Chapter 2
Meeting Vivian's expectant gaze, I gave her a small smile.
I didn't respond with the same enthusiasm as I had in my previous life. Instead, my voice was steady and neutral.
"Alright, from now on, we're family," I said.
A flicker of confusion crossed Vivian's face.
My parents were all smiles, not mentioning anything about meeting my real mother. They wanted us to get along.
After dinner, I went back to my room, and sure enough, the live chat started flooding in just like it did in my previous life.
[Vivian looks so thirsty. If someone handed her a cold bottle of milk right now, she'd be over the moon.]
I didn't say a word, kept eating my fruit.
When I didn't react, the live chat scrolled even faster.
[If Claire offered Vivian a bottle of milk, their relationship would get closer in no time. Too bad the fake heiress doesn't have a clue.]
I still didn't react.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Vivian stood there, looking all pitiful as she spoke to me, "Claire, I'm really thirsty. Do you know where I can get something to drink?"
I raised an eyebrow and pointed at the fridge.
"Just grab whatever you want. Pretend you're at home," I said.
Vivian quickly waved her hands and shot me a pleading look.
"These appliances are way too fancy for me. I don't know how to use them. Claire, could you grab me a bottle? I'm good with anything," she said.
Margaret, who was cleaning the floor nearby, smiled and encouraged me. "Vivian's just arrived, Claire. Cut her some slack," she said.
Seeing how determined they were to get me to help, I went along with it.
I got up and headed to the kitchen.
Just like in my previous life, I knocked on Vivian's door and passed her a cold bottle of milk.
Vivian's eyes lit up, and she eagerly took it from me.
About twenty minutes after I got back to my room, I heard a loud thud coming from next door.
Then Margaret's desperate, heart-wrenching scream filled the air.
"Somebody, please help Vivian," she cried out.
My parents rushed out of their room in a panic, and I followed them.
There was Vivian, lying motionless on the floor, her skin bright red and covered in hives. She looked downright scary.
"Get her to the hospital, now," Margaret cried out, her voice filled with urgency.
I was prepared for this. In my previous life, Vivian's allergy got much worse because the delay on the way to the hospital nearly cost her life.
This time around, I'd already arranged for our family doctor to wait right outside the door.
Soon enough, Vivian slowly woke up.
The moment she saw me, her eyes immediately reddened.
Vivian's voice trembled. "Claire, you knew I was allergic to milk. Why did you make me drink it? Do you really hate me that much?
"I just want to get along with Mom and Dad. I'm not a threat to your place here. Why do you have to reject me?"
Margaret quickly nodded to back her up.
She said, "Vivian's easy to take care of, but she can't have milk at all. Just a little bit triggers her allergy right away. I reminded you about this today, Claire. Why did you give it to her on purpose?"
My dad frowned and turned to me for an explanation right away. "Claire, is that really what happened?" he asked.
My mom didn't say anything, but she gave me an encouraging look.
My nose tingled with emotion, but thankfully, my mom and dad still believed in me, like always.
In this life, I wouldn't ever let them down again.
I shook my head and stared right at Vivian.
"Are you sure milk is the only thing you're allergic to?" I asked.
Vivian didn't even hesitate. She nodded right away.
"That's right," she replied.
Hearing her answer, I gave a cold snort and, for all to see, smacked her hard across the face.