I was bursting with excitement over the watermelon, but Diane said, "Marlon has been working so hard in middle school; he deserves it."

Even Vincent couldn't take it anymore and interjected, "Ashley got a hundred! She should get some, too! It's just one watermelon—we can afford it."

Exactly! It wasn't some extravagant luxury, just a watermelon!

But back then, I didn't understand that Diane's actions were unfair. I remembered getting so upset when I caught her sneaking into the kitchen while I was asleep, cutting some watermelon for Marlon. I threw a fit.

When I confronted her, Diane snapped, "Marlon is working his butt off! He's burning the midnight oil studying, and I'm just giving him a few slices! What right do you have to complain?"

I couldn't find the words to respond, so I fell silent. After that day, I swore off watermelon entirely.

After they finished cleaning up Marlon's things, I noticed Vincent wrapping his arms around Diane. "Marlon's death was an accident. You can't keep blaming Ashley for it. Today is her birthday, her coming-of-age day..."

Before he could finish, Diane cut him off sharply. "You're always defending her! If it weren't for her, Marlon wouldn't have died! She's a walking disaster; anyone who crosses her path is doomed!"

Vincent froze at her words, his expression thoughtful as he stared at Diane, and then he fell silent.

A chill crept into my heart. Is this really how Mom sees me? A disaster?

Maybe she had a point.

I remembered how Vincent used to treat me so kindly.

He would sneak me out for little adventures, and after Diane yelled at me or hit me, he'd buy me medicine for my bruises.

He'd bring me pretty floral dresses to cheer me up and even let me sleep in his study so I wouldn't have to deal with Diane's wrath.

I could get a good night's sleep and avoid dozing off in class, too.

Those moments made me forget Diane's cruelty, at least for a little while.

Before Marlon passed away, Diane hadn't been this harsh. Everything fell apart because of me. I was the reason our once-happy family was now in tatters.

So, maybe calling me a disaster wasn't entirely untrue.

As the day faded into night, Vincent had already gone to bed, but I noticed Diane quietly getting up and heading into my room.

Curiosity piqued, I followed her, my mind racing with questions.

Is she planning to check for any of my things she could toss out?