Chapter 2
In the director's office, two couples were already seated.
Just as remembered, on the left sat Grace and Edward, the prestigious couple, dressed in luxurious clothes, with an air of elegance and warm smiles.
On the right were Martha and Frank, the humble couple, with tanned skin and simple clothing. Their hands were rough, and their eyes revealed both honesty and anxiety.
The director said to the two couples, "This is Sophia and Emily. They are sisters. Their parents passed away in a car accident six months ago."
Grace's eyes softened with pity. She stepped forward and gently stroked Emily's hair. She said, "What a lovely child."
In my previous life, Emily would have immediately thrown herself into Grace's arms, sweetly calling her "Mom." But this time, Emily jerked away from Grace's hand and, under everyone's stunned gaze, dashed straight to Martha and Frank.
Emily declared, "I want to go with you. I want to live on the prairie! I want to learn to ride horses. I want to herd sheep."
The office fell silent.
Martha and Frank looked at each other, totally caught off guard by what had just happened.
Grace and Edward were just as stunned. They thought the kids would be fighting to go home with them.
The director cleared her throat awkwardly and said, "Emily, you don't have to decide so quickly."
Emily said, "No, I've made up my mind." She grabbed Martha's hand tightly, then threw me a triumphant, challenging glance. She said, "I love the prairie. I'm going with them."
I stood there, my feelings all over the place.
Emily thought she'd stolen my chance, dreaming the prairie was some romantic stage where she'd meet the love of her life.
But she had no idea what was really waiting for her out there: just endless hard work, loneliness, and Martha and Frank, who'd only see her as free labor.
Edward looked at me gently and asked, "And what about you, Sophia? Would you like to come home with us?"
I glanced at Emily, her face full of smug satisfaction, and a wave of sadness swept over me.
She had no clue what she was getting herself into. She didn't know how brutal the prairie winters could be, how exhausting it was to spend every day herding sheep, or that Martha and Frank never saw their adopted kids as real family.
But I didn't stop her.
After she shoved me off that balcony herself, any illusion of sisterhood between us was shattered. I couldn't fake it anymore.
Emily made her choice; let her live with the consequences.
"I'd like to," I said softly to Grace and Edward.
Emily flashed a smug grin. She strode right up to me and whispered so only I could hear, "Sophia, this time it's my turn to meet Lucas. Just stay cozy in your gilded cage and watch how I become Mrs. Sterling."
"Good luck, Emily," I said flatly.
The paperwork was done in no time.
When it was time to say goodbye, Emily bounced into the old, battered jeep with Martha and Frank, never once looking back at me.
Grace and Edward took my hand with gentle warmth, guiding me toward their sleek, spotless sedan.
"Don't worry, Sophia. We'll make sure you have a warm home, and you and Emily can still see each other whenever you want," Grace said, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Just before we drove off, I took one last look at the orphanage, then at the old jeep rumbling away with Emily inside.
I hoped Emily would never regret today's choice.
The car pulled into the Whitmore residence.
It was a white mansion seamlessly blending traditional elegance with modern design, surrounded by manicured gardens. A clear creek wound through the property, its surface catching the afternoon sun.
"This is our home, Sophia," Edward said softly.
He gave my shoulder a gentle pat and said, "I hope you like it."
Grace took my hand and said, "Let me show you your room and introduce you to everyone."
Her soft, warm hand enveloped mine, and that feeling of being treasured made my eyes grow hot.