chapter644

Mr. Norwood jumped in right away. "Lucinda, why would your sister ever want you to leave? She's never thought that, not even once."

But Lucinda just cried harder. "She never talks to me, Grandpa. I try to get close to her, I ask her for help with piano, I try to chat, I pour her water, I even bring fruit for her... She turns me down every time. She must not want me here."

Mr. Norwood went quiet.

Lucinda's voice shook as she wiped her tears. "If me living here makes her unhappy, I'll move out. It's fine."

Seeing Lucinda cry like that broke Mr. Norwood's heart. Even if she wasn't his by blood, she'd always been his sweet granddaughter, the one he'd spoiled since she was little.

Lucinda, your sister's just not good at showing her feelings. She actually cares a lot, she just comes off cold. And she's busy all the time. Don't overthink it, okay? Give it time and you two will get closer, I promise."

Lucinda's disappointment cut deep. She'd said so much, and her grandpa still wouldn't say a single bad word about Lydia. It was obvious now. In his heart, Lydia had already taken her place.

She'd really underestimated Lydia. Lydia stole their parents and brothers. Now she'd taken Grandpa too. There was no one left in her corner.

"Don't cry, Lucinda," Mr. Norwood said, trying to comfort her. "Look on the bright side. You can still be happy, just like before."

Lucinda nodded, forcing a small smile. "I get it, Grandpa. I'm sorry. I just lost it tonight. It's late, you should get some rest."

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but when he saw her stand up, he just nodded. "Alright."

Once Lucinda left and headed upstairs, Mr. Norwood let out a long, heavy sigh. Lately, they really hadn't paid enough attention to Lucinda's feelings.

As soon as Lucinda got to her room, her phone buzzed. Paige had sent her a message. She was already upset, but when she saw the photo of Connor kissing Lydia's hand, she totally lost it.

Every word Paige sent felt like another needle pricking her skin.

"Unbelievable!"

She couldn't hold it in anymore. Lucinda hurled her phone at the floor. The screen burst into a web of cracks, the image melting into a blur.

Right then, Grace walked in. She spotted the smashed phone and quickly picked it up, concern all over her face as she pretended not to

know

that happened Lucinda

what's wrong? Wasn't this your new phone?"

Lucinda's hands were clenched so tight her knuckles turned white. Her eyes were stormy. "It's just a phone. Who cares if it's broken?"

Grace smiled sweetly. "Of course, it's just a phone. We can always buy another

one."

"Grace, I've finally figured it out. Lydia never wanted to get along with me. Why should I keep trying so hard?"

Grace could barely hide her excitement.

Finally!

Her precious daughter had seen things clearly.

"Lucinda, I'm glad you're thinking like this. Lydia doesn't deserve your kindness. She'll just throw it back in your face."

Lucinda nodded, her jaw set. "Exactly. Didn't the Norwoods promise to treat me and Lydia the same like real daughters if Lydiaz gets something, then i want it too.'

Grace was thrilled. "That's right, Lucinda. The Norwoods said you're like a real daughter. So whatever Lydia gets, you should get too. That's only fair, don't you think?

With Grace encouraging her, Lucinda felt more convinced than ever that she was

doing the right thing.

"I'm done trying to please Lydia. From now on, I'm not wasting my time."

There was barely a week left before school started, and Kylie and Cameron were

running around trying to get everything ready.