Chapter 2

At dinner, the long table was loaded with surf and turf. A grilled sea bass was set before me.

Just looking at the fish made my stomach turn.

I had a serious seafood allergy. In my previous life, after I ate the fish, my whole body broke out in hives; I couldn't breathe; I was rushed to the hospital.

Nina kept crying in my ear, acting all guilty.

She choked out, "It's all my fault, Winnie. I didn't know you couldn't eat seafood. I've been eating it here for so many years. It's second nature to me now."

Just like that, her words made me feel like an outsider all over again.

This time, Nina picked up the biggest piece of fish and slipped it onto my plate, her smile as sweet as ever. "Winnie, try this. The fish is fresh. It's delicious."

I looked up at her. "Thank you, Nina."

I picked up my fork, grabbed the piece of fish, and made as if I was about to take a bite.

A subtle hint of anticipation flickered in Nina's eyes.

Just as the bite was about to reach my lips, my hand shook. The fork fell. The fish with it.

It hit the floor with a clatter.

I acted as if I'd made a terrible mistake, scrambling from my chair to pick it up. "I'm sorry. I'm so clumsy."

My tears fell, heavy and hard, splashing onto the polished floor.

"I... I've never used a real fork at home. Just plastic. I..." I choked up, unable to finish.

I looked pathetic and helpless.

William and Julia's faces darkened.

The imposter daughter they'd raised was all elegance and grace, while their own flesh and blood couldn't survive a proper meal.

Struck by the contrast, weighed down by guilt, they couldn't bring themselves to blame me.

Julia let out a sigh, her voice softening. "It's no big deal, just a bit of fish. Get up, let the staff take care of it."

Nina's smile stiffened on her face.

I kept my head down, the corner of my lips curling into a cold smile no one noticed.

Nina, this was just the beginning.

*****

Just three days after I was brought back to the Lynn family, William and Julia were already eager to host a lavish recognition party in my honor.

Officially, it was to let everyone know that I was the true heiress of the Lynn family.

Nina was more eager than anyone, offering to help me pick out a dress and take me to get my hair and makeup done.

She dragged me into her closet, which looked like a high-end boutique.

"Winnie, what do you think of this dress?" Nina asked.

She held up a long blue gown with a fussy design and a tacky color, her smile as sweet as ever.

She said, "I picked this out just for you. The pale blue really complements your complexion."

I remember this dress.

In my previous life, I showed up at the party in it, looking like a total clown. Everyone laughed.

Meanwhile, Nina wore a simple white gown and stole the spotlight.

I buried the hatred in my heart and put on a surprised, delighted face.

I exclaimed, "Wow, it's so pretty. Thanks, Nina. You have such great taste."

I took the dress, pretending I was absolutely obsessed with it.

Nina's smile became even more triumphant.

She then took me to the most exclusive salon in town, oh-so-thoughtfully bringing her whole clique.

They teamed up with the stylist. When they finished, I had an old-lady hairstyle and makeup that didn't suit me. I stood before the mirror. Couldn't recognize myself.

One of Nina's friends, Linda Lee, let out a snicker, unable to hold it in.

She said, "Nina, your sister sure stands out."

Another girl, Amy Green, jumped in, "Yeah, with that look, you'd think she was a hostess at some karaoke joint."

Their laughter was loud and shameless.

Nina shot them a mock glare. "Come on, don't say that. Winnie looks adorable like this."

She turned to me, but there was a barely hidden smirk in her eyes. "Winnie, you look beautiful."

I stared at the unfamiliar girl in the mirror, feeling nothing but cold inside.

But I lowered my head, fidgeting with the hem of my dress. "Thank you, Nina.

I lifted the hem of my dress and did a little awkward twirl, then took her hand.

I said, "Nina, now it's your turn. You haven't picked out your dress yet, right? Why don't we go pick yours out together?"

I gazed up at her with eyes full of utter dependence. She couldn't refuse.