Chapter 3

3

"Is that so bad? I've just solved your biggest problem. From now on, no matter who you were before, you're the sole heir to the Smith fortune."

Mrs. Smith had complications after Jason's birth, making it difficult for her to conceive again. Ethan was pushing her limits. There would be no third child under her watchful eye.

"Aren't you afraid I'll tell?"

A cool breeze rustled my hair. I looked up at the sky. The moon was hidden behind clouds, its light subdued.

"Do you believe," I began, my voice soft, "that if I hadn't been quick, my parents would be the ones crying right now? I'm simply returning the favor. Besides, even if you suspect something, what can you do? You're the unfavored child. No one would believe you, and you'd probably just make things worse for yourself."

I stepped closer, my breath warm against his ear as I spoke. "I can help you."

"Why?"

I let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Not for free, of course. We make a deal. I help you secure your place in the Smith family. You cling to that position, build your power, until no one can challenge you." I raised a finger, lightly tracing it along his jawline. "Besides, the fact you're even asking means you have ambition, doesn't it?"

The wind parted the clouds, moonlight illuminating our faces.

"If not now, when?"

As expected, Jason's disappearance remained a mystery. He vanished without a trace. The Smiths were consumed by grief. Every day, I had the kitchen prepare meals for Ethan to take to them. As I predicted, they barely acknowledged his presence.

Thud. A stack of books, half as tall as Ethan, toppled onto him. Even his normally impassive face registered surprise.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Study materials for the upcoming state competition. You have one week to prepare. I've already signed us up as a team."

He looked confused. "Shouldn't we be focusing on getting into my parents' good graces?"

I scoffed. "The food deliveries are just to build familiarity. What really matters is having something they value."

I pushed him relentlessly. In one week, he absorbed a near-impossible amount of information. We dominated the competition, winning gold with our flawless presentation and rapid-fire answers.

On the day the school announced the awards ceremony, I lured the Smiths to the school under the pretext of helping Jason with his leave of absence. The principal, beaming, rushed over to greet them. "What outstanding children! You must be so proud! This gold medal is a great honor for our school!"

The Smiths stared blankly. "Our...child?"

"Yes, your son, Ethan! He won the state competition! He's on track for nationals, and this could even get him a guaranteed spot in college!"

Their gazes finally settled on Ethan, trailing behind us. I had styled his hair to resemble Jason's. Seizing the moment, I said, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I know you're grieving, but you still have a son."

Ethan played his part perfectly. "You've raised me all these years. I may not be Jason, but I'll do everything I can for this family. We're a family. I'll protect this family until Jason comes home."

The Smiths left in visibly higher spirits. After they were gone, Ethan and I high-fived.

"Good job."

"You too."

There's no such thing as pure, one-sided love. But there are rock-solid partnerships. We were waiting for Jason's return. But the Smith family he came back to would be his hell.