chapter 3

Those society ladies smiled and gathered in small groups. They glanced over at me from time to time.

I said nothing and walked straight to my seat. As soon as I sat down, someone joined me.

"Lyria, why didn't you contact me when you got back?"

I turned to look and saw it was Reggie Orren, my supposed fiancé.

He spoke to me, but his eyes remained fixed on Kristie as he asked, "Who is she? Why is she staying close to your mother?"

"She's my parents' adopted daughter. They brought her here tonight to show her how these events work."

I looked away, and Reggie couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. "Lyria, are you jealous? Are you upset because she's taken your place?"

"Her? Please." I scoffed.

Going through this situation again, I wasn't sure exactly when Reggie had fallen for her. But right now I didn't want to deal with any of it.

Perhaps my attitude made Reggie sense that something was wrong. He sat beside me, trying to comfort me. "Don't worry. No one can take your place."

I just smiled without saying anything.

At that moment, Kristie walked straight toward me. Her face looked troubled.

When she saw Reggie, her eyes immediately lit up.

"Lyria, who is this?"

"I'm Reggie Orren, Lyria's fiancé."

Before I could speak, Reggie introduced himself.

Kristie immediately put on a shy act. "Oh, so you're my brother-in-law! I'm Kristie, Lyria's stepsister."

I watched coldly as the two of them chatted. Kristie's adoring gaze toward Reggie was impossible to hide.

Although I'd already guessed they would get involved with each other, seeing it with my own eyes still left me feeling cold.

Even in this second life, Reggie was still attracted to her. A fiancé like this wasn't worth keeping!

But this time, I absolutely wouldn't let myself be pushed around like in my previous life.

"You two enjoy your chat."

I found it boring and got up to get some fresh air.

But Kristie immediately put on a hurt expression.

"Lyria, did I do something wrong?

"I know you don't like me just because I come from a poor background, but I really want to fit into this family."

She sniffled. "I'm sorry, I won't make you unhappy anymore. I'll leave."

She pretended to walk away, but Reggie grabbed her arm. "Why are you leaving? You didn't do anything wrong!"

He looked at me. "Lyria, she's your stepsister. Don't you think you're being a bit harsh? I only said a few words to her!"

He raised his voice, and the others around us turned to look.

I burst out laughing and started clapping.

"Wow! What a performance! Kristie, you're a master manipulator. But unfortunately, I'm not falling for it."

I looked at Reggie. "I just said you two should enjoy your chat, and you've already created this whole dramatic scene!

"If I remember correctly, today is only the second time we've met. Rather than saying I don't like you, it's more accurate to say I feel absolutely nothing toward you."

My expression was contemptuous. "You're just some stray my mother picked up on a whim. We might as well be keeping a pet. You don't actually think you could become the Veynes' daughter, do you?"

"Lyria, what are you saying!" My mom's voice rang out as she grabbed my arm and pulled me aside.

I winced in pain as she immediately started scolding me. "Is this what you've learned abroad? Acting all high and mighty—who gave you the right to look down on her like that?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Look down on her? Yes, that's exactly right. I do look down on her!"

"Shut up and apologize to Kristie right now!"

With so many people watching, my mom was forcing me to apologize.

Kristie put on her fake act again. "It's okay, Mom. Lyria didn't mean it."

"Oh, but I absolutely did mean it!"

My mom was so furious she yanked me hard. She raised her hand to slap me, but someone grabbed her wrist!

It was my father.

"What are you doing making a scene here?"

I smiled sweetly. "Mom, there's no need to fight over family matters at an event like this. It's embarrassing."

My dad glanced at her, and she immediately lowered her voice. "It's all her fault! She's gone too far!"