Chapter 3

3

In my first life, I was discovered as an art prodigy just before the Brooks family took me in.

They were kind, but they tried to mold me into a perfect socialite.

The daily dance and etiquette classes made me famous in Manhattan circles.

People always compared me to Serena, the golden child.

But it wasn't until Caleb and Silas arrived that Serena truly managed to crush me.

This time, I stayed locked in my studio for months. I won several international youth art competitions under a pseudonym. My work was set to be featured in a major gallery next week.

The night before the opening, Serena came to my room. she handed me several bottles of paint.

"Elara, I got these imported paints for you. They're supposed to glow when they hit water. I'm so happy to see you doing well!"

I gave her a thin smile, not ready to start an open war yet.

"Thanks, Serena. That's so thoughtful."

Serena beamed and looped her arm through mine.

"We're sisters, don't be silly. Caleb and the others are all coming to support you at the gallery tomorrow!"

As soon as she left, I threw those bottles into the back of my closet.

The next day, the gallery was packed with high society.

I saw Serena from across the room, wearing a stunning, blood-red gown. She was walking toward me with her head held high.

"Elara!" she cried, hugging me. "You look beautiful today. I've never seen you in white before."

Before I could reply, I heard Silas's voice.

"No matter how she dresses, she'll never look as good as you. That white dress makes her look like she's attending her own funeral."

Serena's smile widened, and she playfully tapped his arm.

"Oh, stop it. I only look this good because I just came from a performance!"

She moved to stand next to Caleb, looking like a perfect doll.

"Caleb, our duet today was incredible. And now Elara's art is being praised! This is such a big day for the Brooks family. We have to celebrate tonight!"

She spoke loudly enough for everyone around us to hear.

"Is that Serena Brooks? She's the most talented girl in the city!"

"The Brooks family is so lucky to have two geniuses..."

"Elara's art is okay, but who knows if she had help? Serena is the real deal."

Listening to the whispers, Serena looked smug.

I ignored them and began mixing my paints. I was going to do a live painting on a massive white canvas.

An announcer stepped up. "Miss Elara Brooks is our guest of honor. She will be live-painting a piece called 'Ashes'."

The room went silent. The skepticism in the air turned into genuine curiosity.

Serena's expression soured. She looked like she'd just swallowed a lemon.

I started to paint, ignoring the world around me.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash and a scream from Serena.

I looked down. Four large buckets of paint had been knocked over, spilling a river of colors across the floor.

Serena was sitting on the ground, her eyes filling with tears.

"I'm so sorry, Elara! It was an accident! I just tripped..."

I cut her off, my voice cold. "Those buckets were lined up against the wall. You managed to trip over all four of them at once?"

Serena blinked, shocked that I was calling her out. She started sobbing harder.

"I... I..."

Silas stepped in front of her like a loyal knight.

"That's enough! She said it was an accident. Why are you being such a bitch about it? Just get someone to clean it up and mix more paint!"

I gripped my brush so hard my knuckles turned white.

"The canvas is ruined by the splatter. Do you have any idea what this piece is worth?"

Silas rolled his eyes and tried to lead Serena away.

"Don't be dramatic. Your little hobby isn't worth that much."

I took a deep breath and shoved him back with all my strength.

I stared into his arrogant eyes and said one word. "Get the hell out."