Chapter 4

It was the best high school in Blorence City.

Looked like I have to go. I was definitely going.

I snooped around a bit to get the scoop.

Dad and Mom had already taken care of the transfer for me. It really was Starlight High School.

The day before school started, Wendy was getting discharged from the hospital.

It was right around dinner time when Zachary went to the hospital to pick her up.

My parents and I were already waiting at the dining table for Zachary and Wendy to get back.

Over the past few days, my parents and I had gotten super close.

At dinner, I'd always make sure to sit right beside Mom.

But today, I deliberately left a seat between me and Mom.

Mom looked confused. "Melissa, why aren't you sitting next to me?"

I replied sweetly, "I'm saving it for Wendy. If I take her spot, she'll probably get all worked up again."

Dad frowned. "Wendy's only like this because you spoil her. She's just a kid, but her temper is off the charts. She never lets anyone else get a word in."

Mom's face twisted in anger. "Oh, like you haven't spoiled her yourself?

"Melissa, don't worry. Sit next to me. You're our biological daughter. She can't just ignore that."

I couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Guess all that talk about family bonds these past few days wasn't for nothing.

On the outside, I still looked meek. "It's okay, let's not bother Wendy. After all, she's been the little princess around here for years."

Mom huffed. "If you don't come sit by me, I'm gonna get upset for real."

I sprang to my feet, then slowly scooted over, cuddling up to Mom and putting on her cutest act. "Mom, I'm sorry, please don't be mad at me."

Just then, Wendy pushed the door open and walked in. She caught me cozying up to Mom, being all cutesy.

Wendy's eyes went wide. "Mom, what's going on? Why is she still here? Didn't you say you'd make her leave?"

I pretended to be scared and almost jumped to my feet.

Mom held my back and turned to Wendy. "Wendy, Melissa is your sister. She belongs here, so you better start showing her some respect."

Wendy's face turned bright red with anger. "If she's staying, I'm leaving. Are you trying to push me out of this family?"

Suddenly, Dad slammed his hand on the table, his face twisted with fury. "You're always talking about death. Is this what we taught you? Where are your manners?"

Wendy visibly flinched, biting down hard on her lower lip, her eyes flickering restlessly, avoiding everyone's gaze.

Just then, Zachary walked in.

I widened my innocent eyes, glancing over with a pitiful expression.

Zachary put an arm around Wendy's shoulders. "Alright, alright, don't get upset. Melissa's actually pretty nice. Spend some time with her, and you might end up liking her too."

Seeing the whole family starting to accept me, Wendy quickly changed her tune.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Zachary, even you're siding with her now. Yeah... she's your real family, and I'm just the outsider here."

Well played. Wendy figured out that acting tough wasn't getting her anywhere, so now she was pulling the pity card.

Mom's heart melted. She stood up and took Wendy's hand. "Don't talk like that. We've always seen you as our own daughter. You and Melissa are both part of this family. It's no difference."

Dad's face softened. "Melissa's thoughtful, she'll be a wonderful big sister to you. Now drop the princess act and let's eat!"

Zachary led Wendy over to sit on the other side of the table. We were having steak tonight.

Wendy picked up her fork and knife with practiced ease, then arched her eyebrow at me in a show-off way.

It was as if she was saying, "Bet you don't even know how to use these, country girl."

I could handle those utensils like a pro. Because I picked up all the tricks in my high-society etiquette classes.

But I was a total expert at playing the sweet, innocent girl. This was definitely not the moment to flex.