Chapter 493: Chapter 493: I Feel Like I’m About to Die

It was almost time for school to let out, and the streets were bustling with people. Many adults had their children’s backpacks slung over their shoulders, holding their hands as they walked, talked, and laughed.

Some of the more mischievous children were clamoring to buy snacks or begging to go to the park, their parents wearing identical expressions of exasperation.

Addie Sutton’s thoughts drifted, and she seemed to be transported back to her childhood.

Ever since first grade, she had walked to and from school by herself.

When school let out, she would see other children being picked up by their parents, and she was so envious.

She had once worked up the courage to ask her mom and dad if they could pick her up. She wanted to be met by a grown-up, just like the other kids.

But unfortunately, her mom and dad refused, saying they had to work.

So, little her would walk through the streets and alleys all alone, her backpack on her shoulders.

Often, other adults would look at her and ask in confusion, "How can your parents let you walk all by yourself?"

Little Addie Sutton would tilt her head back, lift her chin, and reply in a bright voice, "Because my mom and dad say I’m the most capable kid."

It wasn’t until that day that Addie Sutton finally understood—it wasn’t because she was the most capable kid. It was because she wasn’t their kid.

As the sun began to set, Addie Sutton buried her face in her knees, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

Suddenly, someone tapped her gently on the shoulder.

She stopped crying and looked up, her tear-filled eyes blurring the person’s face. The tiny flame of hope in her heart was extinguished.

"Young lady, I’ve seen you squatting here for a while. Did something happen?"

The owner of the dumpling shop across the street looked at her with concern. "Crying so hard... Did someone bully you?"

Addie Sutton sniffled and shook her head slightly.

The dumpling shop owner sighed softly. "Are you hungry? Let Auntie treat you to some dumplings."

She was deeply moved by the kindness of a stranger.

Addie Sutton choked out, "Auntie, I don’t need any dumplings, but could I please use your restroom?"

"Of course."

When Addie Sutton came out of the restroom, she thanked the owner. "Thank you, Auntie. I’m leaving now."

"Are you sure you don’t want any dumplings, young lady?"

"No, thank you, Auntie."

"It’s getting dark. Go home soon, don’t make your family worry."

Addie Sutton slowly raised her head and stared blankly at the night sky. A heavy panic constricted her chest, leaving her feeling lost and pained.

’A home... Do I even have a home anymore?’

She subconsciously tightened her grip on her backpack strap, her knuckles turning white.

Addie Sutton still went back that night.

She became quiet and withdrawn. Other than going to school, eating, and washing the dishes, she spent all her time hiding alone in her bedroom.

One night, she felt thirsty and came out to get some water. As she passed the master bedroom, she heard the sound of arguing.

"You say we’re not moving, so what happens when Sunny gets older? We can’t have him sleeping with us or your mother forever!"

"Don’t worry so much. We’ll figure something out."

"Figure what out? Tell me!"

"Isn’t Addie a high school senior?"

"And?"

"Starting in September, she’ll be going away for school. Sunny can have her room then."

"But she’ll have to come back for winter and summer break. Are you saying she should sleep in the living room?"

"She can just squeeze in with Mom. If that doesn’t work, we’ll have her get a part-time job during the breaks. There are plenty of options. We don’t need to be fighting about this in the middle of the night."

"..."

Addie Sutton’s fingers gripped the mug in her hand so tightly she was afraid that if she relaxed for even a second, it would CRASH to the floor and shatter into a million pieces.

But the mug remained intact. It was her heart that had shattered.

’Now that my parents have their own biological child, they’re this desperate to get rid of me...’

Addie Sutton lay in bed, suffering from insomnia night after night.

Her mind was a mess, and her heart ached.

As a result, her grades plummeted.

She did poorly on her college entrance exams, scoring 543, which was nowhere near high enough for her dream university.

When the results came out and it was time to apply for schools, Felix Sutton suggested she choose a few vocational colleges.

"Even though I messed up, my score is still high enough to meet the admission requirements for some undergraduate universities..." Addie Sutton said cautiously.

Felix Sutton’s brows furrowed in disapproval. "Addie, I don’t think that’s necessary."

"Why?" Addie Sutton asked.

"There is no why. Just do as I say. There’s nothing wrong with going to a vocational college."

"Or..." Addie Sutton bit her lip, as if trying to confirm something, and said with a burst of courage, "Or I could repeat the year."

At these words, Felix Sutton’s face darkened, and he snapped, "Impossible!"

As if she had heard the exact answer she was expecting, Addie Sutton’s expression didn’t change as she stared straight at him.

Felix Sutton pushed his glasses up his nose, his tone becoming unarguable. "You have two paths to choose from. First, go to the vocational college I pick for you. Second, go get a job."

"Quack~ Dee cried under her covers for a long, long time again that night." Ducky looked sad just thinking about it. "Later, Mom and Dad took Sunny on a trip, and Grandma got even meaner to Dee!"

"What did she do to Dee?" Renee Jennings’s expression was grave, and her heart grew even heavier.

She couldn’t imagine how Addie Sutton had managed to endure those days.

Thank goodness she had Ducky to stay by her side when she was lonely and sad.

Ducky: "QUACK QUACK~ Grandma always called Dee a money pit."

"You money pit, get your ass out here!" Grandma banged on Addie Sutton’s door, cursing. "Oh, real clever, you. Daring to lock the door? You think this is your house?"

Addie Sutton was resting weakly in bed, suffering from period cramps, when the banging startled her awake. She got up, opened the door, and was immediately met with a slap to the face.

"You lazy bum, look at the time! Still sleeping? Get up and come with me, now!" Grandma’s face was twisted with spite.

Addie Sutton clutched her cheek and gave a faint, wry smile. "My stomach hurts. I don’t want to go out."

"Not an option!" Grandma grabbed her and forcefully dragged her out.

Addie Sutton’s brows were knitted tightly, her face as white as a sheet. "Grandma, my stomach really hurts."

"Useless thing!" Grandma cursed as she dragged her. "All you do day in and day out is eat and sleep, you money pit!"

Addie Sutton was hauled onto a bus and taken to a small warehouse. Inside, handbags were piled up like small mountains, and it was as hot as a furnace.

Grandma stood with her hands on her hips and said, "From now on, you’re working here. Stop lazing around at home playing dead."

Addie Sutton clutched her stomach; even standing was an effort. "Grandma, can I please come back tomorrow? I feel really sick right now."

"You only feel sick because you lie around too much. It’s laziness. More work is the only cure." Grandma pushed her toward the work area, then turned to speak to the person in charge. "Foreman, my granddaughter is here to work. Give all the money she earns to me, not her, understand?"

"Quack~ Dee said that night she felt like she was going to die." As Ducky spoke, its little button eyes grew moist. "Dee also said the one she couldn’t bear to leave behind was Ducky... But if she was leaving, why didn’t she take Ducky with her? Waaah, Dee, Ducky misses Dee..."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.