Ace’s parents despised my background, saying it brought shame to their family.

They criticized my clothing, claiming I lacked manners.

If I refused to flatter them, they said I was impolite.

If I had any interaction with other men, they accused me of lacking shame.

These were the frequent criticisms they used to define me.

Holding a cake, I walked step by step to Ace.

"Disheveled and improperly dressed—look at yourself! Where is your dignity or elegance? You’re nothing but a disgrace."

Ace's relatives had all gathered, their eyes filled with contempt as they looked at me.

Their words had been repeated countless times at past birthday parties, as if...