A Missing Key 218 Missed Calls One Family Secret novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Back in my cramped one-bedroom rental in the city, I finally let the mask drop.

The second the door clicked shut behind me, my legs gave out.

I slid down against it, crumpling onto the floor.

My suitcase tipped over beside me, spilling clothes and toiletries across the hardwood-scattered, broken, just like me.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

I buried my face in my knees and let out the sob I’d been choking down all day.

Tears came in hot, violent waves, splashing onto the floor and spreading into dark, uneven stains.

Why?

I kept asking myself, over and over.

Ever since I was a kid, I’d worked myself to the bone. Straight A’s. Scholarships. Awards. All of it, just to hear them say they

were proud of me.

But every time I brought home a certificate, Dad would just nod. “That’s what you’re supposed to do. You’re the oldest. Set an example for your brothers.”

Mom would say, “Don’t get cocky. Keep it up next time.”

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But when Miles made the top ten in his class once, they threw a whole damn dinner party.

After I graduated, I busted my ass. Three years, and I made it to Marketing Director at a publicly traded company.

I sent money home every month-more than Garrett and Miles combined.

Mom’s response? A text. [Got it.]

Last year, Miles said he wanted a new car. Mom and Dad didn’t even blink. They handed over $40,000 from their savings.

Me? I hadn’t asked them for a dime since college.

I thought my independence, my success, would make them see me differently.

I thought if I was good enough, strong enough, I could finally be someone they were proud of.

Turns out, I was kidding myself.

To them, I was just the daughter-disposable, like water poured out of a cup. An outsider.

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A Missing Key, 218 Missed Calls, One Family Secret

1.5%

Chapter 3

Suddenly, my phone buzzed violently on the table, the screen lighting up with: Dad.

The glow cut through the darkness of the room like a spotlight.

I stared at his name, tears streaming harder.

My hand shook as I reached for it. I slammed the red button.

It rang again immediately.

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