Chapter 1

I quit my job and spent ten years taking care of my paralyzed mother.

All those years, my mom would tell anyone who'd listen that I was her most devoted daughter.

But right before she died, her will made it crystal clear: the house went to William Lynch, 100 thousand in savings to Mia Lynch and I got nothing.

I confronted her with the will, but she just pulled out my adoption papers. She said, "I've raised you all these years for nothing. You should be grateful. You have no right to my money or my house."

After turning it over and over in her mind, she was just scared I'd end up fighting William and Mia over the inheritance.

A sleeping pill knocked me out; she wheeled over, slit my artery with a fruit knife, and sat there watching until the blood stopped. Only then was she calm.

It felt like I'd been out cold forever.

When I finally opened my eyes, the strange walls spun for a second before it clicked: my first post-grad rental, the place I'd secretly leased when my mom ordered me home to cram for the secure government-job exam and I chose the city instead.

But not long after, my mom was in a car accident and ended up paralyzed from the waist down.

Mia had just started her freshman year at college, and William was still a sophomore in high school.

That same day, I got an offer from my dream international company, but I had to give it up and head back home to take care of my mom.

For those ten years, Mom would always brag to anyone who'd listen that I was her most devoted daughter.

For the first time in twenty-two years, I finally felt seen. So even though I hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a decade and looked twenty years older than everyone my age, it was all worth it to me.

Touching my own hand, the solid feeling made me question if everything that had happened before was just some crazy dream.

The shrill ring of the phone snapped me back to reality.

The caller said, "Ms. Penny Lynch? This is HR from AuroraNova Global. Congratulations, you've been hired. Please report to the office at 9 AM sharp next Monday."

Being given a second chance at life was way too bizarre, but everything felt so real. I honestly couldn't tell if I was dreaming or if I'd actually lived through all that before.

When I didn't respond right away, the HR rep on the other end sounded concerned. She asked, "Ms. Lynch, are you still with me?"

"Sorry. I'll be there on time, thank you," I said quickly.

Dream or reality, I wasn't letting this job slip through my fingers.

After hanging up, the screen lit up, showing the date: June 17th, 2015, Wednesday.

Just as I was about to put my phone down, it rang again.

The caller said, "Is this Penny Lynch? Your mother, Velva Lynch's been in a car accident. She's at General Hospital, and her condition is critical. Please get here as soon as possible."

It hit me: this wasn't a dream.

No dream could predict the future this perfectly.

By the time I got to the hospital, William and Mia were already there. They lived closer, since they were both in college and high school here in the city.

My mom was out of surgery.

Mia and William sat outside the ICU with blank expressions. The moment they saw me, they rushed over like I was their lifeline.

Instinctively, I couldn't help but feel uneasy about their sudden closeness.

My uncle, Henry Smith, stepped in to take charge. He said, "Penny, the doctor said your mom's paralyzed because of a head injury."

They all looked at me, their faces full of helplessness and expectation, just waiting for me to be the one to take on caring for my mom.

When I didn't say anything, Henry pressed on, sounding extra serious, "With your mom like this, one of you three has to look after her for the long haul.

"Mia and William are still in school, so as the oldest, Penny, you need to take this on."

In my previous life, I'd already signed up to be my mom's round-the-clock carer before Henry could even open his mouth.

Even though it hurt to let go of my dream job at AuroraNova Global, Henry's words: "That's what being the big sister is all about. Your mom didn't raise you for nothing," made it all feel worth it.

Ever since I was little, I'd always craved the approval and attention of the adults in my life.

Honestly, they weren't outright unfair. If William or Mia got something and I asked for the same, I usually received it, just with a lecture about our parents' struggles and a reminder that big sisters let the little ones win.

No matter how many A's I brought home, my parents never got more than a glance, but a C+ from William or Mia earned applause and speeches about their "untapped potential." Sometimes, they scolded me for showing off and stealing the spotlight.

Afterward, my dad would pat my shoulder and say, "You're already great, kiddo. They need the boost," as if praising them required erasing me.