Under Aunt’s Hypocritical Mask of Greed: The Girl Endured Four Years of Hardship Living with Others. Finally, at 18, She Reclaimed Her Stolen Life

I cleared my throat, tentatively asking, “Isn’t today my birthday?”

My aunt scarcely glanced up. “Maddie needs this for school. It’s crucial, plus you’re not even in advanced classes.”

“But…” I felt my voice tremble and crack. “What about me?”

Cheryl’s icy gaze locked onto me. “You think I don’t do enough for you? Be grateful I even remembered, Jenna! You get food and shelter, don’t you?”

That heartless woman and her spoiled brats didn’t even bother to wish me a happy birthday.

Tears stung my eyes, but I was determined not to let them fall. I spun on my heel and stormed back up to the attic, slamming the door behind me. Happy birthday to me, I thought bitterly. I couldn’t even turn to my uncle for comfort, as he sometimes listened and sympathized, but he was away on a business trip.