She strutted away, preening like a peacock.
“That’s hilarious, Liv. If she only knew Y was you, she’d die of embarrassment.”
I chuckled.
“Who cares? It has nothing to do with us. I don’t get what she’s so smug about.” Those things had never been my goal. It was
pointless trying to reason with someone
determined to be ignorant.
The day of my performance arrived.
“Liv, I see your dear sister and her fiancé in the audience! I’m so excited! I can’t wait to
see her face when she realizes the truth.”
“You care more about her than I do. I told
you, stay away from her. She’s bad luck.”
Despite my words, I couldn’t suppress my
own amusement.
“Hello everyone, I am Y. Welcome to my world
tour.”
When I stepped into the spotlight, Ashley
L
looked like she’d seen a ghost.
“Y…Y…Olivia? Impossible! It can’t be! Olivia
must have bribed them!”
But reality quickly set in. My skill was
undeniable. Even someone as arrogant as
Ashley had to admit my talent surpassed hers. That’s why I’d gotten the scholarship in the
first place.
But in my past life, she’d stolen it from me, slandering my name and using underhanded
tactics. Then, the Millers had paid to create
her fake persona as a world–class pianist.
I was invited to the Sterling engagement
party. I’d almost declined, but Mrs. Sterling,
Alex’s grandmother, was a dear friend.
“Dear girl, I thought you weren’t coming! Such
a pity my good–for–nothing grandson is
engaged to that Miller girl. Otherwise, I’d set
you two up in a heartbeat.”
I smiled awkwardly, aware she was referring
to Alex and Ashley’s engagement. I’d heard Alex wasn’t happy about it either, but he was bound by a promise made by the previous
generation.
I’d met Mrs. Sterling by chance abroad. She was a piano enthusiast and was captivated by my playing. We’d bonded over our shared
love for music.
When she discovered I was Y, her admiration
grew, and we became close confidantes.
“Mrs. Sterling, it’s good to see you. How are
you feeling?”
I felt indifferent towards the Millers and
instinctively wanted to avoid them, but Mrs.
Sterling held me back.
“You two, excuse us. Come, dear girl, let’s
chat.”
That’s when the Millers noticed me.
“Olivia! You’re back! I’ve missed you so
much!”
く
“You’ve mistaken me for someone else, Mrs.
Miller.”
Mrs. Sterling, confused, pieced things
together.
“Are you saying this Olivia is your real
daughter?”
Mrs. Miller nodded. Mrs. Sterling burst out
laughing.
“Hahaha! Excellent! I knew there was a
reason we connected so well! She’s my
granddaughter–in–law after all!”
Ashley panicked and rushed forward.
“Mrs. Sterling, I’m the one engaged to Alex! Olivia left the Miller family a long time ago!”
“A fake has no right to speak. Our
engagement is with the Miller heiress. You
deceived us!”
The Millers, seeing Mrs. Sterling’s genuine
anger, became afraid.
“It’s not like that, Mrs. Sterling. Olivia left, and
Ashley is our daughter, too. She loves Alex
very much, so…”
“But you never asked if I loved her. I’m only
marrying the Miller heiress.”
Alex had never liked Ashley. He’d only
pretended to agree for the sake of the
families‘ agreement and his grandmother’s
wishes.
“No, Alex, it’s not like that! I really love you! No one in the world loves you more than I
do!” Ashley cried.
But the disgust in Alex’s eyes was evident.
That’s why he’d seemed so impatient with her
backstage.
“Mr. Sterling, Ashley truly loves you,” Mr.
Miller pleaded, trying to support his daughter.
“Your family is quite amusing,” Mrs. Sterling
remarked dryly. “The real daughter gets
treated worse than the adopted one. I’ve truly
seen it all.”
<
Alex’s words made it clear the Sterlings
looked down on the Millers‘ behavior.
I hadn’t expected Alex to be so blunt, but I
was grateful.
I didn’t miss the murderous glint in Ashley’s
eyes. I couldn’t believe she would actually try something in public.
“Die, Olivia! It’s all your fault! Once you’re dead, everything will be mine!”
She shoved me, and I tumbled down the
stairs, hitting a pillar and losing
consciousness.
I woke up in the hospital to find out Ashley
had been arrested.
“Olivia, Ashley didn’t mean it. Can you talk to
the police?”
“Seriously? You don’t like me as your
daughter, so why bring me back? Just to
abuse me?”
My bluntness embarrassed them.
I’d given up on them. The higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment.
“Mr. and Mrs. Miller, I need to rest. And I
won’t drop the charges. Let the law take its
course. And please, don’t come near me
again. Parents like you are expendable. You’re
bad luck.”
“Olivia, don’t be stubborn! You’ll need us one
day!”
I couldn’t believe their audacity. They actually
thought I’d need them. Hilarious.
But I was even more delighted when the
Millers were investigated for tax evasion.
Seeing this, I couldn’t help but smile. Even the
heavens couldn’t stand their actions.
“Come on,” a familiar voice said. “Let’s get
you out of here.”
I looked at Alex. He seemed harmless enough.
I didn’t refuse.
