Chapter 2

A week had passed since that night.

I tried learning to cook—burned the pan. Tried learning flower arrangement—got my hands covered in blood from thorns. Even picked up Alex's business books, only to fall asleep after two pages.

Alex was right. Besides being spoiled, I was useless at everything.

Now I sat in the living room, the coffee in my hands impossible to swallow.

Because today, Eleanor was coming home. The real Donovan heiress. And I, the impostor, was about to be exposed.

"Don't be nervous, dear." Mom came over and patted my shoulder, but her voice was trembling too. "Eleanor's a good girl. You two will get along just fine."

A good girl? She was here to take my place!

I rolled my eyes internally, but kept smiling. "Yeah, I know."

The whole family had been acting strange this past week. Dad talked less, Mom kept spacing out, and only Alex still treated me the same. But I could tell—even he was worried.

Dad paced back and forth by his study door, each step heavy. Alex had just returned from the office, still in his expensive suit without time to change. He leaned against the staircase, constantly watching me with those protective eyes that nearly made me cry.

"The car's here," the butler announced.

My heart pounded like a drum.

A silver Rolls-Royce pulled into the courtyard. The door opened, and out stepped a woman so perfect she seemed unreal.

Eleanor. My replacement.

She wore a simple beige coat, but on her it looked extraordinary. Delicate features like a painting, every movement exuding an indescribable elegance. I glanced down at myself and suddenly felt utterly plain.

"My God... she's even more beautiful than in the photos." Mom clutched her chest, eyes welling up with tears.

Eleanor approached and stopped at the entrance. I noticed her hands trembling slightly—she seemed nervous too.

She took a deep breath and gave us a slight nod. "I'm so happy to be home. Thank you for welcoming me. I know this is sudden for everyone. I hope we can all adjust gradually."

"Child, welcome home." Dad walked forward excitedly, voice breaking with emotion. Then he turned to the butler. "Take Eleanor's luggage to the east guest room on the second floor. It has the best light."

Watching the light in his eyes, I understood. This was his real daughter.

"We've missed you for twenty-one years." Mom hugged Eleanor tightly, tears streaming down. "Even though we couldn't be there while you grew up, seeing what an excellent young woman you've become—we're so proud."

"I wasn't neglected. My adoptive parents treated me well. I'm sorry for making you worry." Eleanor spoke softly in Mom's embrace, her voice quavering.

Watching this "heartwarming reunion," my heart felt like knives were slicing through it. Eleanor's every word, every expression—impeccable. Gentle, understanding, refined—exactly what every parent dreamed their daughter would be.

And me? What was I?

"Bella, come meet Eleanor." Dad called me. "You're close in age. You should have things in common."

I forced myself to stand and walk over. Eleanor turned to look at me, her gaze so gentle it hurt even more. She had this little habit of biting her lower lip lightly before speaking.

If she hated me, resented me, I'd actually feel better. But her kindness made me feel like the villain.

"Hello, I'm Eleanor." She extended her hand first, pausing briefly. "I've heard you're quite accomplished. I hope we can become good friends."

I mechanically shook her hand. "I... I'm Bella."

"I know." Eleanor smiled. "I think we'll get along well."

Why? Why are you being so nice to me? You should hate me! I took your place for twenty years!

The next few hours felt like a dream. I watched Eleanor chat with my parents, watched her tour the house, watched her naturally blend into this family. And I sat in the corner like an outsider, completely lost.

Dinner was suffocating.

I mechanically cut my steak, each bite tasting like cardboard. Eleanor was sharing stories from her years away with my parents.

"I've been studying all these years, and I've done volunteer work. My adoptive parents said that if you have the ability, you should help others."

"Wonderful! That's the Donovan family tradition!" Dad's eyes lit up.

"Eleanor is such a kind child." Mom looked at her with pride.

I watched the whole family revolve around Eleanor, watched their eyes shine with a light I'd never seen before. That was the joy of blood ties, something I could never give them.

Alex had been eating silently, occasionally glancing at me with worry in his eyes. He was the only one still concerned about me.

But even this last support, I couldn't keep anymore.

For a split second, I wanted to fight. To stand up and say I belonged here too. But watching the pure joy radiating from their faces, the way they looked at Eleanor like she'd brought sunlight back into their lives... I finally understood.

Blood doesn't lie. I'd already lost before she even walked through that door. What right did a thief have to fight for stolen goods?

"By the way, Bella, what have you been up to lately?" Eleanor asked me gently.

Everyone's eyes turned to me. I set down my fork and took a deep breath.

"I'm going to New York."

The dining room fell silent instantly.

"What?" Mom shrieked.

"I'm going to New York to study jewelry design." My voice grew more determined as I spoke. "I've already contacted a school and found a place to live."

"Nonsense!" Dad slammed the table, making the plates jump. "How can you, a young woman, live alone in New York?"

Eleanor bit her lower lip lightly.

"I think it's a great idea," she suddenly spoke up. "I know my return has made things difficult for everyone. If Bella has her own dreams, you should support her. Everyone has the right to choose their own life."

I stared at her in shock. She was supporting me?

Alex suddenly looked up, his eyes turning red. "Are you insane? Leave here and you're nothing!"

His words hit me like a slap.

"Nothing?" I shot up, my voice trembling. "Then what am I now? An impostor! A fake heiress who took someone else's place for twenty years!"

"Bella..." Mom tried to comfort me.

"No!" I cut her off, tears welling up. "I need to prove that without the Donovan name, I still have value! I won't be anyone's appendage anymore!"

Alex jumped up, his chair clattering to the floor. His eyes were red like murder. "You can't leave! I won't allow it!"

I turned to face him. "Why? I'm just your sister! What right do you have to stop me?"

Alex opened his mouth but couldn't speak. His fists clenched so tight the veins bulged.

Eleanor watched us, her expression thoughtful.

"It's because..." Alex's voice was agonized. "Forget it. Just go."

He turned and strode out of the dining room.

The silence was deafening. I couldn't stay either and made some excuse to go upstairs.

---

Late that night, I packed in my room.

Things were scattered everywhere on the bed, clothes all over. I mechanically stuffed items into my suitcase, each one triggering a memory.

BANG!

The door was kicked open. Alex stormed in, furious.

"You're really leaving?" His voice was hoarse.

"Yes." I didn't look back, kept packing.

Alex crossed the room in three strides and grabbed my arm. "Bella, let's talk."

"There's nothing to talk about." I shook off his hand. "You should go be with Eleanor. She's the real Donovan."

"Damn Eleanor! I don't care about her!" Alex shouted. "The only person I care about is you!"

I whipped around. His eyes held a fire I'd never seen before.

"Why?" My voice shook. "We're not blood-related, I'm not really a Donovan—why do you care about me?"

Alex's breathing became heavy. We stood so close I could smell his familiar cologne.

"Because..." Alex's voice dropped. "Because I..."

His hand touched my face, his thumb brushing my lips. I froze completely.

This is wrong. He's my brother... so why is my heart racing like this?

Alex's face drew closer...

"No!"

I shoved him away hard, stumbling back. "Are you crazy! We're siblings!"

Alex stood there, chest heaving violently, his expression too complex to read. After a long moment, he turned away.

"Maybe... maybe you leaving is right." His voice was raw.

He pulled a credit card from his pocket and placed it on the nightstand. "Take this. In New York, you won't have to worry about anything."

I looked at that black card, tears finally falling.

"I don't want it!" I grabbed the card and tore it in half. "I'll do it myself!"

The pieces fell to the floor, like something breaking.

Alex closed his eyes in pain. "Fine. Do it yourself then. But remember, whenever you need me—no matter when—I'll always be here."

He walked to the door, stopping with his back to me. "Bella, some things... never mind. Take care of yourself."

The door closed. I collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming endlessly.

Some things? What did he want to say? Why did he touch my face? Why did he look at me like that?

I should find it strange. Should chase after him and demand answers. But why was my heart pounding so hard?

No, Bella. You can't think like this. You're siblings.

I hugged my knees on the bed, letting the tears flow.

Tomorrow I'd leave this place. Leave this home, leave Alex, and start my real life.