In a household where favoritism was as routine as the morning sun, the Petersons always spoiled their son with gifts and attention, leaving their daughter, Lila, in the shadows. This disparity forged a silent resolve in Lila, a determination that would one day send ripples through the family’s calm facade. Only when Lila made an unforeseen decision years later did her parents realize the full extent of their tyneglect, a realization that struck them with profound remorse. Lila had believed that this sudden remorse was too little, too late. She had been working for years to get where she was now. Finally, she had been able to distance herself from her family, creating a life where she became her own priority instead of always getting second to her brother, Tommy. That was until her parents suddenly reached out. It hadn’t been what she had expected. Sure, she had been on the news, but it wasn’t yet as grand as she had been striving for. Previously, she had tried for years to get their attention, but now they wanted to see her. Lila knew that something must have happened; something must be up for them to change their attention from her brother to her… But why? Her plan was coming into motion quicker than she had originally anticipated. She had thought of it as soon as she left home, making a multi-step plan to make them rue the day they favored her older brother over her. It seemed like it was well worth the wait. In the end, revenge is best served cold… It wasn’t necessarily that Lila wanted revenge. The only thing she had ever wanted ever since she was a little girl was to be treated the same as her brother, Tommy. She had noticed the unfairness in how her parents treated her compared to her brother ever since she could remember. She had hoped it was just how she had seen it when she was younger, but that wasn’t the case. She remembered her youth vividly. It wasn’t like it was only one instance either; throughout her memories, she could see how her brother was put first, even if it was to the detriment of Lila herself. The times that it had been most prominent were special days like Christmas, Easter, hell, even her own birthday! It happened when she was only seven years old. Tommy had been nine then, and she had just gotten a toy she wanted. It was the only thing she had asked for, either. Even at that age, she knew that her parents were not well off. She had only gotten one toy, but she hadn’t cared since that was what she had wanted most. That was until Tommy laid eyes on it. Tommy had wanted it as soon as he saw it. Not necessarily because he liked the toy but simply because Lila liked it. He had gone to their parents, whining about wanting such a toy. She remembered their response like it was yesterday. “Tommy, that toy was very expensive, I don’t think we can buy another one.” Their father tried, giving Lila hope before squashing it. “But Da-aaad, I really want it!” Tommy said, stomping his feet like a damned 5-year-old. Their father sighed, looking at his son, daughter, and the toy before walking over to Lila, who had been playing quietly. He crouched down to her eye level, as Lila had been playing on the ground, not bothering anyone. “Sweetie,” their father started, and Lila looked up, already knowing what would happen. “You know how much I love seeing you play with your new toy. It makes me so happy,” he started. It was always first a compliment before the demand came. At least back then, they sugar-coated it. That wasn’t the case nowadays, where Lila had become the scapegoat. “But, you remember how Tommy has been feeling a bit sad lately, right?” Their father continued, choosing his words with care. Lila nodded at this as she ceased playing, giving her father her full attention. “So, I was thinking, maybe you could give it to Tommy. It might cheer him up, you know?” Her father said, and Lila’s face fell. “But it’s mine,” Lila said quietly, her grip tightening around the toy. Her father smiled a half-smile. “Yes, it is. That is why it’s a very special thing if you choose to share it with Tommy. It shows how kind and loving you are.” He coaxed. “And you know what? You have so many toys already. They are probably just as fun as this one.” He said before she handed over the toy. The fact of the matter was that all the other toys she had were hand-me-downs from Tommy. That was the first and only toy she had ever gotten that was meant for her. Still, as her father had outstretched his hand, she couldn’t do anything but place the toy in his palm. She would never see it again after that day as Tommy had carelessly broken it only a week later. After that moment, Lila noticed that everything Tommy wanted happened, and everything she wanted was often ignored. Then and there, she found that life simply wasn’t fair and that she had to make something of herself without her parents’ help. She knew she would make it, with or without them. It hadn’t been easy, especially since she kept hoping that there wouldn’t be the next after the last disappointment, but she was always wrong. For some reason, she always held on to hope. However, that was until her favorite grandmother died. The only person who seemed to notice what was actually going on. After her death, Lila knew her parents would never change… Her grandmother had been the only one to have saved for her tuition, but when she died before Lila was 18. Instead of keeping it safe for her, they splurged that money on Tommy. When they told her the news, she had thrown a tantrum. “Lila, you need to learn how to share,” they had said, pushing her over the edge to leave her home and become the woman she is today simply out of spite. After they had told her, she had locked herself into her room. Her parents had simply told themselves it was another “tantrum,” but it had been the moment that Lila packed her bags, planning to leave that house forever. Her home had been her grandmother, the only person who didn’t favor her brother over her, and that had been ripped away from her too… Armed with only the few belongings that she had and the letters her grandmother had personally given to her right before she passed, Lila had left her home. She had left them a letter, telling them that she no longer wanted to remain home, and they had never done anything about it. No, instead of trying to get her back to fight for her, they had simply abandoned her in return. Only after a year did her cousin find her on social media, and her parents asked her to be their friend. Lila had accepted it; how else would she put her revenge plan into motion if they had zero contact after all? She had ensured to keep her life private and shroud whatever she did in mystery. That was until she had gotten on the news. As soon as she went on the news, there suddenly seemed to be a shift. Though she had anticipated it, her family, especially her parents, always were attracted to success. Yet it still hurt. She had hoped they would see the error in their ways before that happened, but alas, at least it would make her feel less bad about what she was about to do to them. Lila stared into the mirror, her eyes betraying a storm beneath the calm surface. Tonight was no ordinary dinner; it was a showdown, years in the making. Years had passed since she last saw her family, and her success had been hard-won. Tonight, she would face her past, her family. Yet, a part of her dreaded it. ‘No matter what, I’ve made something of myself,’ she reminded herself, steadying her breath. The familiar sights of her childhood home brought nostalgia mixed with apprehension. As Lila stepped out of her car, the memories of laughter, tears, joy, and pain all came rushing back. She stood there for a moment. The house looked the same, yet she was a different person now. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open, stepping into a chapter she thought she had closed. The door creaked, revealing familiar faces wrapped in awkward smiles. Her parents seemed frozen in time, the exact same as how she had left them. Tommy was there too, his presence a jarring reminder of old rivalries. The greetings were a clumsy dance, filled with hesitation and forced warmth. Lila mustered a polite smile. This was the moment she had prepared herself for… As they settled around the dining table, Lila’s mother began, “It’s so nice to have the whole family together again.” Her voice held a note of forced cheerfulness. “Yes, it’s been too long,” Lila’s father added, casting a brief glance at Lila. “Let’s enjoy this meal,” he said, raising his glass in a toast. Lila raised her glass, hoping that this time would be different, but then her mother turned to Tommy. “Tommy, tell us about that project you’ve been working on. Your father and I are so proud of you.” Tommy gave an awkward smile, glancing at Lila before talking about his latest venture, a small-scale business idea he had been toying with. Lila attempted to join in, “That’s great, Tommy. I’ve also been working on something similar…–” before her mother interrupted her, “You’ve always been so creative, just like when you were a child.” Seizing a lull in the conversation, Lila interjected, “Actually, I’ve had some exciting news recently. I was featured in a major news segment for my work.” Her father glanced her way, “Oh? That’s nice.” But his attention quickly drifted back to Tommy. “Tommy, tell us more about your business plans.” Suddenly, she felt like she was a child again… Yet, she was adamant that she wouldn’t let them win. Undeterred, Lila tried again. “This feature was a significant milestone. I was discussing the impact of my research on…” Her mother cut in, almost absentmindedly, “That’s good, dear. Tommy, did you say you’re thinking of expanding your project?” With each attempt to share her life, Lila felt her frustration mounting. Were her parents even worth this effort?! The familiar feeling of being overshadowed, of fighting for a sliver of attention, grew overwhelming. “Why is it so hard for you to acknowledge what I’ve done?” Lila’s voice rose, tinged with frustration. Tommy looked at her for a moment, giving the conversation moments of silence, yet her parents never took it. Memories of childhood neglect resurfaced each forgotten birthday and overlooked achievement, fueling a growing anger within Lila. The dinner, meant to be a reunion, felt more like a replay of her painful past. “I’ve worked so hard to be where I am,” Lila whispered to herself, her voice breaking, but she stopped herself. She wouldn’t let them see her cry. “I can’t do this,” Lila announced abruptly, pushing her chair back. “I’m staying at a hotel tonight.” Her voice was firm, masking the turmoil she felt. Her parents exchanged confused glances while Tommy looked down, uncomfortable. “Lila, don’t be dramatic,” her mother started, but Lila was resolute. Without another word, Lila walked out. In her car, Lila’s hands gripped the steering wheel, each turn taking her further from the suffocating dinner. Anger and sadness battled within her; the familiar family dynamics were painfully clear. The loneliness of the drive echoed her resolve. This was more than a personal grievance; it was a deep-seated need for acknowledgment, for revenge, and she would give it to them. In the quiet of her hotel room, Lila sat enveloped in solitude when her phone’s unexpected ring broke the silence. It was her parents. Lila answered and braced herself. “Lila, we’re sorry about tonight,” her mother’s voice came through, laced with a rare tone of regret. Her father added, “We didn’t mean to make you feel left out.” The apology, unexpected and belated, left Lila momentarily speechless. Was this a genuine change or just another façade? “We’ve been thinking,” her mother continued, “about our past actions. We realize we may have made mistakes.” There was a pause, filled with years of unspoken truths. “We’d like to talk, to clear any misunderstandings,” her father said. Lila listened, a mix of skepticism and curiosity building within her. Could they truly be willing to make amends, or was this another superficial attempt? Lila weighed her words carefully. “I’ll meet you, but I’m not sure what good it will do,” she replied, her tone guarded. Internally, she questioned their motives but saw an opportunity. Perhaps this meeting could serve her plans, provide closure, or even a chance at genuine understanding. She agreed to another encounter, but decided to also put her plans into motion. After the call, Lila sat in contemplation. The apology, while unexpected, didn’t erase years of neglect. Her resolve for revenge, simmering beneath the surface, felt justified more than ever. This wasn’t just about retribution; it was a demand for recognition, for the validation that had been denied to her for so long. She would no longer be the overlooked daughter. Lila reached for her phone with a decisive hand. It was time to set her plan into motion. She dialed her closest friend, someone who had been a confidant through her struggles. As the call connected, a sense of determination enveloped her. “It’s time,” she said, her voice steady. “I want you to start with phase 1.” “Remember the outline we discussed?” Lila spoke into the phone. “Ensure it’s subtle but effective,” she added. “I am going to talk to my parents tomorrow, on neutral ground this time. I need you to be ready with everything. I feel like this is going to be another fake apology.” Lila said, pausing for a moment. A part of her was hoping she was wrong. “Are you sure about this, Lila?” her friend asked, concern evident in their voice. “Once we start, there’s no turning back.” But Lila answered before she actually started to doubt herself. “I’ve never been more certain,” Lila’s said her voice unwavering. This was more than a plan; it was a culmination of a lifetime of feeling second-best. Ending the call, Lila felt a mix of anticipation and resolve. The first step of her plan was in motion, the stage set for what was to come. She knew the path ahead wouldn’t be easy, but the years of being sidelined had steeled her resolve. It was time for her story to be heard, for the scales of attention to be balanced. Lila arrived at the café ahead of time, the morning sun casting a warm glow. She chose a secluded table, wanting their conversation to be more private. This meeting was a pivotal moment, a chance to confront her past and, perhaps, reshape her future. She rehearsed her words and felt confident, that was until her eyes fell on someone she hadn’t expected. As she sipped her coffee, Lila’s gaze fell upon an unexpected figure – Tommy. He sat there, looking somewhat uneasy. Her heart skipped a beat; this was not part of the plan. Why was Tommy here instead of their parents? A thousand questions raced through her mind. Had he been sent as a mediator, or was there another reason for his solitary presence? Seeing him stirred a mix of emotions in Lila. The impulse to leave, to avoid rehashing painful memories, was strong. She had come prepared to face her parents, not Tommy. His presence complicated things, bringing a flood of childhood resentments to the surface. As Lila stood to leave, Tommy approached her. “Lila, please, wait,” “I need to talk to you.” His voice carried a sincerity she hadn’t heard before. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our past, about how I treated you.” His apology seemed genuine, a stark contrast to the brother she remembered. Lila paused, surprised by this unexpected admission, and decided to hear him out. Lila sat back down, taken aback by Tommy’s words. His expression, his tone, it all pointed to a sincerity she had never seen in him. This was a side of Tommy she hadn’t seen before. Normally he would bask in the attention of their parents, she had seen it the day before as well. Could he have truly changed? Tommy’s voice was laden with a somber realization as he spoke. “I’m sorry that I didn’t see the unfairness of it all before. But you know, Lila, our parents’ favoritism didn’t just affect you. It hurt me too, in ways I’m only just beginning to understand.” He looked down, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. This definitely wasn’t the Tommy that she had left behind all those years ago, “Their constant attention, while it was great at first it left me unprepared for the real world, always expecting others to place me first.” He continued, his words tinged with regret. “I’ve struggled with independence because of how they spoiled me. I never really had to fight for anything, never had to build something on my own.” Tommy’s confession revealed a struggle Lila had never considered. Their deep and revealing conversation was abruptly interrupted as Tommy glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry we have talked so much about me instead of you Lila, but I need to go. I’m sorry to cut this short.” The unexpected depth of their exchange had made him lose track of time. Lila nodded, processing the revelations that had unfolded. She had to think about this. As Tommy stood up to leave, he paused. “I hope you’ll think about what I said, Lila. I genuinely want to make things right between us.” His eyes held a hopefulness that was new to Lila. He left the café, leaving her with a lot to think about. Could this trip not have been for her parents but for the surprising reconciliation with her brother? Lila remained seated, alone with her thoughts. Tommy’s words echoed in her mind, challenging her long-held perceptions. Had she been too quick to judge, to assume that he enjoyed their parents’ favoritism without any drawbacks? Her plan for revenge, so clear and justified before, now seemed to waver in the light of these new revelations. The complexity of their family dynamics, once black and white, now revealed shades of gray she hadn’t considered. Minutes turned into an hour as Lila waited, the café bustling around her as Lila decided to work to pass the time. Finally, her parents arrived, apologetic yet casual about their tardiness. “Sorry, dear, we got held up,” her mother said breezily. The delay, typical of their usual disregard for Lila’s time, added another layer of tension to the already tense meeting. The initial topic of conversation was Lila’s recent feature in the news. “We saw you on TV,” her father began, a hint of pride in his voice. “It’s quite an achievement.” For a brief moment, the conversation revolved around Lila, her hard-earned success receiving the spotlight. It felt like a small victory, a long-awaited recognition, even if it was fleeting. Encouraged, Lila elaborated on her accomplishments. “I’ve earned multiple university degrees and recently started my own business, which was why I was in the news,” she shared, her voice filled with pride. She detailed her journey, and for once, her parents listened, their expressions a mix of surprise and intrigue. Finally, Lila felt like her achievements were getting some acknowledgment. But the focus on Lila didn’t last long. Her mother interjected, “That’s wonderful, Lila. Speaking of businesses, maybe you can offer some advice to Tommy. He could really use your help, or even better, you could loan him the money he needs!” The conversation quickly shifted from Lila’s success to Tommy, who wasn’t even there. The familiar pattern reemerged, but this time, Lila wouldn’t let it slide. Lila’s patience snapped. “This is always about Tommy, isn’t it?” she exclaimed, her voice rising. “I’ve worked tirelessly to achieve something on my own, and yet, here we are again, talking about how I can help Tommy.” The frustration and hurt that had been simmering beneath the surface erupted. “I’m done with this,” she declared, standing up abruptly and storming out of the cafe. In the quiet of her car, Lila dialed her friend’s number. “Is everything set for the plan?” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “Yes, everything’s ready,” her friend confirmed. Lila took a deep breath, the gravity of her next steps weighing on her. “Let’s do it,” she said, a mix of resolve and apprehension in her voice. Back in her hotel room, Lila opened her laptop and began typing. Her post detailed her experiences of being neglected in favor of Tommy and the emotional impact of her parents’ favoritism. She hit ‘post,’ and her story spread across social media platforms. The response was immediate and overwhelming; people began sharing their stories, resonating with her plight. In her narrative, Lila made a conscious choice to exempt Tommy. She portrayed him not as a conspirator but as a fellow victim of their parents’ skewed affections. Her recent conversation with Tommy had revealed his own struggles and his regret. It was clear to her now: Tommy, too, had suffered under their parents’ favoritism, albeit in different ways. The momentum of her social media exposure caught the attention of local news outlets. Lila was invited to share her story, which she did, painting a vivid picture of her journey. She came there to inspire others that regardless of upbringing, one could succeed in life like she had. “Stop giving your energy to those who give you none in return,” she said as her closing statement. In the aftermath of her public statement, Lila’s parents reached out, their voices laden with remorse. But for Lila, their apologies were too little, too late. The wounds they inflicted were already too deep. “I can’t just forgive and forget,” Lila thought her resolve firm. Forgiveness, in her eyes, was not just a matter of words but actions, and their actions had spoken volumes over the years. With determination, Lila initiated the second phase of her plan. She filed a lawsuit against her parents for inheritance theft. The inheritance, meant to be her safety net, had been squandered on Tommy’s whims. This legal action was not just about reclaiming what was rightfully hers; it was about holding her parents accountable, seeking justice for the wrongs they had committed, and getting back a little of her grandmother that she had lost when only 17. The news of the lawsuit sent shockwaves through her family. Tommy, unaware of the full extent of their parents’ actions, was stunned. “They used your inheritance for me?” he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and guilt. This revelation was a painful eye-opener for him. “That was why you left, wasn’t it?” He asked, his hands in his hair. “They told me you were simply ungrateful. I am so sorry, Lila…” Her parents, faced with the lawsuit, attempted to fight it. But Lila’s case was strong, backed by undeniable evidence and legal prowess. The letters from her grandmother, clear intentions of her will, stood as a testament to the truth. The battle in court was tense, but Lila came out on top, but that wasn’t what it was to Lila. For Lila, this was more than a legal victory; it was a declaration of her independence and strength. However, it didn’t only leave her parents nearly destitute, having to even sell their home for all the money they had splurged, but it also brought trouble to Tommy that she had not yet foreseen when she went to court. She knew just how to fix it. Lila decided to approach Tommy. “I want to offer you an apartment in the city,” she said, her voice reflecting a mix of concern and determination. “It’s a chance for you to start fresh, to build your independence.” This offer wasn’t just about aiding Tommy; it was about providing him the opportunity to grow away from their parent’s shadow, an opportunity she knew he deserved. Tommy’s initial response was one of hesitation. The idea of leaving the comfort zone of their parents’ home, despite its toxicity, was daunting. But as he considered Lila’s offer, he saw it for what it was – a lifeline, a chance to redefine himself. “I’ll take it,” he said finally, his voice carrying a cautious hope. This was his moment to step out and discover his own path. With Lila’s support, Tommy embarked on his journey towards self-reliance. The city, with its vibrant energy and endless possibilities, was a stark contrast to his sheltered upbringing. He began to explore life on his terms, making decisions, facing challenges, and learning the value of independence. As Tommy navigated his new life, Lila was there, not as a rescuer, but as a supportive sister. Their interactions began to transform into exchanges of mutual respect and understanding. They shared experiences and offered advice, and slowly, a new bond began to form – one built on the foundations of empathy and shared experiences, a bond that was strong and genuine. Though it hadn’t been what Lila had originally expected when she went to her parents for dinner, it was definitely the best possible outcome. The siblings decided to put each other first for a change, cutting their parents out completely as the two blossomed from estranged siblings into friends.