Chapter 3

3 Last time, Chad had claimed that Ethan had always wanted Britney. Because she died, there was no way to tell if this was true. The Vanderbilts were blacklisted by the general public, and went bankrupt. Mrs. Vanderbilt died of a heart attack, and Mr. Vanderbilt was completely broken.

When I opened my eyes, I was back in the foster home. Back to the day that the Vanderbilts were adopting.

I was locked in the outhouse. I kicked and screamed, trying to change destiny. To change the Vanderbilt's destiny. I never wanted to feel the hands of a disabled man on me again. I wanted Ethan and his kindness.

Then, the door opened, and Britney was there.

She was ecstatic, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Thank god, there's still time!" She grabbed my hands. "Ashley, the Vanderbilts are here to adopt. Do you want to be their daughter? They're billionaires! You'll never have to worry about money again!"

I cut her off, afraid she would change her mind. "Yes!"

She started washing my face. "Mrs. Vanderbilt is a germophobe. You have to make a good impression."

I grabbed her, just to double check. "Are you sure you don't want to go?"

She waved me off. "They have money, so what? The Vanderbilts are control freaks! I'm going to be with Chad, you wouldn't understand. I'd rather die than live with them."

I grabbed a handful of dirt and rubbed it all over her face. She flinched. "That's smart. The Vanderbilts will never adopt you now."

"Exactly. Since you hate them, I have to help you."

No matter what, I was going to stop them from adopting that ungrateful Britney.

Back in the yard, Britney pushed me towards Mrs. Vanderbilt. "Please, take Ashley! She's behaved and she's clean!"

Mrs. Vanderbilt frowned, but still felt bad for Britney. "Don't you want to come with us? We have toys, cake, and a maid."

Britney shook her head. "I don't need you. Money doesn't make you good parents. Rich people are the worst."

The director stepped in. "Britney has always been...difficult. Ashley is great. Take Ashley!"

Mrs. Vanderbilt crouched and asked me, "Ashley, do you want to be my daughter?"

I nodded like crazy and grabbed her hand. "Mommy, I'll listen! I won't ever make you sad!"