On Christmas Eve, Jack asked me, Emily, who had just won a silver award in the city’s fashion design competition, to design a wedding dress in the most popular 90s style. I thought Jack wanted to give me a surprise on Christmas, perhaps to officially confirm our relationship. So from conceptualization to fabric selection to cutting and sewing, I put my heart and soul into every step. However, on Christmas Day, Jack announced in front of everyone that this dress was a special Christmas gift prepared for his dream girl, Olivia. Even the position I had worked so hard for at the fashion company, Jack took it upon himself to give it to Olivia, who had just returned to the city. I had accompanied Jack for eight years, giving up many opportunities for development, but I couldn’t even keep an official status or even my beloved job position. I decisively decided to respond to that invitation letter from another well-known fashion company that I had been keeping at the bottom of my drawer. [A week later, I reported to the new company.]
Three days later, I received a reply. Looking at the words on the letter that read “We warmly welcome talented designers like you to join us, and look forward to creating brilliance together!”, I couldn’t help but shed tears. I was finally no longer a woman who could only depend on others, I finally had a dream to fight for. Eight years ago, to repay Jack for saving me in an accident, even without a promise, I silently stayed by his side to support his career. Jack was a business elite, and our life together was harmonious and happy. I gave up my own design dreams for him, thinking we could walk through the long years together. But who knew, after Olivia appeared, everything changed. He not only didn’t give me a clear future, but even my position at the fashion company was easily handed over to Olivia who had just returned. Jack walked into the room with Lily, and I hurriedly hid the letter. “What are you looking at?” Jack asked, noticing my reddened eyes. I forced a smile, “It’s a greeting letter from a friend.” “Are you still angry about the job position?” Jack frowned slightly. Lily, though young, already knew how to read the room. Hearing Jack say this, she looked at me with dissatisfaction, “Mom, don’t be so petty, Dad is just thinking about work.” Six years ago, I had been weak after a serious illness. So Jack left Lily in the care of his parents, who weren’t very warm towards me and had been instilling some unfavorable ideas about me in Lily since she was young. So Lily became cold towards me like Jack, only showing warmth when facing Olivia. Jack sighed and gently patted my shoulder, “Lily, go out for a moment.” After Lily left, Jack continued, “Emily, I hope you can understand my decision. Olivia has been through a lot of difficulties outside, she needs this position more to start anew. I’ve known her for a long time, it’s only right to help her.” I lowered my head slightly, avoiding his gaze, “I understand.” My attitude was as calm as water, leaving no room for criticism. Jack looked at me, wanting to say something but holding back, and finally left the room. In the evening, Jack brought Olivia home for dinner. At the dinner table, Jack, who was usually serious, was chatting and laughing with Olivia, as if they were the real family. I silently ate my dinner, unable to blend into their joyful atmosphere, and not wanting to. I remembered Christmas Eve, when I was full of expectations that Jack would give me a special promise. I was so nervous that I couldn’t sleep all night, constantly imagining how I would look standing beside him in a beautiful dress. When Jack first gave me the dress design task, my heart was full of sweetness, and I even added my own carefully designed unique embroidery to the details of the dress. But when I saw Olivia wearing that dress, I was full of shock and anger. That day, Jack and Olivia looked like a perfect couple leaning on each other, and the imported pearl necklace Jack gave her shone softly under the lights, piercing my heart. Colleagues from the company gathered around them, whispering. “The manager really put his heart into it for Miss Olivia, they’re truly a perfect match.” “It seems the manager still can’t forget Miss Olivia, Emily is just a substitute when Miss Olivia wasn’t around.” “That’s right, if it wasn’t for Emily solving a lot of the manager’s life troubles, he would have ignored her long ago. How could she compare to Miss Olivia’s talent and charm!” Those harsh words reached my ears, and tears welled up in my eyes, but my daughter beside me didn’t notice my sadness at all. Suddenly, the spotlight focused on me and my daughter. Jack smiled and waved to Lily, “Come on, didn’t you prepare a gift for Aunt Olivia long ago? Go ahead!” Hearing this, I reached out to hold back Lily, who was eager to run over, “Lily, did you know all along that this dress Mom made was for Aunt Olivia? Did you also know that Dad gave Mom’s job to her?” “Yes!” Lily nodded without hesitation. My nails dug deep into my palm as I tried to stay calm, “Then why didn’t you tell Mom?” Jack kept urging, and Lily forcefully shook off my hand, running happily towards Olivia. I was taken aback by Lily’s action and almost fell. I smiled bitterly, regretting that only now did I see clearly my position in their hearts. At this moment, my only thought was that I no longer wanted this man or this daughter.
Three days later, I received a reply. Looking at the words on the letter that read “We warmly welcome talented designers like you to join us, and look forward to creating brilliance together!”, I couldn’t help but shed tears. I was finally no longer a woman who could only depend on others, I finally had a dream to fight for. Eight years ago, to repay Jack for saving me in an accident, even without a promise, I silently stayed by his side to support his career. Jack was a business elite, and our life together was harmonious and happy. I gave up my own design dreams for him, thinking we could walk through the long years together. But who knew, after Olivia appeared, everything changed. He not only didn’t give me a clear future, but even my position at the fashion company was easily handed over to Olivia who had just returned. Jack walked into the room with Lily, and I hurriedly hid the letter. “What are you looking at?” Jack asked, noticing my reddened eyes. I forced a smile, “It’s a greeting letter from a friend.” “Are you still angry about the job position?” Jack frowned slightly. Lily, though young, already knew how to read the room. Hearing Jack say this, she looked at me with dissatisfaction, “Mom, don’t be so petty, Dad is just thinking about work.” Six years ago, I had been weak after a serious illness. So Jack left Lily in the care of his parents, who weren’t very warm towards me and had been instilling some unfavorable ideas about me in Lily since she was young. So Lily became cold towards me like Jack, only showing warmth when facing Olivia. Jack sighed and gently patted my shoulder, “Lily, go out for a moment.” After Lily left, Jack continued, “Emily, I hope you can understand my decision. Olivia has been through a lot of difficulties outside, she needs this position more to start anew. I’ve known her for a long time, it’s only right to help her.” I lowered my head slightly, avoiding his gaze, “I understand.” My attitude was as calm as water, leaving no room for criticism. Jack looked at me, wanting to say something but holding back, and finally left the room. In the evening, Jack brought Olivia home for dinner. At the dinner table, Jack, who was usually serious, was chatting and laughing with Olivia, as if they were the real family. I silently ate my dinner, unable to blend into their joyful atmosphere, and not wanting to. I remembered Christmas Eve, when I was full of expectations that Jack would give me a special promise. I was so nervous that I couldn’t sleep all night, constantly imagining how I would look standing beside him in a beautiful dress. When Jack first gave me the dress design task, my heart was full of sweetness, and I even added my own carefully designed unique embroidery to the details of the dress. But when I saw Olivia wearing that dress, I was full of shock and anger. That day, Jack and Olivia looked like a perfect couple leaning on each other, and the imported pearl necklace Jack gave her shone softly under the lights, piercing my heart. Colleagues from the company gathered around them, whispering. “The manager really put his heart into it for Miss Olivia, they’re truly a perfect match.” “It seems the manager still can’t forget Miss Olivia, Emily is just a substitute when Miss Olivia wasn’t around.” “That’s right, if it wasn’t for Emily solving a lot of the manager’s life troubles, he would have ignored her long ago. How could she compare to Miss Olivia’s talent and charm!” Those harsh words reached my ears, and tears welled up in my eyes, but my daughter beside me didn’t notice my sadness at all. Suddenly, the spotlight focused on me and my daughter. Jack smiled and waved to Lily, “Come on, didn’t you prepare a gift for Aunt Olivia long ago? Go ahead!” Hearing this, I reached out to hold back Lily, who was eager to run over, “Lily, did you know all along that this dress Mom made was for Aunt Olivia? Did you also know that Dad gave Mom’s job to her?” “Yes!” Lily nodded without hesitation. My nails dug deep into my palm as I tried to stay calm, “Then why didn’t you tell Mom?” Jack kept urging, and Lily forcefully shook off my hand, running happily towards Olivia. I was taken aback by Lily’s action and almost fell. I smiled bitterly, regretting that only now did I see clearly my position in their hearts. At this moment, my only thought was that I no longer wanted this man or this daughter.
Seeing that I was particularly cold tonight, Olivia pretended to be pitiful, pouting and tears welling up in her eyes, “Emily, are you still blaming me for taking your job? I’ll tell the company right now to give the position back to you!” Hearing this, Jack immediately put on a stern face, “What nonsense are you talking about? This position is what I fought for you, how can you say you don’t want it just like that? Emily won’t blame you, it’s just a position. She’s been focusing on family these past few years, work isn’t that important to her.” I couldn’t help but mock myself in my heart, oh Jack, for whom I’ve sacrificed so much, what have you ever fought for me in these eight years? What makes you think I’m willing to be a housewife forever? Lily didn’t even look at me, “Aunt Olivia, my mom only knows how to clean the house, she can’t do anything else. Not like you, you’re so talented. I love the painting you taught me last time! You’re amazing!” Olivia’s cheeks flushed red from the praise of the father and daughter. After dinner, Jack turned to me and said coldly, “You’re a mother now, be sensible. Go clean up the kitchen and wash some fruit for Olivia to eat.” I silently got up and went to the kitchen, not missing the flash of smugness in Olivia’s eyes. Jack was a bit surprised by my compliance, he pursed his lips, but ultimately said nothing. I washed the dishes with ice-cold water in the kitchen, while occasional laughter from Olivia and Lily came from the living room. It doesn’t matter anymore, I’m leaving this place soon anyway. The next day, I got up early and went to the bus station to buy a ticket to Ocean City. Only when the ticket was in my bag did my heart finally settle down a bit. I don’t want to have any more entanglements with the people here, nor do I want to fall into a loveless life again. In this last month, I just want to live as usual, doing what I should do. On my way home, I met Mrs. Lee from downstairs. She looked at me with surprise, “Emily? Didn’t you go to Lily’s school for the parent-child activity? You should go quickly, Lily said this activity requires parents to participate, she must have forgotten to tell you.” I agreed and immediately changed course to Lily’s school. At the school, the children were performing their talents. Lily was also on stage showcasing her dance, I watched with my own eyes as she perfectly completed her performance. I smiled and prepared to go up to congratulate her, but found that she ran straight into Olivia’s arms. Jack stood beside them, putting his jacket on Lily. I don’t know what Lily whispered in Olivia’s ear, but Olivia kissed Lily’s forehead. Then, Olivia and Lily looked at Jack with pitiful eyes at the same time, and Jack bent down with a doting and helpless expression to kiss Lily’s cheek. Olivia and Lily’s smiles were dazzlingly bright. I suddenly felt ridiculous for rushing to school to participate in the activity, the three of them were the real family, and I was just an outsider in their happy life. Jack ruffled Lily’s hair, then ruffled Olivia’s, and inadvertently looked up to meet my gaze. He immediately took his hand off Olivia’s head, scratching his head awkwardly, wanting to say something but holding back. I heard Lily say, “Aunt Olivia, I invited you to participate in the activity without telling Mom, don’t let it slip.” “Shut up!” Jack scolded. At this moment, the three of them realized my arrival. Olivia stood up, about to speak. Lily’s teacher walked over, “Lily’s mom? Didn’t you say you couldn’t come today because you had something to do? It’s good that you’re here, by the way, Lily won a silver award in the school painting competition last time. Come with me to get her artwork and certificate.” I waved to the three of them casually, pretending to be relaxed, and followed the teacher to the office to get the certificate. “Your family is so happy!” the teacher exclaimed. Lily’s artwork depicted the Christmas gathering scene, with two adults and a child standing intimately under the lights, Olivia wearing a beautiful dress, Jack holding Olivia’s arm, looking so happy that it made people envious. I wiped away the tears from the corner of my eye, thanked the teacher, and went straight home. It doesn’t matter, I’ll give my place to Olivia. Three more days, and I’ll be free. Back home, I started packing my luggage. Clothes, daily necessities, the design sketches I drew in my spare time over these eight years…
When Jack brought Olivia home, I had just finished packing. Olivia had tears in her eyes, looking pitiful and saying, “Emily, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I rarely participate in such activities, so I begged Jack to take me. I’ll tell the company right now to give the position back to you!” Hearing Olivia say this, Lily quickly explained, “Mom, it’s not like that, it was me who wanted Aunt Olivia to accompany me, it’s all my fault, don’t be angry with Aunt Olivia.” This was the first time Lily had lowered her head and admitted her mistake in front of me, the first time she said so much to explain. Jack stepped forward, pulled me into the room, and hugged me tightly. “Emily, today’s incident is my fault, blame me if you want to blame someone.” How ridiculous, because Olivia participated in Lily’s activity, the three of them are vying to take responsibility, as if I’m an unreasonable person, as if they are the real family, and I’m just an outsider. I broke free from Jack’s embrace and looked straight into his eyes. Jack was still explaining, “Emily, Olivia has had a hard life, she’s been through a lot to get where she is now, she needs this position more to prove herself. I grew up with her, helping her is a matter of sentiment.” Jack was known for being calm and rational at the company, never saying a word more than necessary. But now, for Olivia’s sake, he was willing to explain to me so patiently. “Then why are so many of my design sketches missing?” I asked calmly. Jack was at a loss for words for a moment, then explained in a low voice, “I saw you had drawn a lot before, and that day when you weren’t around, Olivia came to the house and saw them, she really liked them, so I gave them to her for study and reference.” I understood in my heart, but couldn’t even muster any anger, “No wonder Olivia’s design works submitted when she joined the company looked familiar.” Jack suddenly looked ashamed, he hadn’t expected that I knew everything. Even when he belittled me in front of Olivia to protect her face, I knew. Jack stubbornly deceived himself, believing that Olivia’s success was entirely due to her own efforts and perseverance, not mentioning his help at all, and pretending not to know about plagiarizing my works. He only saw Olivia’s hardships, but was unwilling to mention the shortcuts she took. “Emily, I’ve always known you have talent, I hope you can be magnanimous about this incident, Olivia… really needs this opportunity.” There was a flash of struggle and pain in Jack’s eyes, but he was still speaking for Olivia. “Alright. As you wish, I’ll give it all to her.” The position, the works, you, our daughter, I’ll give it all to her.
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