Chapter 1

I was a coward, so pathetic that the moment someone bullied me, I would want to die. However, I was too scared to die alone, so I always wanted to drag the people who hurt me down with me. On my first day at the orphanage, a little girl cornered me. She slapped me over ten times, then said, "Every time I see you, I'll hit you." I dropped to my knees, begging her to stop and telling her that if she kept hitting me, I would want to die. She didn't believe me and kicked me twice more. That night, I stole a bottle of insecticide from the janitor's closet. I sprayed half of it for her and drank the other half myself. As a result, we both ended up in the hospital. Later, my biological parents found me. The day they came to take me home, they brought along a little girl in a frilly princess dress. They said she was their adopted daughter and that she was my sister. When she hugged me, she leaned in close and whispered viciously, "You're filthy, and you stink. How do you even have the nerve to show up? Don't get your hopes up. Even if you go home, you'll never measure up to me. "Mom and Dad only have one daughter, and that's me. So, you'd better do as I say. Because if I tell them to, they'll send you right back to that orphanage for life." Her words terrified me. I dropped to my knees and begged, "I'll listen, Cecilia. I'll do whatever you say. Please… Please don't let Mom and Dad leave me behind!" The moment the words left my mouth, everyone froze. My parents, Cecilia Turner, and the reporters who had come to cover the reunion—they were all stunned. After a few seconds, my mom came over and helped me up. "Sweetheart, what are you talking about? We came here to bring you home. Why would we ever leave you behind?" Tears streamed down my face as I pointed at Cecilia and said, "But Cecilia said you only love her. That if she wants, you'll send me back to the orphanage forever." My mom frowned, but just as she was about to say something, Cecilia's face went pale. She took a few steps back. "Mom, I didn't. Don't listen to her–" "She also said I'm dirty, and I stink. But I took a bath yesterday just to meet you. Is it because I didn't wash well enough?" I burst into tears again and started running away. In the middle of the courtyard was a fountain. Without hesitation, I jumped in and yelled, "Then I'll wash myself clean right now!" Water splashed everywhere. Behind me, people screamed. By the time they pulled me out, my dad's face was dark with fury. He turned to Cecilia and barked, "What the hell did you say to her to scare her like this?" Before meeting them, I had already heard about who my biological parents were. My dad was a powerful man, while my mother was a famous artist. That was why Cecilia had grown up in the public eye. She was known as Varidge's princess. To outsiders, she was gentle and sweet. Yet, the very first time she met the real daughter, she drove me to jump into a fountain. Every camera turned to her, waiting for an answer. To her credit, Cecilia was a brilliant actress. Within seconds, her eyes reddened, and she looked fragile and pitiful. "I didn't say that. I really didn't." She walked over and held my hand. "Yelena, I said I was happy to have you home. How could you say I called you dirty and ugly? Is it because you don't like me? Because you think I took your place? "Mom, Dad, if Yelena doesn't want me in the family, I can move out." On one side stood the well-mannered, educated daughter they had raised for over ten years. On the other hand, there was the orphan from the slums with shifty eyes and a scared expression. The balance in everyone's heart tilted instantly. The reporters began comforting Cecilia. "Cecilia, don't cry. We believe you." "She's from an orphanage. Kids like that learn dirty tricks early to get attention." "Come on, they're not even in the same league. Who wouldn't prefer Cecilia?" Watching the smug little smile tug at Cecilia's lips, I started crying even harder. "Really? Did she really say she liked me and was welcoming me home? I must've heard wrong. Let's listen to it one more time, then!" Everyone froze when I reached into my pocket and pulled out a recorder.