chapter 2

Although I told myself all these, hearing harsh words still hit like a punch to the gut.

I locked myself in my room, studying while sorting out stuff for my internship.

I didn't want to see Bella's fake sweet face, nor did I want to tolerate her using any trick to compete for favor at my expense.

I was focused on my notes and didn't notice the door open until Bella walked in with a glass of milk.

"Zoe, mom said you should take a break. Have some milk to soothe your stomach."

I shot her a cold look, and my voice was flat. "Who said you could come in?"

Her voice cracked as she asked, "Zoe, you don't like milk? Want something else? I can get it for you."

I wasn't gonna play along, so I stayed quiet.

Soon, mom and dad came up. Daniel followed, and seeing Bella tear up, he rushed over, "Did she yell at you?"

Bella looked all pitiful. "No."

Dad shot me a glare. "Bella brought you milk out of kindness. What's with that attitude? Apologize."

Mom backed him up. "Zoe, don't be stubborn. The guest room's nice. You won't lose out by moving there."

I stared at them and said coldly, "Fine, I'll move. But don't bother me when I'm studying. And I've been lactose intolerant since I was four, so no, I'm not drinking this milk."

The moment those words came out, everyone's expressions were priceless.

Especially mom, dad, and Daniel—they looked guilty and awkward all at once.

Only Bella seemed fearless, trying to explain. "Zoe, mom and dad didn't tell me. My bad.

"It's all my fault. Please don't be mad. I shouldn't even be here. I'm sorry."

Daniel grabbed her hand and snapped at me, "Zoe, if you didn't want milk, just say it! Making this big a deal? You're picking on Bella. Can't stand that she's sweet and thoughtful, huh? You're just jealous."

Dad nodded. "Right. You're getting worse as you grow. We're all family, but Bella's way more sensible than you."

Mom thought they were right and decided to lecture me. "Zoe, you really should learn from Bella. You didn't even apologize, and she didn't hold it against you."

I clenched my pen so tight that my nails bit into my palm.

"Hold what against me? I've slept in this room for over ten years. Now she moves in, and I have to leave. Who's apologizing to me?" I said.

Dad slammed the cup down in anger, milk splashing on my foot. "Bella is your sister now. She was sick and had psychological issues. You gotta push her to the edge to feel satisfied?

"Would an apology kill you?"

Daniel held Bella's hand, soothing her, telling her not to be afraid. Mom and dad stood around her, comforting her.

Watching this, it felt like a knife to my heart.

I was their real kid, yet Bella stood there, owning my spot, fitting in better than I ever did.

What a joke. My parents scolded me for an adopted daughter, ignoring what's fair. Even Daniel, who grew up clinging to me, now sides with Bella.

Bella's lips curved in a smug smile. I ignored the arrogance in her eyes and headed downstairs.

Dad's voice barked from behind, "If you leave, don't come back."

I stood outside, chin up, forcing the tears back. I'd lived this before, but it still didn't sit right with me.

In my last life, Bella played the helpless act to perfection—every time she got those teary eyes, it was automatically my fault.

This life, I hadn't even done anything—and still I was the bad one.

Whatever. In my parents' eyes, I would never measure up to Bella.

Soon, my birthday rolled around.

Mom and dad had promised to get me a new phone. I had my eye on the latest iPhone, and when I was trying it out, Bella popped up right next to me.

She smiled and asked, "Zoe, can I try it?"

I ignored her.

Dad stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Zoe, you know we love you most. You wanted a phone, so we brought you one right away. No favoritism, okay?"