On the large dining table, there were only four dishes.

It felt like a slap in my face.

Then Cyril poured a glass of the fine wine for Dad, who beamed and took a sip, saying, "I know it's a good wine as soon as I drink it!"

I said, "It is. Cyril specially asked someone to buy it. He bought four bottles!"

Dad glanced at the wine in the corner. "What do you do for a living, Cyril?"

"I'm a clinical doctor working at New York Central Hospital," Cyril answered.

Mom's eyes lit up. "It's such a decent job! What do your parents do?"

"My dad runs a small company, and my mom is the chief physician of another hospital, which is one of the top three."

Mom was somewhat delighted. "Chelsea should have brought you back long ago. She's so insensible..."

I pursed my lips and didn't say anything.

Cyril held my hand and smiled, "Chelsea is great. I want to marry her."

I was stunned.

Jane sarcastically said, "So lovey-dovey."

Dad picked up a piece of food. "OK. That's a good thing. Well, the dowry is gonna be 150,000 dollars."

I stood up at once. "That much? Why?"

"What do you know?" Dad put down his fork angrily. "In this family, I call the shots! You're my daughter! You've got to listen to me!"

Cyril quickly mediated, "It's fine. We can talk about it. Mr. Glover, calm down."

Dad snorted and didn't say anything.

I was still standing, feeling veins on my forehead popping out. I was so angry that my face turned red. How outrageous!

Cyril wanted to pull me, but Mom beat him to it. "Chelsea, I've got something to say to you. Let's go outside and get some fresh air."

I glanced at Cyril, and Mom patted me. "Let the men talk."

"What about Jane?"

"Not important. She'll go back to her room after finishing eating."

Then Mom pulled me out.

I was still upset, but when I felt the wind outside, I calmed down.

"How long have you been dating Cyril?" mom asked.

"Seven years. We got together in college."

Mom frowned. "Why haven't you said anything?"

I opened my mouth, not knowing what to say.

Every time I wanted to share something with her, she always talked about Jane. She didn't care about what I wanted to say at all.

"Does Cyril have any ... colleagues or classmates to introduce to Jane?"

Mom continued eagerly, "Someone with money. I don't want Jane to suffer. Oh, and someone with a good degree and a pretty face. Someone like Cyril. He's her type."

Looking at Mom's eager eyes, I felt upset.

She said she didn't want to see Jane suffer, but she always told me that girls should endure hardships since I was little.

I felt sick for no reason, and I replied coldly, "No."

"No? How could that be?" My mom was anxious. "You don't wanna help her, right? You're her sister. How come you don't care about her at all?"

I took a deep breath and said, "Today is about me. Have you cared about me at all?

"I already gave you money, but you wouldn't even buy enough food. What will Cyril think of me?

"And Dad asked for 150,000 dollars? Even our house isn't worth that much!"

Frustrated, I finally snapped and asked her sternly.

My mom was stunned for a moment, and then she cursed, "You ought to give us money! You're our daughter! You know my friend, Patricia Shorts? Patricia's daughter gives her all her wages! We're nothing but nice to you!"

"I give you 500 dollars every month, and Jane also asks me for money, and Dad also asks me for money for beer," I said, laughing out of anger. "I've got no savings at all. It's no different from giving you my wages!"

"You're so ungrateful! It's not like you're making some huge sacrifices! We raised you for nothing!"

My mom pushed me, and her voice became sharp.

I stumbled. Realizing that I couldn't communicate with her at all, I turned around and left.

She caught up and grabbed my arm. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going back."

"No! You can't go back!" She suddenly sounded anxious.

I looked at her in confusion. "Why not?"

She avoided my gaze, feeling a little guilty. I had a bad feeling, and I shook off her hand and walked towards the door.

The door was locked from the outside, so I quickly unlocked it with the key.

I saw that Jane's shirt had already undone four buttons, revealing her lace bra underneath. She looked very slutty.

And Cyril struggled to get up, leaning against the sofa and swaying. "Don't..."