Chapter 1
The homecoming party was in full swing when Kamila Lane, the girl who'd spent eighteen years living my life, collapsed into a theatrical heap. Tears poured down her cheeks as if she had lost her entire world.
She clung to my parents' sleeves, refusing to let go, then turned those big, wet eyes up at me. "Now that Serena's back, you don't want me anymore, do you?"
'Ding! Extreme resentment detected. The Wishmaker Protocol is now binding.
'Target locked: Kamila Lane.
'Host: Serena Lane.
'Protocol rules: Every subjective, exaggerated lie Kamila Lane tells will become reality.'
Watching her deliver this Oscar-worthy performance, I felt the corners of my mouth curl up.
And my so-called parents? Their faces had gone completely cold.
*****
My name was Serena Lane. Eighteen years ago, I was switched at birth with another baby girl.
Today was my first day back with the Lane family, and they'd thrown this lavish party to introduce me to their world.
The ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers. Guests in designer gowns and tailored suits clinked champagne glasses and exchanged air kisses.
And there I stood in my faded thrift store dress, feeling like a stray cat who'd wandered into a palace.
Meanwhile, Kamila, the girl who'd taken everything that should have been mine, was busy performing.
She looked perfect in her couture dress, her makeup flawless. But right now, she was crying so beautifully that everyone around her melted with sympathy.
Her voice quivered with emotion. "Serena, I know you've suffered, and it's all my fault.
"If I hadn't taken your place, you wouldn't have had to struggle all those years in the poor village."
She turned to my real parents, who'd barely spoken anything to me since I arrived. "Mom, Dad, please don't be upset with Serena.
"She just got back. Of course, she'd have some complicated feelings toward us.
"I knew it. Now that she's here, you won't need me anymore..."
She crumpled into my mother's arms, shoulders shaking with sobs.
The guests exchanged meaningful glances.
"The real daughter looks so common. Definitely not Lane material."
"Kamila carries herself like a true heiress. So gracious."
"And she's barely through the door, already trying to push her sister out? That's cold."
My parents' faces tightened. When their eyes landed on me, I saw nothing but irritation and accusation.
Here we go. Curtain up on tonight's drama.
Just as I settled in to watch the next act, a mechanical voice cut through my thoughts.
'Ding! Extreme resentment detected. The Wishmaker Protocol is now binding.
'Target locked: Kamila Lane.
'Host: Serena Lane.
'Protocol rules: Every subjective, exaggerated lie Kamila Lane tells will become reality.'
I froze. A system? And it actually sounded fun?
I looked at Kamila, still performing her little heart out, and felt my eyes light up. Let's see what she's got.
Right on cue, my mother clutched Kamila protectively and shot me a glare.
My mother said, "Don't be ridiculous, Kamila. You'll always be my precious daughter."
My father's jaw tightened. "Serena, apologize to your sister. She's been nothing but kind to you. Show some gratitude."
Kamila lifted her head from our mother's shoulder, eyes red and swollen, playing the part of the wounded heroine beautifully.
"No, Mom, Dad, please don't blame her."
Her voice trembled, but I caught the tiny smirk at the corner of her mouth. "I'll go. If that's what Serena wants, I'll walk away. I don't care if I end up with nothing."
Wow, she was turning up the drama.
Suddenly, the Wishmaker Protocol declared in my mind, 'Ding. Wish detected. "I'll walk away. I don't care if I end up with nothing." Validated. Executing.'
One second, my parents were practically drowning in sympathy for her. Next, their faces went rigid.
My mother jerked away from Kamila as if she'd been shocked. She physically pushed Kamila out of her arms.
"You're right." My mother's voice turned to ice. "Serena is the Lane family's real daughter. You're nothing but a fraud. You don't belong here."
Kamila's sobs caught in her throat. "Mom...?"
My father didn't even hesitate. He signaled two security guards. "Clear out her things.
"As of this moment, Kamila Lane has no connection to this family. Every asset in her name, the houses, the cars, the stocks, will be transferred to Serena immediately."
His voice wasn't loud, but it dropped like a bombshell in the banquet hall. The whole room went dead silent. Everyone was stunned, mouths hanging open in disbelief.
Kamila stared at them like they'd started speaking another language. "Dad? Mom? What are you saying? It's me. Kamila. You can't mean that."
"Don't call us that." My mother looked at her like she was something stuck to her shoe. "You stole someone else's life for eighteen years and actually thought you were one of us?"
She gestured to the guards. "Get her out. I never want to see her again."
The guards grabbed Kamila's arms and started dragging her toward the door.
She finally snapped out of it, thrashing wildly. "No! You can't do this to me. I'm your daughter. You raised me for eighteen years.
"Dad! Mom! I didn't mean it. I take it back. I don't want to leave."
But my parents watched, their faces carved from stone, like they were watching a stranger make a scene.
Well. I crossed my arms, settling in to enjoy the show. I didn't see that coming.