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.

this is your favorite, Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs. I asked Claire especially to cook the dish for you. Please, try some." She looked

to watch Lena trying to please Raymond. 'Can't you see the look of discomfort on his face?'

fact, Raymond didn't like to eat Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs at all. He didn't like the taste of the combination of sweet and sour. But Ashley liked the dish very much. So every time when they used to go out

would always order that dish when he didn't like

he would try and like it as well. Back then, Ashley felt special when he had

their plates. The family members then dined

if she spoke less she would make fewer

was

beside Ashley, snorted," How can you sit there and have your meal without talking to anyone else? Don't 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

hardly believe her

scolded her for saying something when they were having dinner. Peggy was so angry that

never said a word to avoid Peggy's fault finding with her.

still couldn't avoid irritating Peggy. Whatever Ashley did, it seemed to be wrong

anyway, he would find fault

aren't you eating? Don't you like the dish?" Lena asked,

moment, Raymond said sheepishly, "No, I just have a toothache these days. So I can't eat this

you didn't like it," Lena said, smiling sweetly. "If you can't eat it, then just

"Okay."

outside, but inside he felt awkward and uneasy.

invited him to have lunch at her house, Raymond thought that he was just going to meet her parents. He didn't know that Ashley would be there

of habit, he almost put

—

they dined, Lena had openly shown her affection for

they adjourned to the living room for a rest and chat. However, Ashley felt uncomfortable and embarrassed to stay with them.