Chapter 17
Once again, she was being compared to Carla. It was a constant reminder that she was not as obedient or as considerate.
Seren’s lips curled into a faint, indifferent smile.
She’d heard this refrain ever since she’d stepped into the Bradley family home.
For the longest time, she couldn’t understand it: Why did they always set her against Carla, weighing her every word and action? Why was it that she and Carla were both daughters of the Bradley family, yet the way they were treated was
worlds apart?
There had been a time when she tried to be the “good” child, did everything she could to fit in, longing for a single word of praise or recognition from them.
But no matter what she did, all she ever received were scoldings and criticism.
Her defiance and stubbornness were born of a simple desire: to prove she was more than their estimation, and that she was worthy.
Over these three years, after everything she’d been through, she finally understood.
The Bradleys had never truly accepted her. To them, the girl raised by the Rutledge family was always an outsider-someone who could never quite belong.
They had never seen her as family. So whenever they looked at her, their judgments were already made, colored by prejudice. How could she ever hope to win them over?
No matter how much she tried, she could never outshine Carla.
If all her efforts to become part of that family had only ever been in vain, then there was no point in trying anymore.
If they could give up on her so easily, she could do the same. They don’t get to be the only ones who can walk away.
Seren’s expression didn’t change. She answered coolly, almost serene.
“You’re right, big brother. I haven’t made any progress these past three years. I know I’m slow to learn-you really shouldn’t compare me to Carla. I’m not worthy of it p>
Swain was caught off guard.
He’d expected her to lash out or defend herself, not to calmly agree with him and accept his scolding. This meek, submissive attitude was nothing like the Seren he knew.
His gaze sharpened, searching her face.
And there it was—a barely perceptible, mocking curve to her lips. She sounded contrite, but the sarcasm was plain for anyone really looking.
So, her words were just empty politeness, a mask she wore for his benefit.
She didn’t mean a word of it.
Disappointment crashed over Swain.
He’d always hoped she’d learn from her mistakes, but now it seemed she was as hopeless as ever-a lost cause if ever there was one.
“Honestly, thought you’d change for the better. But here you are, knowing your faults and refusing to fix them you’re just a pile of mud that” will never be shaped into anything p>
Mud, huh?
Seren’s chest tightened for a moment.
She’d been called worse. Insults and harsh words were nothing new. Being called “mud” barely registered anymore.
“Now I get why Slater says you’re beyond help. You did this to yourself p>
Hearing that, something finally clicked for Seren.
So this was how Swain had always seen her. In his mind, she was to blame for
everything, so why should he ever defend her?
He was no different from Zena or the others.
They stood on their high horses, passing judgment as if they were the only ones
whose feelings mattered. Hers never counted.
She felt strangely calm.
Looking up at Swain, she spoke in an even, almost gentle voice. “Fine. You say I’m stubborn and hopeless? I’ll just nod and say you’re right. But what did try to defend myself What would you say then
She’d once hoped Swain was different from the rest, that he might stand up for
her. Now she saw how naive she’d been.
Swain was momentarily at a loss.
If Seren had argued back, he would have said she was rebellious and
unrepentant-just as hopeless as ever.
He hadn’t said the words, but now Seren had spoken them out loud, exposing the truth he’d never acknowledged.
“No matter what I say or do, you’ll always see me as hopeless—a lost cause who refuses to change.” Seren added.
Swain was left speechless, her words hitting home with uncomfortable clarity. He’d never realized he’d been thinking that way, until Seren laid it bare. Coming back to himself, he realized how harsh his words had sounded. Somewhat guilty, he muttered, “Seren, maybe I was too harsh p>
But Seren cut him off, her patience gone.
the wave it. There’s no need. Once
the words are out, it doesn’t matter how many times you apologize-they still
t p>
Swain’s apology died in his throat. His face flushed, his expression tangled with frustration and regret.
He’d always been the one to lecture her, yet here he was being lectured by Seren herself.
The kind of truths that should be obvious somehow sounded cruelest coming from her lips.