A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 340

Harold took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have accused you of standing by and doing nothing yesterday. I was just upset... I wasn't thinking straight. But after calming down, I get it.

"You and Annie have unresolved stuff between you, and honestly, I understand now. Plus, you saved Thomas twice. No one in the family's said it outright, but we're all grateful."

Demi kept practicing her forms in silence.

"I swear, I never meant to hurt you. You know our relationship. Do you really think I'm that cruel? That I'd try to kill you? I'm not a monster," Harold said, trying to sound sincere.

Demi didn't even look at him.

"And we came up with an idea. We thought maybe you and Annie could be presented as twin sisters. That way, nobody loses. It makes everything cleaner and simpler. If we'd thought of this sooner, none of this mess would've happened."

Harold looked at her expectantly, but Demi's expression remained ice-cold.

"Are you done talking?" she asked, finally stopping and turning to face him.

"I know what we are to each other," she said, her voice calm but cutting. "That's exactly why I don't understand how you all could treat me like that."

"That whole thing with the fire... it really wasn't—"

"I'm not just talking about that," she interrupted sharply. "I'm talking about how you made me a maid in your home. How you ignored me, belittled me, stomped on me day after day.

"I'm talking about how you barged into that tent yesterday, demanding to know why I didn't save Ana—like I owed her anything. Even animals protect their own. What does that make you?"

Harold's expression darkened. He clenched his jaw and said tightly, "Watch your words, Demi. We're your family. Mom and Dad are your real parents. Aren't you afraid of karma for saying things like this?"

Demi gave him a cold smile. "You all weren't afraid. Why should I be?"

"Well, let me ask you this—did it ever cross your mind to wonder how I felt? Did you ever stop to think how I might feel, being treated like I didn't matter?

"Of course you didn't. You didn't think about me. Or maybe you did—but you just didn't care.

"You said I didn't die like it means I should be grateful. Fine, let's pretend I didn't die. But I faced death. I came so damn close. If I turn around now and run back into your family's arms, all smiles and forgiveness, then I'm just pathetic.

"And if I let you treat me like I'm nothing again, then whatever happens next would be my fault. If I die next time, it'll be because I dug my own grave.

"So go ahead. Keep humiliating yourselves if that's what your family likes. But me? I'm not into self-destruction. I don't do pathetic."

Harold had no words to retort. He just remained silent.