; it seemed she was quite
taken with him.
Soon, everyone had received their cake, and the usual sycophants who trailed after Jennifer began to flatter her.
“Jennifer, without you, I doubt I’d ever have the chance to visit such a grand restaurant.”
Π
Jennifer, your family is so well–off! With parents and a sister who dote on you, your birthday celebration is a huge affair, and you even
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brought along the campus heartthrob from high school.”
“Yes, my sister really spoils me; she gives me whatever I want.”
Jennifer’s tone was nonchalant, but I caught a glimmer of mockery in her eyes.
Yes, you could have anything from me–even my
life.
Then, men in police uniforms entered the
banquet hall, displaying their badges.
“Jennifer is suspected in a murder case. Please come with us!”
The guests gasped in shock.
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“Jennifer suspected of murder? That’s impossible!”
“You never truly know someone.”
The guests were whispering among themselves, while Jennifer stood there at a loss, with no one around her engaging her in conversation anymore.
“You must be mistaken. My daughter is so kind; how could she possibly commit murder?”
My mother grasped the police officer’s arm, pleading for them not to take Jennifer away.
“I understand your feelings, but whether your daughter committed a crime will be determined by the law.”
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Before being led away, Jennifer turned to Matt
and asked, “Do you believe me?”
Matt said nothing, with a very complicated
expression in his eyes.
Reluctantly, Jennifer was escorted to the police car, and the guests at the birthday party hurriedly found excuses to leave.
My proud mother seemed to age ten years in an instant, while my father’s back appeared to bend under the weight of despair.
