Broken Vows by Tessa Montgomery

Chapter80

They were always telling me that, if I played nice with Ashley, things would go easier for me.

But here was the thing. Ashley’s parents were gone, and mine were still around, but they chose to ignore me over her. So, what made my life any different from an orphan?

It was Christmas. I was in the kitchen filling up a pot with water when Ashley strutted in, all dressed up in her newest dress. “Grace, do you think this dress looks good on me?”

I ignored her and tried to move past her.

But she wasn’t having it. She latched onto my arm from behind. “I’m waiting for an answer.” I frowned, trying to pull away.

She grabbed my other hand, splashed herself with the hot water, and then let out a scream. “Please no Grace!”

“What are you doing?!” I asked her.

“Who do you think Mom’s going to believe, you or me?” Ashley smirked, and right on cue, my mom walked in and saw the whole thing, just the way Ashley had set it up.

“Grace, if you’ve got an issue, you come to me,” my mom said, her voice heavy with disappointment. “Why would you do this to Ashley?”

Ashley was all teary–eyed, playing the victim. “Mom, please don’t be mad at Grace. It’s my fault.”

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we have family coming over, and you messed up her

dad’s face was a storm cloud, “Grace, you’re grounded. Your stay here and think about what you’ve done. Ashley, go

mom was right there, soothing her with gentle words and a soft touch. I used to feel that warmth, but

looked a little closer, only looked at me for a

happy little family of four, without even looking

leaving, Ashley shot me a triumphant glance, as if to say, ‘Grace,

for my mom’s Instagram to become a chronicle of Ashley’s adventures with our

her, and they didn’t

in my previous life, I posted something on Instagram too. “If your don’t love me, why did you

a “Drama Queen“. Those two words were what

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Chapter 80

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second thought.

school years back then living in that unfairness.

avoided all of them, and the absence of constant conflict with

release of tension and frustration brought by the absence of

feeling more refreshed and energized. each morning.I was able to focus more on my studies and witness great improvements, while Ashley remained stuck in a cycle

matter how much effort she put into it, she couldn’t reach.

my pace.

our senior year started,

every semester, and my parents would never come to mine, but I wanted to be optimistic,