A Love Trap

Somehow, Lena and Ashley had always been rivals. Even in her childhood, Lena hated Ashley. She would always snatch Ashley's favorite toys away from her --- it was irrelevant if they were expensive or not. She also spoke ill of Ashley and told lies about her in front of Spencer and Peggy. The point was to belittle her as much as possible. Lena felt threatened by her and wanted to remain their favorite daughter.

It didn't matter how much Ashley tried to explain or defend herself, Spencer and Peggy didn't believe her. After all, Ashley was only their adopted daughter. And Lena was their biological one, so they were always biased towards her.

As time went on, Spencer and Peggy misunderstood Ashley more and more.

When Ashley was a child, she couldn't understand why her parents disliked her. She wanted to be cuddled in her mom's and dad's arms. But she never knew such extravagance from them. That was only reserved for Lena.

Many times she would think about the reason why her parents would always push her away. She wondered if it was because she was disobedient.

But it didn't make any sense because Ashley was a very obedient and considerate child. But it still wasn't enough for her parents. When things didn't go well in the business or there was something wrong with the family, they would take it out on Ashley. She would be beaten and scolded and blamed for everything.

As she grew up, she finally understood why her parents disliked her and favored Lena instead. She also realized that it was of no use and silly to be so obedient and loyal to them.

—

It was only when the servant had called her to have lunch that Ashley had suddenly woken from her sad memories of her childhood.

"It's incredible. You've only been sitting here for a short while and you're in a trance already," Peggy said impatiently.

Ashley pretended not to hear what she said.

"Are you all right, Ashley?" Lena asked with a worried look on her face as she approached her.

"I'm fine." Ashley didn't bother giving her any details.

Spencer sat at the head of the table as usual. Lena and Raymond were on his left, while Peggy sat to his right and Ashley sat next to her.

cook the dish for you. Please, try some." She looked at

Raymond. 'Can't you see the look of discomfort on his face?' Ashley thought.

But Ashley liked the dish very much. So every time when they used to go out to dinner, he would order

why he would always order that dish when he didn't

it as well. Back then, Ashley felt special

served her parents' favorite dishes and put the dishes in each of their plates. The family members

place, Ashley silently ate her meal. She thought if she spoke less she would make fewer mistakes and there wouldn't be any reason for

was wrong.

you know that the family members should enjoy the joyful atmosphere during the meal? One would think that we have wronged you in some way and kept you from

believe

they were having dinner. Peggy was so angry that she

Ashley never said a word to avoid Peggy's fault finding

Peggy. Whatever Ashley did, it seemed to be wrong in her mother's

didn't like you anyway, he would find fault with you no matter

aren't you eating? Don't you

hesitating for a moment, Raymond said sheepishly, "No, I just have a toothache these days. So

Lena said, smiling sweetly. "If you

"Okay."

on the outside, but inside he felt awkward and

was just going to meet her parents. He

worse, out of habit, he almost put

—

they dined, Lena had openly shown her

for a rest and chat. However, Ashley