Score |
35
CHOICES
<p>Chapter 4</p><p><br/></p><p>Anita’s kindness could win an award but only when people were watching.</p><p><br/></p><p>She was the perfect “daughter-in-law material” anytime Kelvin’s parents were around. Helping in the kitchen, offering to serve food, clearing dishes before anyone else could move. Always smiling, always polite.</p><p><br/></p><p>One day, while I was in the kitchen with Kelvin’s mum, Anita walked in and said sweetly, </p><p>“Mummy, let me help you with that soup. You know I remember how you like it with that extra crayfish.” </p><p><br/></p><p>Before I could even reach for the pot, she had already taken over. Kelvin’s mum beamed like someone had just handed her a gift. </p><p>“You see this girl?” she said, not-so-quietly. “Very observant. Just like someone who grew up in this house.”</p><p><br/></p><p>I stood there, holding a spoon I never got to use.</p><p><br/></p><p>What made it worse was how Anita always pretended like we were friends. She’d pull me aside and say things like, </p><p>“Babe, you know Mummy’s just naturally strict. Don’t take it personal, okay?” </p><p>Or </p><p>“I know it’s not easy being the new one, but just keep showing them you’re trying.” </p><p><br/></p><p>Trying? I wasn’t sure if I was trying to win over a family or survive a battle I never signed up for.</p><p><br/></p><p>Whenever Kelvin was around, Anita was all smiles. Complimenting my outfit, offering to braid my hair, asking if I needed help with anything. But the moment we were alone, the warmth disappeared. Her tone would change, short and cold. No insults just silence and subtle looks that said, you don’t belong here.</p><p><br/></p><p>It was eye-service at its finest. And sadly, it was working. Because everyone seemed to love her more every day.</p>
8
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