Chapter 1

I was the Sterling heiress, but all anyone ever cared about was my cousin.

They kept stressing that since I came from a prestigious family, I was supposed to know how to swallow my pride and give in.

In my previous life, I cried, begged, and fought back, but none of it mattered.

In the end, I only lost my life for nothing.

I was given the priceless chance to time-travel.

Alright then, I would let her have my parents' and brother's affection.

She could also have all the empty titles and reputation.

I would even let her have my fiancé, whom I have been betrothed to since childhood.

I had given her everything she ever wanted, so why was it never enough for any of you?

*****

"Charlotte, let Rosalind have the invitation to Lady Clarissa's flower party. She's not like you, born with everything. This is a good chance for her to get some experience," my mother said.

The blazing summer sun poured in through the window, but I felt a chill run down my spine.

As I watched my mother's lips move as she spoke, tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them.

A hint of irritation flashed across her face.

"I must have spoiled you rotten. You're getting even more self-centered. Honestly, I have no idea who you take after," she said.

"It's alright, Aunt Amelia. If Charlotte doesn't want to give it up, that's fine. I know I wasn't born into a noble family anyway, so I really don't deserve to attend Lady Clarissa's party," Rosalind said softly.

Rosalind Sterling sounded like she was trying to soothe my mother, but her words were just adding fuel to the fire.

My mother's face softened for a second, but then she frowned again, ready to lecture me.

Before she could say more, I quickly said, "Alright, Mother. If you want me to give it up, I will."

Rosalind's eyes sparkled with surprise, like she couldn't believe her luck.

My mother paused, swallowing back the words she was about to say.

After a few seconds, she spoke in a flat tone, "It would've been so much easier if you'd just agreed from the start. Why the fake tears just to upset me? Honestly, you never give me any peace of mind."

I lowered my head and said softly, "It's my fault for upsetting you, Mother. I'll go back to my room and reflect on my behavior."

My mother was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting me to be so humble. Then, remembering that they were the ones who took Clarissa's invitation meant for me, her face turned a little awkward.

"See? If you'd just listened from the start, things would've been so much easier. Forget about locking yourself away to reflect. I'll have the maid make your favorite soup for you later," she said.

She came over and took my hand, letting out a sigh. "You're my daughter. How could I not care about you?

"But Vivian was tricked when she was young and ended up having Rosalind. They've had it rough. If I don't look after them, who will? Can't you try to see things from my side?"

I slipped my hand out of hers and turned to leave.

I was her daughter, yet even when it came to the food I loved, I had to give up something in exchange for it.

Either way, this invitation would end up in her hands sooner or later. Instead of dragging it out and getting hurt, I might as well just hand it over and be done with it.

Back then, I really didn't know any better. I firmly believed that since Clarissa invited me, I was not giving up my spot to her.

My mother lost her temper, yelling and scolding me, but I just dug in my heels and refused to budge.

My brother got right in my face and accused me of not deserving to be the Sterling family's heiress.

When my father realized I wouldn't listen, he just told everyone to let it go.

But the night before the party, Rosalind asked me to meet her by the pond, saying she wanted to apologize. When I let my guard down, my brother Edward Sterling suddenly shoved me into the water.

I couldn't swim. Panic seized me as I thrashed in the pond, desperately begging them to save me.

Edward just stood at the edge, his voice icy and merciless. "Hand over the invitation to Rosalind, and I'll pull you out. Otherwise, maybe this will knock some sense into you."

Water flooded into my mouth, choking me. The terror of drowning made me sob and nod frantically, agreeing to anything just to survive.

Daisy grumbled as soon as we got back to my room, and she closed the door behind us. "Lady Sterling, Madam Sterling is getting more and more outrageous. That invitation was clearly meant for you."

I hushed her softly. "Let it go. Watch your mouth. If someone overhears, you'll get in trouble with Mother."

Daisy stuck out her tongue, but couldn't help complaining, "I just don't get it. You're Madam Sterling's real daughter, so why does she always treat Lady Rosalind so much better?"

I didn't get it either back then. It took dying once for me to finally see things clearly.

My mother had spent her whole life worrying about what other people thought.

She loved being praised for her generosity, for helping her fallen sister, and for treating her niece better than her daughter.

Everyone knew how she acted. Amelia Sterling was so kind, so sentimental, the perfect lady.

Of course, some people called her an idiot behind her back, but she just turned a blind eye and pretended not to notice.

But honestly, none of that mattered anymore. Now that I had stopped hoping for her love, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Before I knew it, the day of the flower party arrived.

Early that morning, Rosalind waltzed into my courtyard, all dolled up.

"Charlotte, don't I look stunning in this dress? I told Aunt Amelia it was too much, but she insisted. She said I deserve only the best," she said, twirling around with a smug little smile.

She went on, "And look at this pearl headdress. Edward had it brought all the way from the south. I heard it cost a small fortune. I told him something this precious should really be yours, but he just said you weren't worthy of it."

She burst out laughing, "Honestly, how could he say that about you?"

I cast her a faint glance. Indeed, each piece was beautiful and valuable.

But with all that finery piled on, she looked like a showy peacock strutting around.

I offered a friendly reminder. "Honestly, mixing simple and fancy looks way better. You don't have to go all out with the flashiness."

Rosalind just laughed, smug as ever, "Charlotte, you're just jealous. Sure, you're the Sterling heiress, but your parents and brother all like me more. They even let me go to Lady Clarissa's flower party. Save your breath. I don't care what you think."

I shook my head and ignored her, not wasting another word.

Seeing she wasn't getting a rise out of me, Rosalind finally got bored and skipped off, clearly pleased with herself.

I grabbed a letter and stepped out with Daisy.