Everyone Loves My Twin, But Hates Me

When the sun finally set, they returned.

Avery was the first to rush through the door, smiling at those behind her. "Mom, Dad, brother, look at me. I’m really fine. I’m going to apologize to Sis later."

Avery’s words had the opposite effect.

The whole family turned their gaze toward me.

"Avie, let’s get you to your room first," my mother said, pulling Avery with her. She cast a look back at me, one filled with anger and reproach, devoid of the previous affection.

"Come here."

My father and Darren looked at me with dark, disapproving faces.

They dragged me down to the basement.

"We Wilkinsons never tolerate the abuse of family members. Darren, take care of this."

My father retrieved a thick wooden stick from the basement.

"Twenty strokes."

"Understood."

One stroke, another, and another.

I had lost count of how many blows I had received. My tears were beaten out of me, my back bent from the force.

I lay sprawled on the floor, a pitiful mess.

"Do you understand your mistake?"

My father sat in front of me, his voice cold.

I looked up at him and explained, "Even if you ask me a thousand times, or ten thousand times, I will say the same thing—it's not me who pushed her. Avery jumped down on her own."

My father was about to have Darren continue the punishment.

But a voice interrupted him.

"Mr. Wilkinson."

Jayden arrived, looking weary as if he had just returned from a business trip.

To my surprise, Jayden didn’t even glance at me. He addressed my father, "Mr. Wilkinson, I heard Avie was hurt, so I came to see her. I also wanted to discuss something."

"I want to marry Avie."

What? I looked up in disbelief.

Jayden continued, completely ignoring my presence.

"I want to formally become Avie's legal husband."

At that moment, it felt as though I had been forgotten by this family, as if no one cared about me.

I lowered my head, struggling to hold back tears, and decided to go upstairs to calm down.

As I was climbing the stairs, Avery suddenly called out to me.

"Sister, can you help me choose a wedding dress?"

I was about to refuse, but seeing the threatening expressions of those around me, I knew I had no choice but to comply. I nodded faintly, my face devoid of emotion.

"Sister, there's no time like the present. Let's go and choose now," Avery said, her smile widening at my response.

I withdrew my hand and replied flatly, "When do we leave?"

Avery looked at my hand with a feigned sorrow and lowered her voice.

"I’ve already arranged things with the bridal shop. We can go right away."

Darren, unable to bear Avery’s sad expression, quickly took my hand and placed it in Avery’s.

Avery’s hand was rough from earlier work, and it hurt a little. But she held my hand tightly, not letting go.

When we arrived at the bridal shop, I realized what Avery was up to.

"Ms. Wilkinson?" The shop owner seemed surprised to see me at the store I had previously visited with Jayden.

"I’m here to help my sister choose a wedding dress," I explained.

Avery smiled and linked her arm with the shop owner’s.

"Sister, I’m going to marry Jayden Wilkinson. Could we look at the wedding dresses in your shop?"

The shop owner gave me a pitying glance before turning to show Avery the gowns.

Avery took a long time to choose, finally bringing a few photos to me.

"Sister, did you and Jayden choose this dress? What do you think of it on me?"

I looked at Avery’s insincere smile and replied mockingly, "So, does this mean you’re using my hand-me-downs?"

Avery’s expression nearly faltered at my words.