I was at a loss for words and turned to Howard to complain, but he urged me to be more understanding.

"Lorelai, Maddi and I have relied on each other since she lost our mother at just 13. She must feel an overwhelming sense of maternal love from you, which is why she feels comfortable being her truest self around you.

"This just shows she genuinely accepts you," he explained.

I didn't care for her so-called "acceptance". It felt like a thorn lodged in my throat. With no other option, I bought her a small washing machine specifically for washing underwear.

Though I was reluctant, I kept telling myself that her SATs were approaching. If I'd helped her this far, I might as well go all the way.

It was just a few more months—how hard could it be? So, I swallowed my frustration and persevered day by day.

Howard worked in sales and frequently traveled all over the country. Hence, that would leave most of the responsibility for taking care of Madeline on my shoulders.

Over the years, I woke up at 6:30 am every day to make breakfast for her. I worked hard to pay for her expensive private tutoring classes and spent weekends cleaning the house and doing laundry.

I had lived up to Howard's standard of being a mother-like figure for her sister.

Just like that, I finally dropped Madeline off at her university at the start of the month. I had barely caught my breath when, just two weeks later, she returned.

Seeing me stunned, Madeline said to me softly and sweetly, "Lorey, the food at the cafeteria is so bad it gives me a stomachache. Your breakfasts are much better."

"Of course they are. Lorey treats you like her own daughter. The cafeteria can't compare to the breakfast spread she prepares for you every day," Howard chimed in while giving me a thumbs up as if to praise me.

He didn't even notice how dark my expression had turned.

Madeline hadn't done well enough in her SATs to get into a public university. She ended up attending a private arts college with tuition fees of 18 thousand dollars a year. So, their cafeteria wasn't exactly low-quality.

I didn't hold back. "Maddi, college cafeterias go through rigorous bidding processes to get chosen. You grew up in the countryside eating simple, humble meals and still made it to 13, didn't you?"

Pressing a hand to my forehead, I added, "Howard, I haven't been feeling well these past few days. Maybe it's the heat or the exhaustion from my recent trip.

"I was just hoping to use the time now that Maddi's in college to focus on my health."

I tried to keep my tone calm, but every vein in my body felt like it was about to burst.

Regret washed over me. I shouldn't have ignored my mother's advice and insisted on bringing Madeline to live with us. It was easy to invite her in, but sending her away was proving impossible.

There had to be limits to how much I gave. Even a maid would get a break, and I was still a 30-something beautiful young woman, not some full-time servant.

Almost all my energy had gone into Madeline for years. Even the conversations between me and Howard revolved around her.

I increasingly felt like I was just the free babysitter Howard had found for Madeline. I glanced at Howard, hoping he'd back me up.

But when he didn't, I pinched his thigh hard. He struggled for a moment, clearly trying to find something to say.

Before he could speak, Madeline burst into tears. "Lorey, do you and Howard not like me anymore? Are you going to stop caring about me now that I'm in college?"

She sobbed so dramatically that anyone watching would think I had bullied her. Howard was heartbroken, and he immediately pulled her into his arms and shot me a furious glare.

His voice rose several notches. "Maddi, this is my house, and I make the decisions. You're staying here, and I'd like to see anyone try to stop me!"

I took ten deep breaths, silently telling myself to stay calm. I had to persevere!

After a long pause, I finally spoke slowly. "Howard, Maddi just started college. I was just thinking that we should help her adjust to her new environment as soon as possible."

"Lorey, I want to, too, but the campus is so big and far out in the suburbs. It's so inconvenient to get around. Can't you…"

Madeline deliberately left her sentence hanging.

"Maddi, just say it directly if you have something to say." I forced a strained smile. To be honest, I didn't know when it started, but I had grown to dislike Madeline more and more.

"Lorey, can I borrow your car? I'm already 18, and according to the law I'm allowed to drive now."

The smile on my face immediately froze. I had waited nearly ten years to finally buy myself a car last year, meaning I no longer had to endure the crowded subway.

Now, barely starting college, Madeline casually asked for my car like it was nothing. Still, I tried my best to remain calm as I wanted to persuade her to return to campus.

"Maddi, you don't even have a driver's license yet. Let's talk about it once you've passed the test, okay?" I could physically feel my expression darkening.

I glared at Howard, who finally noticed my dissatisfaction and added, "That's right, Maddi. You can't drive without a license. Focus on getting that first."

After much coaxing, Madeline reluctantly agreed to return to campus.

However, I received a text notification as soon as I arrived at work the next day. "Payment of 1,500 dollars processed to Sunlight Driving Academy."

I couldn't believe it—Madeline had enrolled in a driving academy near her campus at lightning speed. Fuming, I sent a screenshot to Howard and called him, demanding he step out of his meeting to talk.

"What's so urgent that it can't wait? I'm meeting with a client right now," Howard grumbled. He was visibly annoyed when he saw me.

"Do you think I'm not busy? I've been holding this in for so long, but I can't take it anymore. We've been spoiling Madeline far too much. We can't just give her everything she wants.

"I work hard overtime every day and barely make a little over eight thousand dollars a month. Yet, she spent 1,500 dollars on registration fees without a second thought. Meanwhile, I'm over here comparing sandwiches at lunch to save a few cents!"

"Lorelai Larson, when did you become so stingy?" Howard waved his hand dismissively, clearly signaling me to stop.

"Do you think I don't know you haven't been doing well at your job lately? You know our family's situation as well as I do."

I normally avoided saying things like this because I didn't want to hurt Howard's pride, but I couldn't hold back today.

"There's a driving academy just two stops from her campus that charges a little over 700 dollars, which is the standard market price. Why couldn't she take a moment to compare?

"How can she spend money so recklessly, acting like she's some kind of heiress?" As I spoke, I canceled Madeline's supplementary credit card right in front of him.

"Howard, I'm willing to help a struggling young woman with her food, clothing, and education. But I simply can't afford to support someone chasing a luxurious lifestyle!"

The more I spoke, the more agitated I became. I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe, and my vision immediately went black.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying on a hospital bed, with Howard sitting by my side.

He gently stroked my forehead. "Lorelai, you need to be more careful. You got so worked up even though you're pregnant."

I froze. What? I was pregnant?

When my mom heard the news, she wasted no time moving into my house to take care of me and even insisted on giving me 25 thousand dollars in cash as a congratulatory gift.

I couldn't hold back and started venting to her about all my frustrations with Madeline.

"Sweetheart, I told you long ago not to bring her into your home. Look at your hands—they're like a full-time housekeeper's.

"Use this pregnancy as an opportunity to step back from her issues. Do you hear me?"

I nodded, but my phone buzzed incessantly beside me. Madeline had discovered her supplementary card was canceled and bombarded me with messages and calls.

I simply told her I was pregnant and that my energy was limited. She'd just have to direct all her concerns about living expenses to her brother from now on.

Madeline showed up at the door with her luggage that very evening.

She froze for a moment when she saw my mom, then immediately became polite and respectful. "Lorey, I've been so immature in the past. Now that you're pregnant, it's the perfect time for me to repay your kindness."