The Daughter in the Shadows (by Una Norris) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18 From Now On, She Lived for Herself!

+8 Pearls

Yunice’s gaze followed the small box of medicine as it landed in Elsie’s hands, a flicker of disappointment flashing across her

face

Lily noticed her reaction and quickly grabbed her hand with a bright smile. “Yunny, Morn will make something delicious for you tonight as compensation. What would you like? Chicken drumsticks, perhaps?”

Without waiting for an answer, she made the decision on Yunice’s behalf. In a cheerful tone, she called out, “Giana, go buy some chicken drumsticks. Oh, and pick up some candy for Elsie too. She can’t stand the bitterness of medicine.”

Yunce stared at Lily’s smiling face, but all she felt was an abyss in her chest, a gaping void where icy winds howled, freezing her to the bone, The pain was sharp, slicing deep-

Her daughter was going to get better, and she was overjoyed. Not once did she consider that her other daughter would lose her only lifeline in the process.

Yunice had just learned something new. Chicken drumsticks could be used as rewards. Her life was worth nothing more than a few pieces of chicken. Ha.

Her gaze shifted to Owen.

And him. He was the same as always. So good at being generous with things that were not his. Every time, with his ‘kindness, he made decisions on her behalf, giving away everything that belonged to her to Elsie.

Her dresses. Her gifts. Her room. Her identity. Now, even her life–saving medicine.

Maybe her stare was too sharp because Owen finally frowned at her. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

It was just a box of medicine, yet she was acting as if the whole world had betrayed her. How childish.

Owen took a deep breath, trying to be patient. “Yes, the medicine is yours, but Elsie’s condition worsened because of you. Even if she doesn’t blame you, you should at least show some remorse.”

Elsie bit her lip, looking pitiful. “Forget it, Owen. Maybe Yunice needs it more than I do. I can wait..”

At those words, Owen’s expression darkened. “Wait? For how long? Do you think your body can afford to wait? You heard Paul just now. This medicine is rare!”

“You’re always thinking about others,” he sneered, casting a glance at Yunice. But do you think some people even

appreciate

Yunice did not argue or justify herself. She merely waited for Owen to finish his lecture, then said calmly, “I’ve already told you. I have compression injuries. This medicine is for my treatment. I can’t give it away.”

Owen let out a mocking laugh, as if she had just told the most ridiculous joke. “You eat well, sleep well, and have enough energy to argue with the entire family. How do you look like someone who needs treatment?”

Yunice opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off with a wave of his hand. “Don’t tell me another sob story abour time in the mental hospital. I’ve checked. It was all standard treatment. Stop using cheap tricks to make us feel guilty “Guilty?” Yunice let out a self–deprecating chuckle, turning to Lily. “Do you even know what guilt feels like? You accused me of hurting Elne and sentenced me to ‘atonement by locking me away for three years. Have I not paid enough?”

your

Laly averted her eyes, unable to meet Yunice’s gaze. Only she knew the truth. Yunice had been innocent all along.

Caught in the silence. Lily suddenly dropped to her knees before Yunice. She clutched at Yunice’s clothes, tears streaming down her face. “Blame it on me! It’s all my fault! Just don’t take it out on your sister, okay? I’ll kneel, I’ll beg if that’s what you

She knelt so decisively that even Owen was stunned. Ehie immediately followed suit, throwing herself into Lily’s arms.

10:46 AM

Chapter 18 From Now On, She Lived for Herself!

+8 Pearls

Owen’s vision blurred with tears, his chest tightening until he felt like he might explode. In his rage, he grabbed Yunice by the collar and lifted her off the ground.

Her feet barely touched the floor, her breath caught in her throat as her face turned red from the pressure. Yet she refused to look away, refused to back down. Her eyes locked onto Owen’s, unyielding and sharp, as if to say, “I will not apologize. I am not wrong. Regardless of the pain. Regardless if it kills me. I. Am. Not. Wrong

Owen’s jaw clenched, his teeth grinding audibly. “How could you make Mom and Elsie kneel for you?! They didn’t owe you anything!”

Yunice struggled against his grip, trying to pry his fingers loose, but he refused to let her speak.

Paul finally stepped in, peeling Owen’s hand away. “Let go. Are you trying to strangle her?”

With a forceful shove, Owen flung Yunice onto the couch. She hit hard, her body jolting with pain so intense it felt like her insides were being torn apart. She clutched at her chest, gasping for air.

Owen hesitated when he saw how pale she had turned, but before he could react, Paul had already moved to help Elsie and Lily.

Seeing Lily crying too hard to stand, Owen had no choice but to focus on comforting her instead.

Yunice pushed herself up, her expression cold as she stared at them. Her voice was eerily calm. “Fine. Take the medicine. But I suggest you have it tested first. If anything goes wrong, don’t blame me for poisoning her.”

Elsie rolled her eyes but said nothing.

Owen ignored the jab. He had gotten what he wanted.

Yunice was in too much pain to care anymore. No one would protect her, so she swallowed down the blood rising in her throat, steadied herself, and forced her aching body toward her room.

She did not want to show weakness. Tears were only useful when shed for those who truly cared.

As for them? Even if she cried, they would only call her tears fake.

Everyone was celebrating Elsie’s recovery, but only Paul spared her a glance.

Watching her frail figure retreat, a strange feeling tightened in his chest. Almost instinctively, he called out, “Yunice?”

She paused. Without knowing why, he blurted out, “When I manage to get the medicine, I’ll replace the one Elsie took.

Fortunately, she now saw everything clearly. Completely and utterly. Any lingering ties to the Saunders family were severed

Siblinghood Shared burdens! Mutual interests? Supporting each other?

Those lofty principles their father had always preached to the three siblings, she would no longer abide by.

She would still bear the surname Saunders, but she would no longer be the same Saunders as them.

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