Chapter 4

The moment I saw the results, I nearly lost it.

I didn't get it. I was their real daughter, but they still preferred Isabel, who was adopted.

I wondered if they hated me because I spent twelve years with Grandma, whom Mom hated most.

I had spent eighteen years asking myself that question.

I never found an answer.

But in that moment, it finally hit me.

Not every family naturally loved their children.

If that was how things were, I would stop trying.

I would pretend I was adopted by them.

Anyway, it was not like I ever had a family in the first place.

I wiped the blood from my forehead, stood up, and gave Isabel a respectful bow.

I said, "I'm sorry, Isabel.

"I didn't know the truth before, and I kept going against you. From now on, as a guest here, I won't overstep again."

I promised myself that I wouldn't do it again.

Since I was not even their real daughter, I would not keep fighting for their love.

Isabel looked startled, covering her mouth. "What are you talking about, Chloe?

"It doesn't matter if you're adopted or not. You'll always be my real sister to me.

"Your forehead's bleeding again. Let me take a look..."

But as she reached out, my brother pulled her hand away.

He said, "Don't bother with her. She's always putting on an act and pretending to be pitiful.

"Watch out, or she'll use your kindness and make you look like the bad guy."

Each word cut deeper than the last.

I messily wiped away the tears that spilled from my eyes.

I pressed my hand to the wound and walked toward my room.

Mom and Dad looked at me. For a moment, it seemed like they were actually moved.

But then they looked at my brother and Isabel. In the end, they stayed silent.

As I closed the door, I heard Mom say, "Tristian, are we taking this too far?

"What if Chloe really starts thinking she's adopted?"

My brother, Tristian Smith, chuckled. "Isn't that even better? She always has to be the best and is always fighting Isabel for everything. This way, we can punish her."

"We can wait until after SAT to tell her the truth. There's no hurry."

I let out a bitter smile at myself and quietly closed the door.

I no longer needed to find out the truth from Tristan.

Being their adopted child was fine with me.

I would stick to that identity.