She Kept the Mansion. I Took Harvard and Walked Away.

The third time I was brought back to the Vitale house, I was done fighting. Alessia fell down the stairs. Before anyone could rush to her side, I spoke. "I pushed her. Go ahead and punish me."

I heard the familiar murmurs: "If only Alessia were our real daughter." I stopped clawing for their attention. I stopped losing my temper just because they favored Alessia.

"Daphne, why do you talk to us like we're strangers now?" my mother asked. Rocco, who hated me more than anyone, sneered, "What are you trying to pull this time?"

I'd been sent back to Gary and Brenda twice in six months. I'd had enough. Begging for their love was useless. What I needed were the tangible things: a good school, a safe place to live, the resources this family could provide. As for the Vitale family's love? I didn't want it anymore.