Chapter 3

After my parents talked to a bunch of experts, they came to the conclusion that I might be a child with autism.

My great-grandmother was furious. "The future heir of the Sterling Family can't be a child with a disability."

My parents paced. "Seriously, most kids can call out 'Mom' and 'Dad' by ten months. Why isn't Emily saying anything?

"Emily's first birthday party is next week. We're hoping she'll finally say something, so everyone knows we've got a bright heir.

"But we still don't even know if Emily really has a problem. Are we supposed to keep waiting like this?"

They looked anxious, and deep down, they were terrified.

I almost forgot. At my first birthday party, my parents had invited a ton of big shots, all to show me off and make themselves look good.

My great-grandmother frowned at me, her expression strict as she delivered her ultimatum. "The first birthday party is your last chance.

"If Emily still doesn't speak by then, we'll know for sure she's not fit to be the heir.

"The Sterling Family needs a healthy heir. If it's confirmed Emily has a problem, you'll have to send her off and try for another child."

Hearing those words again sent a chill down my spine, bringing back that old familiar fear.

Panic hit me, and I almost started crying right then and there.

The first birthday party was a huge deal, and my dad cared so much about appearances. If I kept acting like I couldn't talk, he'd definitely be pissed.

But if I tried to avoid my family and call strangers, my great-grandma would say I was ungrateful or not raised right.

This time, I was really stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Seeing me pout with a sad little face, my parents exchanged a worried glance and tried to make things better for me. "The first birthday party will be packed and lively.

"Maybe Emily will get excited, and if we coax her a little more, she'll finally say something."

"Yeah, Grandma, don't worry. Let's wait until the party and see how Emily does."

Seeing my parents holding me close and still trying to defend me, I actually felt a bit better.

At least this time, my parents were on my side.

I could understand why they cared so much about appearances and keeping up with everyone else.

After they carried me back to my room, I listened to their conversation outside the door while quietly thinking things over.

If I kept my mouth shut, but managed to pull off some crazy talent, maybe I could still blow everyone away.

If I did something that made my parents proud and showed I was actually pretty clever, would my great-grandma and parents finally stop seeing me as a lost cause?

That was when a risky idea suddenly popped into my head.

So, that night, after everyone else was asleep, I'd crawl over to the learning tablet and start my basic lessons, poking at the screen.

My parents saw the footage and assumed I was staying up late, playing instead of sleeping. They didn't think it was anything unusual.

*****

After a few days of frantic preparation, the first birthday party finally arrived. Countless celebrities showed up, each bringing lavish gifts.

I was dressed head-to-toe in custom Chanel, being carried around by my parents as they collected cash gifts from everyone.

Every time someone saw me, they'd ask, "Has the kid started talking yet? Did she say 'Dad' or 'Mom' first?"

My parents would laugh awkwardly and try to brush it off.

Just before the party started, my parents, looking a bit nervous, brought me up on stage. "Come on, Emily, everyone's dying to know. Who you'll say first?"

One of my dad's friends shouted, "The kid looks like her father. She's so close to her dad that she'll definitely say 'Daddy' first."

My mom's friend wasn't about to back down. "I'll bet 30 thousand dollars. She'll say 'Mommy' first. Kids are naturally closer to their moms."

"I'll bet my brand new Porsche. She's gonna say 'Daddy' first! With how sharp she is, she totally knows who's the real moneybags in the family."

Bet after bet kept coming, and the whole place was buzzing with excitement.

My dad, desperate not to lose face, leaned in close and whispered, "Emily, please, call me 'Daddy,' okay? Don't let me lose face in front of everyone."

My mom clutched my tiny hand, her eyes practically begging. "Emily, I went through so much to bring you into this world. Don't be a heartless little brat. Promise me you'll say 'Mommy' first."

Their constant pressure was suffocating. I could barely breathe.

Down below, my great-grandmother's cold, piercing gaze made the air feel like it could snap.

Images from my three past chances, each ending in a horrible death, flashed one after another through my mind.

After all that struggle, I'd finally gotten another chance in the Sterling Family, living the kind of life everyone dreams about. No way was I going to die again without even knowing why.

I had no clue if my crazy plan would actually work, but at this point, I had to roll the dice.

With everyone staring at me and all that fear and pressure weighing down on me, I slowly opened my mouth to speak.