Chapter 2

2

Inside the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair had finished their speech. Sienna was now standing on the stage.

She was wearing a designer dress and expensive jewelry. Even her hair clip was encrusted with diamonds.

She spoke with such grace. This scholarship for underprivileged students is my passion project.

I am so grateful to my parents for their support. Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

Unfortunately, I have a friend who hasn't been able to qualify for this scholarship for three years. She often comes to me in private to complain...

But I want to say that opportunities are for those who are prepared.

I knew she was talking about me.

[What a snake! It's not because the lead isn't smart enough!]

[Exactly! She's been rigging the system so the lead never qualifies!]

[They're scared. Only scholarship winners get to take photos with the Sinclairs. They're avoiding a reveal.]

My heart skipped a beat. For three years, I had been at the top of my class, yet I always failed the final application for some vague reason.

I had complained to them about it. I remembered their responses.

Stella, our work-study pay is enough to get by. Don't stress about it.

Sienna would say, Don't be sad, girl! You'll get it next time!

They were comforting me in public while sabotaging me in private. They were keeping me away from my own parents.

I looked at my parents, who were watching Sienna with pride. I opened my mouth to scream.

Suddenly, a hand clamped over my mouth and dragged me backward.

Stella, don't make a scene in a place like this. Let's go back to work.

[Someone kill this guy! He's living it up with Sienna while making the lead slave away!]

I recognized Hayden's voice and stomped hard on his foot. He hissed in pain but didn't let go.

On stage, Sienna noticed the commotion. Her eyes widened for a split second, then she leaned over to whisper to Mrs. Sinclair.

Mrs. Sinclair looked worried and immediately helped Sienna off the stage.

[So calculating! She's faking a headache because she's scared of being caught.]

[What a manipulative brat!]

As the three of them walked backstage, I bit Hayden's finger with everything I had. He let go, and I sprinted toward the back.

[Go, girl! Let your mom see your face!]

I ran faster than I ever had in my life.

I had realized that my world was actually a story about a stolen identity. In the original plot, Hayden would have succeeded in burning me today.

While I was rotting in a hospital, Hayden would have shown my mom fake photos to make her hate me.

While I was suffering through skin grafts, Hayden and Sienna would have been dating openly and taking over the family business.

Eventually, Sienna would have killed me with a lethal injection. Then they would have staged an accident to kill my parents and take the entire Sinclair fortune.

My parents and I were supposed to die at their hands. I couldn't let that happen.

I reached the backstage area and shouted at their retreating figures. Wait!

Sienna recognized my voice and tried to push my parents faster. Mom, let's go. I feel so dizzy.

She tried to keep Mrs. Sinclair from turning around. Hayden's footsteps were closing in behind me.

She's a fake! I shouted at the top of my lungs. I'm your real daughter!