I Sold My Heart To Forget Them—Now They Beg Me To Remember novel Chapter 3

‘Emma! Come on down. Haven’t you been waiting to meet your new little sister?”

My mother stood in the doorway, holding Sophie’s hand, beaming as she waved me over.

Sophie tilted her pale little face up and dutifully chirped. “Emma.”

But I didn’t respond at all.

I turned and walked back to my room, leaving everyone downstairs in the living room exchanging awkward glances.

My father sighed helplessly. “What’s wrong with her this time? Who upset her?”

My mother’s tone was awkward.

“She’s probably just not used to having a little sister around yet.”

“It’s fine. I’ll go comfort her in a bit.”

Sophie’s voice wavered, thick with tears. “Mom, Dad… does Emma not like me?”

Before my parents could answer, Caleb spoke up eagerly.

“No, no, Emma’s just got a temper. She doesn’t mean it. Don’t cry, okay? I’ll go talk to her for you in a bit!”

My parents beamed.

“See, Caleb knows best. Make sure you take good care of Sophie!”

Their laughter carried all the way into my room.

I thought again that the soundproofing in this estate was terrible.

I didn’t like it.

It was so damn loud.

1 stood up and began inventorying my possessions.

It had been so long. I couldn’t even remember what I’d owned at twelve.

But looking at it all now… it was obscene, really. How much did a twelve year–old need?

No wonder Sophie always tried to take my things

Even now. I sometimes feel a little jealous of the girl i used to be

Chapter 3

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I grabbed the jewelry from my vanity and stuffed it all into my backpack.

If I didn’t take it now, Sophie would find some excuse to claim it soon.

I held a perfectly crafted diamond bracelet and remembered the scene from my past life when Sophie had smashed it.

That was the first time I had slapped her.

The little girl, eyes red, had cowered behind the door, speaking in a voice so pitiful it was as if I had destroyed all her belongings.

“Emma, I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean it… I’ve never done this before… I just wanted to see… I–I didn’t hold it right…

She broke into tears, drawing in my parents and Caleb.

That was the first time I went mad and hit someone, and also the first time my father put me under house arrest.

Sophie clung to my mother’s legs and cried like she might pass out. A moment later, she still found the energy to make a

face at me.

I pointed at her, accusing, when the next second Caleb shoved me harshly into my room.

“Emma, can you show a little empathy? Sophie has been through so much. How can you still pick on her?”

“It’s just a bracelet. You have plenty of others. Why make such a big deal out of it?”

I gritted my teeth and forced back the sob rising in my throat.

Just a bracelet?

No. It was a birthday gift Caleb had bought with the first prize money he earned from a creative contest! And he had

forgotten.

From that year on, I never received another birthday gift.

Even the constant stream of toys, clothes, and jewelry that used to fill my room… All of it was rerouted to Sophie’s rom

All because she said. “The other kids in class make fun of me

“They say I look plain and awkward. Nothing like my sister, who is always dressed up and perfect. They even called me a dirty little stray.”

She was lying!

It was Caleb who helped her get the whole class to turn on me!

He knew. He clearly knew. Yet he never defended me

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frente dos outros. Na cama, ela tinha que..

My parents‘ disappointment in me only grew.

Their favoritism toward their tragic little foster daughter intensified….

I’d just finished packing up my things when I heard a soft knock at the door.

“Emma? Sweetheart, come out for dinner.”

My mother’s voice was impossibly gentle, as if forcing patience into every syllable.

I didn’t answer.

I just opened the door and let her guide me to the living room.

In my usual seat sat Sophie, looking extremely timid.

My father and Caleb were busy serving her food.

I turned to my mother. “Should I sit on the floor?”

Everyone froze.

My mother tightened her grip on my hand.

“What? No, honey, of course not. I just forgot to have a chair brought over for you.”

“Caleb, quickly, bring Emma a chair.”

Sophie hesitated, eyes wide and innocent, instantly welling up with tears.

“Emma, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know this was your spot. I–I’ll move, really!”

Caleb quickly got up to hold her in place, glaring at me with reproach.

‘Emma, what does it matter where you sit? Sophie just got here, don’t scare her.”

Fine, you can sit to my left. I’ll sit between you two. Problem solved, right?”

And they just sat there, watching

Silent. That was approval, wasn’t it?

I scoffed inwardly.

God, they were so childish.

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This whole family was putting on a show, and they were terrible actors It was enough to make you lose your appetite.

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Na cama, ela tinha que..

I took the chair from the maid and dragged it to the far end of the table, as far away from

Caleb paused mid–gesture while serving Sophie, glancing at me several times, wanting to pen nothing

The meal passed in this tense, awkward silence.

As I rose to leave, my father stopped me.

He looked uneasy, cleared his throat, and then smiled.

“Emma, Sophie is a year younger than you and Caleb.”

“As her older siblings, you should be more understanding. She just lost her parents, and she is still very fragile.”

“We are her family: we should take care of her.”

My mother chimed in beside him.

“I know it might take time for you to get used to having a little sister.”

“But look at her. She is adorable. Spend more time with her and you

will grow closer.”

They exchanged frantic glances across the table, each waiting for the other to speak first.

I was losing patience.

“So…?” I asked, my voice flat.

My mother just stared at me.

Perhaps she had never heard me speak in such a frigid tone before and didn’t know how to respond

My father sipped his tea and said with a smile, “Emma, Sophie’s just transferred to a new school here”

“She’s in a fragile state, physically and mentally. We’re worried about her.”

“What if you and Caleb repeat a grade and go to school with her? That way she will not feel alone

As if to make it more persuasive, he quickly added. “Caleb’s already on board. We’re just waiting on you

I looked at Caleb.

He kept his head down, not daring to meet my gaze

Chapter 3