Rewriting Destiny

Chapter 1 A Twist Of Fate

In a spacious, sunlit bedroom adorned with luxurious furnishings, Eliana Garcia stirred, her consciousness returning like a slow tide. She opened her eyes, blinking against the golden rays spilling through the curtains.

Then, like a shot, she bolted upright.

"Ow—damn it," she muttered, clutching her pounding head. It felt like someone had taken a jackhammer to her skull.

'Wait a second...' Her thoughts scrambled. 'What's going on? Wasn't I... dead?'

Her eyes darted around, taking in the cream-colored walls, the intricately carved furniture, and the sparkling crystal chandelier above. Her breath hitched. This was her old bedroom in the Garcia mansion—exactly as it had been seven years ago.

Her pulse quickened. 'No way. This can't be real.'

Just then, the door creaked open, and a maid, Nancy, stepped in, carrying a tray.

When she saw Eliana sitting up, her eyes widened, and the tray clattered onto the table. "Miss Garcia! Oh, thank goodness you're awake!" Nancy practically squealed, rushing over. Her voice wavered between relief and disbelief.

Eliana blinked, still dazed. Her hand instinctively reached up and brushed against the thick gauze wrapped around her head. And just like that, it all came flooding back, hitting her like a freight train.

She wasn't just alive—she'd somehow traveled back in time. Seven years back, to the very day Willow Garcia returned to the family.

Back then, she'd been living in a blissful bubble, completely unaware of the storm about to shatter her world. She'd grown up as the cherished daughter of the Garcia family, doted on by her parents, Andy and Victoria. But all of that had come crashing down after the car accident.

Her blood type hadn't matched. One test led to another, and the truth came out—she wasn't their biological daughter. She'd been swapped at birth, a mistake made at the hospital.

When she'd woken up, Willow—the real daughter—had already been found and welcomed home with open arms.

At the time, Eliana had seriously thought about stepping aside and giving up her place for Willow. It only seemed fair, right? But Willow, with her sugary-sweet smile and warm assurances, had talked her out of it.

"Nothing has to change," Willow had said, her soft voice dripping with sweetness. "We can be like real sisters—closer than blood. This is your home too, Eliana. You belong here."

Eliana had hesitated but ultimately agreed. After all, she had grown up in the Garcia family. She was attached to them, to this life, to everything she'd known. And she couldn't bear the thought of leaving, especially not her parents.

So, she stayed, convincing herself she could make it work, that Willow's promises were genuine. What she hadn't realized was that staying would be her biggest mistake.

From the day Willow returned, she started working her magic—subtly but steadily shoving Eliana out of the picture. At first, Eliana tried to make peace with it. She told herself, 'Willow's the real daughter. It's only right she gets her chance to belong here.'

But as the days dragged on, it became painfully obvious: Willow didn't just want a spot in the family. She wanted everything Eliana had—her relationships, her dreams, her whole life.

And weirdly, since Willow's return, Eliana's world had started falling apart. It wasn't just a streak of bad luck; it was like some invisible force was working against her.

Her closest friends? Gone. Her family? Suddenly cold. Even the boy she secretly liked? He drifted away, wrapped up in Willow's spell like the rest of them.

It was almost eerie. Willow seemed to know Eliana's every move before she made it. She'd swoop in first, flashing that perfect smile, and somehow, Eliana always ended up looking like the bad guy.

No one saw the strings Willow was pulling behind the scenes. To everyone else, she was an angel. And Eliana? Just the bitter, jealous impostor who couldn't handle being second best.

In the end, Eliana lost everything. She'd tried to fight back—God knows she tried—but Willow always stayed one step ahead, playing some twisted game Eliana didn't even know the rules to. And then, on the day she died, Willow dropped the ultimate bombshell.

Leaning in close, with that smug smile etched on her face, she whispered the truth, "I came back from the future to take everything you were supposed to have. You were going to be happy, successful, loved. I couldn't let that happen."

Eliana had been too stunned to even process it. 'Going back in time?' It sounded insane. Back then, she couldn't wrap her head around it.

But now? Now she understood it all too well.

Nancy approached the bed, her brows knitted in worry as Eliana sat there, lost in thought. She gently placed a hand on Eliana's forehead. "Miss Garcia? Are you feeling okay? Is this from the accident?"

Eliana blinked, snapping out of her daze. Her voice was steady as she asked, "Has Willow come downstairs yet?"

Nancy froze, her eyes widening. "Miss Garcia, how do you know about that already?"

Eliana's lips curled into a wry smile. 'How could I not?' In her past life, the day she woke up from that accident was the day Willow returned to the family.

The truth that followed had been devastating: she wasn't the Garcias' biological daughter; Willow was. Back then, she'd been naive enough to stay, thinking they could make it work. But staying had only led to heartbreak after heartbreak.

Not this time.

This time, she wasn't about to let history repeat itself. She'd take her fate into her own hands, starting with finding her real family.

With renewed determination, Eliana tossed off the covers and swung her legs out of bed, starting to gather her things.

Nancy froze, her eyes widening. "Miss Garcia, what are you doing?"

Eliana turned to her with a cool expression. "Stop calling me 'Miss Garcia.' I'm not part of this family anymore."

Nancy's jaw nearly hit the floor. "W-What...?"

Eliana paused mid-step, glancing around the room. The realization hit her like a cold slap—there wasn't much to pack. None of it was truly hers. She let out a slow, deliberate breath, as if exhaling all the ties that bound her to this house.

Without another word, she turned and walked out, her steps steady, her resolve unshakable.

Downstairs, Andy and Victoria were clinging to Willow like she was the greatest miracle of their lives, tears streaming as they spoke in choked voices.

"Oh, my poor sweet girl," Victoria sobbed, holding Willow tightly. "You've been through so much. I can't even imagine the pain you've endured all these years."

Andy nodded, his voice thick with emotion. "Willow, we'll do everything to make it up to you. You're finally home where you belong."

Eliana paused at the top of the stairs, watching the overly dramatic reunion with a calm detachment. It was like seeing a scene from a bad soap opera, but this time, she wasn't the one swept up in the script.

Her gaze shifted to Willow, sitting there in her too-perfect getup—washed-out jeans and a plain T-shirt, the classic "I'm so humble" look. Her red-rimmed eyes glistened as she blinked up at the Garcias, looking like the embodiment of pure, sweet innocence.

Then Willow glanced up and saw Eliana coming down the stairs. In an instant, she jumped to her feet, plastering on that fake, sugary smile Eliana knew all too well.

"Eliana," Willow greeted softly, her voice dripping with fake modesty. "It's so nice to finally meet you."

Eliana scoffed inwardly. 'Please. Cut the act. How had I never seen through your act before?' she thought, her blood simmering. That faux sweetness had fooled her once, but not this time.

She kept her face neutral, her expression unreadable, as she strode down the stairs without acknowledging Willow's greeting.

Victoria wiped her tears, trying to compose herself, and turned to Eliana. "Eliana, you're awake. Good. Come here, sweetheart, we have something to tell you."

Andy's voice grew serious, even somber, as he nodded. "Eliana, the truth is... you're not our biological daughter. Willow is. After your accident, we ran a DNA test and found out there was a mistake at the hospital. You were... switched at birth.

"Now that Willow's back, we've decided it's best for her to take your room. You'll be moving into the dorms since school starts soon."

They were so eager to get it out in the open, as if they couldn't wait to sweep everything under the rug. It was like her recovery didn't even matter. Their hearts had already shifted toward Willow—no hesitation, no second thoughts.

Before her time travel, Eliana had clung to the naïve hope that the Garcias still loved her. She'd convinced herself they only wanted to make things right with Willow. But she'd been blind—willfully so. This time, she wouldn't fall for the same trap.

Straightening her back, Eliana strode over and settled onto the couch. Meeting their gazes without flinching, she said evenly, "Mom, Dad, thank you for raising me for the past eighteen years. Now that your real daughter is home, it's only fair for me to move out. I'll pack my things and leave."

Willow's eyes went wide, her face twisting in confusion. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Eliana was supposed to throw a tantrum, cry, beg to stay—just like before. This? This was all wrong.

Andy and Victoria looked just as rattled. "Eliana, we didn't mean it like that," Andy said, his voice tight with urgency. "Willow's return doesn't mean we're asking you to leave."

Willow quickly moved to Eliana's side, grasping her hand with a gentle, pleading look in her eyes. "Exactly, Eliana! Don't be like this. We can live together, just like real sisters, can't we?

"You've been part of this family for so long. If you leave, people might think Mom and Dad pushed you out. How would they hold their heads up if rumors like that spread?"

Chapter 2 Find My Birth Parents

'What a conniving bitch Willow is,' Eliana thought, her stomach twisting at Willow's theatrics. Every word out of Willow's mouth was carefully calculated to drive a wedge between Eliana and the Garcias.

In her past life, she'd fallen for it—hook, line, and sinker. Out of guilt and gratitude, she'd stayed. But this time? Not a chance. Sure, she'd repay the Garcias for raising her, but she wasn't sticking around to play the fool again.

Eliana pulled her hand free from Willow's grasp with a calm, deliberate motion, subtly wiping it on her sleeve like she'd just touched something unpleasant.

Her voice was steady, almost casual, as she said, "Mom, Dad, I've been thinking. Now that your real daughter's back, it only makes sense for me to find my birth parents."

Andy and Victoria exchanged a look. Their expressions wavered, torn between affection for Eliana and guilt over the truth. They had raised her for so many years—she'd been a wonderful daughter, no doubt—but Willow? Willow was their flesh and blood, their real daughter, and she had endured so much hardship on her own.

That was why they'd agreed to let Willow take her rightful place in the family, moving into the house while Eliana transitioned to dorm life once school started.

So when Eliana said she wanted to search for her birth parents, it didn't seem unreasonable.

Eliana pressed on before they could respond, her tone cool but polite. "You both have done so much for me all these years. I'm forever grateful. Let me at least thank you properly." She bent forward into a bow, the gesture graceful and sincere.

"Hey, hey, no! That's too much!" Andy blurted, rushing to stop her. He grabbed her shoulders, pulling her upright. "We'd never expect that from you, Eliana. You'll always be special to us. And if finding your birth parents is what you really want, well... we'll support you."

Victoria nodded, her smile a little strained. "Yes, dear. Whatever makes you happy. You'll always have a place here."

Meanwhile, Willow's smile faltered for just a second, panic flashing in her eyes. 'She's leaving? No way. If this brat really walks out, who am I supposed to destroy? How can I take revenge if she's not around?' she thought.

"Wait! Mom, Dad, we can't let her leave!" Willow's voice rang out, high-pitched and urgent. "I, uh, did some digging before I came back. Eliana's biological family? They're a mess!

"Her dad's a total gambler, her mom's... well, she's not exactly, you know, educated, and she's got a bit of a rough edge. People in their neighborhood say some pretty awful stuff about them. Oh, and she's got a brother—he's, uh, a thirty-year-old bachelor who still lives with his parents."

Willow turned her wide, innocent eyes toward the Garcias. "If Eliana goes to them, she'll be walking straight into a nightmare!"

Eliana froze, a wave of disbelief washing over her. She had no idea her birth parents were like that. But Willow—of course—seemed to know every detail, like she'd done a deep dive into her life.

The more Willow spoke, the more it was clear: she was trying to trap Eliana here, to keep her locked in this twisted game of manipulation.

But Eliana wasn't playing anymore. She had no interest in feeding into Willow's petty games. She just wanted to live her life, free from the drama.

"I don't mind," Eliana said, her tone calm and steady. "They're my family by blood, after all. It doesn't matter if they're poor or not. Unless..." She tilted her head, letting her gaze sharpen on Willow. "Unless that's why you came back. You found out Mom and Dad are loaded, and you couldn't wait to trade places?"

Willow's face blanched for a split second before she scrambled for composure. "N-no, of course not! I would never do that! Eliana, how could you even think that? Mom, Dad, you believe me, don't you?" She shot them a look that could've won her an Oscar for Most Innocent Daughter.

Victoria was quick to soothe her. "Oh, sweetheart, of course we believe you. Eliana's just upset and confused; she didn't mean anything by it."

"Yes, yes," Andy chimed in, throwing Eliana a warning look. "Eliana, don't jump to conclusions. Willow didn't even know about our finances when she came back."

Eliana fought the urge to roll her eyes. Only someone as gullible as Andy and Victoria would fall for Willow's wide-eyed act.

The truth was as clear as day to her: Willow knew exactly how wealthy the Garcias were. That's why she came barreling back into their lives without a second thought.

But it wasn't just about the money—no, it was about her. Willow wasn't just here to claim her place; she was here to ruin Eliana's life piece by piece. And Willow had the ultimate cheat code: she'd traveled back in time.

Eliana clenched her fists but forced her face to remain neutral. She wanted to scream the truth, to expose Willow for the vindictive, manipulative snake she was. But what good would that do? No one would believe her. They'd chalk it up to her recent accident and say she was "confused" or "delusional."

After a beat, Eliana exhaled slowly, regaining her composure. "Mom, Dad," she said, her tone calm but resolute, "this isn't about running away. It's about doing what's right.

"My birth parents deserve to know I exist, don't they? No matter what kind of people they are, I should at least meet them. And now that you have your real daughter back, it's only fair I look for my own roots."

Willow's face twitched, and she opened her mouth to argue, but Eliana's reasoning was airtight, that she couldn't find the words to stop her.

Andy and Victoria exchanged a glance, then nodded slowly. "Alright, Eliana," Andy said reluctantly. "If that's what you've decided, we'll respect it. But remember, you'll always be part of this family. Our door will always be open for you."

Eliana felt a pang in her chest. She could see the sincerity in their eyes, and for a brief moment, she almost reconsidered. But she knew better. It wouldn't be long before Willow had them fully convinced that she was the selfish, ungrateful imposter. Better to leave now while the memories were still sweet.

"Thank you," she said softly. "For everything. I'll never forget what you've done for me."

The decision made, Eliana wasted no time packing up what little she had. Andy and Victoria, wanting to help, used Willow's conveniently detailed information to track down her birth parents' address.

They offered to drive her all the way there, but Eliana declined. After some convincing, she agreed to let them drop her off at the train station instead.

Willow watched them leave, her stomach in knots. Something felt off—this wasn't how it was supposed to go. She had expected Eliana to hesitate, to waver, maybe even beg to stay. But this time, Eliana seemed... resolute, determined.

Willow clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought the rising panic. But then a thought struck her, and her lips curved into a sly smile.

'Go ahead, leave,' she thought smugly. 'You've lived in comfort your whole life. Let's see how long you last in that dump of a household. You'll be back, crawling on your knees, begging to return. And when you do...'

She turned on her heel, her smirk widening. 'I'll be ready.'

*****

Eliana arrived at the train station, the driver handing her a ticket along with a note that had a phone number and an address on it. "Safe travels, Miss Garcia," the driver said with a polite nod.

"Thank you," Eliana replied, ticket in hand, and made her way inside.

Two hours later, Eliana stepped off the train in Dratora City. The unfamiliar hustle and bustle of the station hit her like a wave. She pulled out her phone, dialing the number on the note.

The line clicked, and a man's voice answered, "Hello?"

Eliana hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hi, is this Tommy? I'm... the daughter of the Davis family. Could you come pick me up?"

There was silence on the other end, thick and uncomfortable. Just as she was about to repeat herself, the man spoke. "Stay there. I'll send a car for you."

Before she could even process what he'd said, the line went dead.

Eliana stared at her phone, baffled. 'Wait... how does he even know where I am?' she wondered.

Shrugging off the weirdness, Eliana decided to grab a bottle of water from a nearby convenience store to calm her nerves.

As she walked out of the store, she glanced up—and froze. Two sleek Rolls-Royces rolled up to the curb, their polished exteriors glistening under the afternoon sun.

A bodyguard in dark sunglasses stepped out of one of the cars, scanning the crowd with a professional air.

Eliana barely spared them a second glance, sipping her water as she walked by. 'No way those cars are for me,' she thought. Willow had made it clear that her birth family was poor—dirt poor, as she'd put it. The idea that they'd send luxury cars to pick her up hadn't even crossed her mind.

She was mid-sip when the bodyguard approached her, his gaze fixed on a tablet in his hand. He stopped right in front of her, looked up, and in one smooth motion, whipped off his sunglasses. His face broke into an unexpectedly bright smile.

"Miss Davis!" he exclaimed, voice brimming with excitement. "I'm here to pick you up!"

Eliana froze, nearly choking on her water. She blinked, eyes wide. "Wait... you're calling me what?"

Chapter 3 A Pleasant Surprise

"Miss, you made the call just now, didn't you?" the bodyguard asked, his tone polite but firm.

"Yeah, I did," Eliana replied, her gaze flicking to the gleaming Rolls-Royce idling nearby. She frowned, confusion clouding her face. "But... this doesn't seem right."

"Then it must be you," the bodyguard said with absolute certainty. "Please, get in the car."

Before Eliana could fully process what was happening, the man acted with military precision. In one swift move, he opened the car door and practically lifted her inside, his strength catching her completely off guard.

"Whoa, whoa, hold on a second!" Eliana yelped as she found herself seated in the plush leather interior.

Her mind raced. 'Are bodyguards always this intense? Or—wait—am I being kidnapped? But who even uses a Rolls-Royce for kidnapping?'

She shot the man a sharp look. "What on earth is going on here?"

"You'll find out soon enough," he replied cryptically, settling into the driver's seat like they were on a casual Sunday drive.

The car glided through the city before heading into the countryside. Before long, they pulled up to an estate so massive it looked like something out of a movie. Eliana's jaw dropped as she stepped out of the car and stared up at the sprawling mansion.

"Right this way," the bodyguard said, gesturing toward the grand entrance.

The mansion's double doors swung open, revealing two perfectly aligned rows of maids standing at attention, their crisp uniforms and synchronized bows making Eliana feel like she'd stepped into a billionaire's fantasy.

She walked inside cautiously, her eyes darted around, taking in the absurdly lavish surroundings—the gilded walls, the antique furniture at every corner. The place was a far cry from what she'd imagined.

'Wait a minute... wasn't I told my birth family was broke?' she thought, her confusion deepening with every step. 'This place is the opposite of poor. Did I somehow end up in the wrong house?'

Just then, an elderly woman with silver hair hurried down the grand staircase. Dressed in an elegant white-and-gold tunic, she leaned lightly on a polished wooden cane, her eyes sparkling with excitement. This was Naomi Davis, Eliana's grandmother, and her graceful demeanor exuded both strength and warmth as she approached.

"Are you the girl who made the call?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion, tears glistening in her sharp, gray eyes.

Eliana blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... yes, that was me. But... a man answered. Can you please tell me what's going on?"

Before she could process the situation, a medical team appeared seemingly out of nowhere. They moved with swift efficiency, setting up equipment and taking a blood sample from her right then and there—without offering so much as a word of explanation.

Eliana froze, staring at them in disbelief, completely floored by the unexpected turn of events.

Naomi gently took Eliana's hand, leading her to an ornate couch near the foyer. Patting her hand with a grandmotherly tenderness, Naomi said, "Now, now, my dear, sit down and let's talk. Sweetheart, what's your name?"

"Eliana... Eliana Garcia," she replied.

"Eliana," Naomi repeated, as if savoring the name. She nodded, her expression softening. "Such a lovely name. And how, my dear, did you come to believe you're part of our family?"

Eliana hesitated, still trying to wrap her head around the situation. "Honestly, I'm not sure what's going on. But everything I was told about my birth family doesn't add up.

"Someone said my dad's a gambling addict, my mom's... uh, kind of a shrew, and my brother's a thirty-something bachelor still living at home. They painted a pretty bleak picture."

At that, Naomi burst into a fit of laughter, so genuine and hearty that it echoed through the grand hall. "A gambling addict, a shrew, and a bachelor?" she repeated between giggles, wiping tears of amusement from her eyes. "Oh, my dear, no one has ever described the Davis family like that before. That's definitely a first!"

Meanwhile, the medical team worked swiftly, and in no time, the results appeared on the screen—99.999% match.

The doctor, barely able to contain his excitement, announced, "Mrs. Davis! It's confirmed—she's your granddaughter!"

"What? Really?" Naomi shot up from the couch, clutching Eliana's hands with a mix of disbelief and overwhelming joy. "Eliana, my dear, I've waited so long for this moment! I never thought I'd live to see the day you'd come home. Oh, thank the heavens!"

She squeezed Eliana's hands tighter, her voice trembling. "You're not a Garcia—you're a Davis! Your name is Eliana Davis!"

"Eliana... Davis?" Eliana repeated, her head spinning as the reality began to sink in. The sudden shift in identity felt surreal. "Wait a second... What's really going on here?"

Naomi gently patted her hand and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll explain everything."

As Eliana sat down beside her, Naomi shared the story. "The day you were born, there was a terrible mistake at the hospital. You were accidentally swapped with another infant by a distracted nurse. By the time we discovered what happened, you were already gone.

"We tried everything—everything—to find you, but you had disappeared without a trace."

Her voice cracked as she continued, "The child we raised wasn't ours, and once we tracked down her biological family, we returned her immediately. But you... you remained a mystery. No matter how hard we searched, we couldn't find you."

Eliana listened in stunned silence, struggling to process what she was hearing.

"And because we're..." Naomi hesitated before choosing her words. "Let's just say, because of the family's wealth and status, we had countless frauds claiming to be you. People showed up hoping to cash in on a fortune, telling the most ridiculous lies.

"So, we spread a little misinformation. We made it known that the Davis family was... down on its luck. Penniless, with a gambling father and a shrew of a mother, just to scare off the fakes."

Naomi leaned in closer, voice lowering as if revealing a secret. "The truth is, sweetheart, we're not some poor family. The Davis family is immensely wealthy. All those 'facts' about your background? Lies. Just to keep the wrong people away."

Eliana's jaw nearly hit the floor. "So, you're telling me... my dad's not some gambling addict?" she asked, still trying to process.

"Goodness, no!" Naomi laughed, her eyes sparkling. "The Davis family is one of the most prominent in Dratora City!"

"And my mom's not some shrew?"

"Not in the slightest! Your mother is an artist, a true master of the opera!" Naomi said, practically glowing with pride.

"And my brother... he's not a bachelor?"

"Well..." Naomi chuckled, giving her a playful look. "Not entirely wrong. Your brother inherited your grandfather's oil fields and is now running a massive energy business. But yes, he's nearly thirty and still single. A shame, really—he's quite the catch!"

The more Eliana heard, the more her mind was blown. Everything she thought she knew had been turned upside down. But then a thought hit her. "So, who was the guy I talked to on the phone earlier?"

"Oh, that would've been your cousin, Thomas," Naomi said casually.

'Thomas... Tommy? So that was a fake name too!' Eliana thought, trying to wrap her head around it all.

Finding out her real family's wealth was an unexpected—and surprisingly welcome—turn of events.

Naomi clutched Eliana's hand tightly, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Eliana, you must've been through so much all these years! Your parents will be home soon, and then we'll all finally be together!

"If only your grandfather were still here, he'd be over the moon. Honestly, I didn't think I'd live to see this day either, but the heavens have blessed me! My precious granddaughter!"

Naomi's voice trembled with raw emotion, and it tugged at something deep in Eliana's chest. Tears pricked her own eyes. Whether it was the pull of blood ties or the overwhelming tenderness of the moment, she couldn't hold them back. "Grandma... Are you really my grandma? I'm so happy to meet you!"

She couldn't believe how her life had flipped. In her past, she'd been trapped in endless battles with Willow, losing herself in the chaos and dying without ever meeting her real parents. She'd spent her whole life grasping at things that weren't hers to begin with, while ignoring what truly mattered.

But now? Now she had a second chance. The irony wasn't lost on her. If only she'd sought them out sooner instead of wasting her time on the wrong people.

Naomi pulled her into a tight hug, her frail arms surprisingly strong. The two of them cried together, their tears mingling with relief and years of longing.

Just then, the shriek of tires on gravel sliced through the air, breaking the tender moment. The front doors flew open, and a man and woman hurried into the living room.

Chapter 4 Family Reunion

"My daughter!" Sebastian, Eliana's father, dressed in a sharp suit, and Lucy, her mother, graceful in a flowing dress, rushed toward her, their faces a mix of joy and disbelief.

The second they saw Eliana seated next to Naomi, they practically flew over to her, enveloping her in a tight embrace.

Surrounded by the warm, familiar scent of her parents, Eliana glanced up at them. Before she even realized it, her arms were reaching out, pulling them into a hug.

They'd already gotten the DNA test results before heading home. Sebastian, smack in the middle of a critical meeting when the news hit, had dropped everything right then and there.

He didn't give a damn about the stunned looks on his team's faces as he bolted out the door—it could all wait.

Lucy, in the middle of a theater rehearsal, had thrown everything aside, running out with no regard for her lines, desperate to meet the daughter she'd longed for.

They'd waited far too long for this moment—eighteen agonizing years of searching, hoping, and wondering if their daughter would ever come back to them.

For Eliana, it was almost too much. After years of enduring the neglect and mistreatment of the Garcia family, this overwhelming warmth and love felt almost foreign.

Her chest tightened, and her tears fell freely as a lifetime of bottled-up pain came rushing out, washing over her like a tidal wave. For the first time in so long, she felt truly safe—truly seen.

Sebastian, usually a man of steel, couldn't hold back the lump in his throat. His voice cracked as he spoke, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Sweetheart, I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. But you're home now. Mom and I are here. From this moment forward, you'll never have to suffer again."

Lucy, a picture of elegance now undone by her emotions, was sobbing uncontrollably as she clung to Eliana. "Oh, my baby! I've dreamed of this moment every single day. You're finally back... finally home!"

"Dad... Mom..." Eliana's voice wavered as she looked at them, her eyes shimmering with emotion.

Sebastian's hair, once a deep brown, was now shot through with streaks of silver. Lucy, still every bit as elegant as she'd always been, carried the faint shadow of weariness on her face—a quiet testament to the years of relentless searching for their daughter.

Those years had taken their toll, no doubt, but they'd never stopped clinging to hope. Not once.

Lucy reached out, gently cupping Eliana's face with trembling hands. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she whispered, "Hearing you call me 'Mom'... I can finally breathe easy now."

When Lucy had given birth to Eliana, she'd already been older, and the delivery had nearly cost her life. She'd always dreamed of a daughter to complete their family, a little sister for their firstborn son.

But fate had played a cruel hand. After all the anticipation, they had been shattered when they discovered their baby girl had been swapped at birth.

Lucy had even spiraled into postpartum depression, drowning in guilt and despair. If it hadn't been for the faint, flickering hope of finding Eliana one day, she might not have made it through those dark days.

As Eliana looked at them now, a profound warmth spread through her chest. How lucky she was to have this moment, to be given a second chance to know them, to love them. She'd missed this in her past life—lost in a web of lies and misplaced priorities. But now, she would hold on with everything she had.

Her thoughts strayed to the eighteen long years they must have waited. Every day, holding on to hope. Every day, aching for their little girl to come home. In her past life, they'd never gotten their wish.

But not this time. Determined to rewrite her fate, Eliana made a silent vow to herself: she wouldn't let this chance slip away. This time, she'd hold onto this family, this love, with everything she had. No more regrets, no more missed chances.

As Lucy gently brushed Eliana's hair aside, a faint but noticeable scar on her forehead caught her eye. Naomi gasped, her voice tight with alarm. "Eliana! How did you get that scar? Did someone hurt you?"

Sebastian and Lucy leaned in closer, their faces clouded with worry. The genuine concern in their eyes sent a wave of warmth through Eliana. She shook her head quickly, reassuring them. "No, no one hurt me. It's just from a car accident I had before coming here. Nothing serious, I promise."

"A car accident?" Lucy's expression turned sharp with maternal concern. "What happened? Are you sure you're okay? Tell us everything."

Sebastian didn't wait for an answer. He turned to a staff member nearby and barked, "Arrange a full medical checkup for Eliana. I want the best doctors—we're not taking any chances!"

Eliana squeezed both their hands, pulling them gently toward the sofa as she tried to calm them down. "Really, I'm fine. The accident was actually what led me here. During treatment, the doctors noticed my blood type didn't match my adoptive parents'. That's how I ended up finding out about you."

Lucy's worried frown softened, though her hand lingered protectively on Eliana's arm. "I see... And your adoptive parents—where are they from? They raised you all these years. We should send them a proper gift to thank them."

"They're the Garcia family from Avragow," Eliana said evenly. Her voice didn't waver, but the history behind her words was heavy.

Things had been messy with the Garcias even before her time travel, but like it or not, she couldn't deny they were the ones who'd raised her.

Despite the pain and misunderstandings, she had stayed with them out of gratitude.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed. "The Garcia family in Avragow?"

Lucy glanced at him. "Do you know them, Honey?"

"Garcia... the name does sound familiar." Sebastian furrowed his brows, thinking for a moment. "Ah, right. We're planning a new project in Avragow, and Garcia Group was one of the companies we initially ruled out. But since they raised you, how about this: I'll make sure they're included in the bid. Consider it a small gesture of thanks."

Avragow and Dratora City were leagues apart. Dratora City was the capital, a sprawling metropolis that pulsed with power and influence, while Avragow was, at best, a second-tier city.

The Davis family was a financial juggernaut in Dratora City, their name synonymous with wealth and prestige. The Garcia family, on the other hand, was just a moderately wealthy household in Avragow.

Calling them "prestigious" was a stretch; compared to the Davises, they were barely a blip on the radar—a family with a decent bank account but no real clout.

Eliana managed a faint smile. "Thanks, Dad. But... actually... never mind."

Lucy's eyes sharpened as she caught the hesitation in Eliana's voice. "Sweetheart, did something happen with them? Did they treat you poorly? Were you hurt?"

Eliana shook her head quickly. "No, it's nothing like that."

The truth was, before Willow came back into the picture, Eliana's adoptive parents had been decent to her. Not perfect, but good enough. Then Willow returned, and everything flipped.

Her adoptive parents started pulling away—at first subtly, then more obviously—until they were practically giving her the cold shoulder. In time, they sided completely with Willow, leaving Eliana out in the cold.

In her past life, she'd bent over backward trying to win their love, swallowing her pride again and again. But it was never enough.

Her worst memory of them was etched into her soul. On the day she was fighting for her life, battered and barely holding on, they didn't even bother to show up. That betrayal was a scar that cut too deep to heal.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to downplay it. "Mom, Dad, the Garcias were okay to me. But now that their real daughter's back, it's better if we don't interfere in their lives. Maybe just send them a thank-you gift? I think that's enough."

Lucy took her hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "Of course, sweetheart. If that's what you want, we'll respect it. Sebastian, let's arrange for a small gift to be sent over—no strings attached."

But Lucy's sharp intuition told her there was more to the story. She could sense Eliana was holding something back, probably memories too painful to share.

While she didn't press for details, her opinion of the Garcia family had already hit rock bottom.

Just then, the sound of a car pulling up outside broke the moment. Lucy's face lit up. "Eliana, your brother's home!"

Right on cue, the front door swung open, and Owen strode in.

Towering and self-assured, he carried himself with an easy confidence. His features were a perfect blend of Sebastian's sharp angles and Lucy's graceful beauty. Though pushing thirty, he had the youthful energy and charm of someone still in their prime.

"Owen!" Lucy called out, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Mom, Dad," he greeted with a warm nod before his sharp, discerning gaze landed on the petite girl on the couch. His expression softened instantly, a trace of curiosity and tenderness in his eyes. "So... this is my sister?"

Lucy's smile widened, practically bursting with pride. "Yes, this is Eliana! Go on, give your sister a hug!"

Owen grinned, a playful warmth in his expression as he stepped forward, opening his arms wide. "Eliana!"

Eliana stood and walked into his embrace, her voice catching as she said softly, "Owen."

Chapter 5 An Unexpected Surprise

Lucy had been just twenty-four when she had Owen, her firstborn. As her career soared, she always dreamed of having a daughter, and at thirty-five, Eliana was born.

Now, standing before her grown son and long-lost daughter, Lucy's heart felt full.

Owen, eleven years older than Eliana and already well into his successful career, gently ruffled her hair as he hugged her.

"Eliana," he said, his tone filled with affection, "I've been waiting for you for so many years. Finally, our family's whole again."

Eliana looked up at him, her smile lighting up her face. For the first time, she felt the warmth of a big brother's love, a connection she had longed for but never thought she'd have.

And just like that, Eliana was home. The Davis family, after years of searching and heartache, was finally complete.

*****

Half a month later, whispers spread like wildfire through Dratora City's high society. Everyone was talking about the Davis family's long-lost daughter, missing for eighteen years and now, out of nowhere, back in the fold.

But despite the chatter, the Davises were keeping things maddeningly low-key. No one—not even the nosiest socialites—had managed to catch a glimpse of her.

Speculation ran wild. Some said she probably didn't measure up to the Davis family's high standards, while others whispered that maybe she wasn't much to look at—why else would they delay a formal introduction? The gossip spread like wildfire, with everyone adding their own twist to the story.

As promised, Sebastian handed the lucrative Avragow project to the Garcia Group and sent over an extravagant gift package.

The Garcias eagerly accepted, taking it as a sign that the Davis family might be interested in building a powerful alliance. They had no clue it had anything to do with Eliana.

Willow, meanwhile, was thriving as the "Garcia family's one and only daughter." She'd completely claimed Eliana's old room as her own, going so far as to toss out all the little trinkets and keepsakes that once belonged to Eliana.

After a series of carefully worded, manipulative conversations, she'd managed to erase Eliana from Andy and Victoria's minds entirely—or so it seemed.

Still, something gnawed at Willow. 'Why hasn't Eliana shown up by now? Could she really be gone for good?' she wondered. It didn't sit right with her.

She was certain Eliana had nowhere else to go, and if Eliana wasn't going to come crawling back on her own, fine. Willow would make the first move. No way was she letting Eliana get off so easily.

With some sweet-talking, Willow persuaded her parents to pull every string possible and buy her way into Isonstead University. To her, this wasn't just about getting into a top-tier school—it was her next big play.

*****

Lucy had wanted to throw a big, splashy party to officially introduce Eliana to society, but Eliana wasn't interested.

This time around, she couldn't care less about the glitz, attention, or showy displays. All she wanted was to enjoy the quiet, genuine happiness of being with her family.

Understanding Eliana's need for rest after the accident, Lucy didn't push. Instead, she let her recover peacefully at home.

One sunny afternoon, as they lounged in the garden, Lucy sat peeling a lychee and asked casually, "Eliana, which college did you get into?"

"Isonstead University, majoring in theater arts," Eliana replied with a smile.

Eliana had always dreamed of becoming an actress. In her past life, that dream had been a constant uphill battle. Willow had overshadowed her in every possible way, and Eliana had been left struggling just to make ends meet. No matter how hard she hustled, she was only ever cast as an extra, barely scraping by.

Unlike Willow, who'd breezed into Isonstead University thanks to her parents' money and connections, Eliana had worked tirelessly to earn her spot.

Once they were both at school, Willow didn't waste a second making Eliana's life miserable—isolating her socially, spreading rumors, and even smearing her reputation on online forums. Those years had been brutal, but Eliana had held onto her dream with everything she had.

Despite the constant sabotage, Eliana kept her head down and pushed forward, earning top grades. Just before graduation, she'd finally caught her big break—a lead role in a production that could've launched her acting career.

But Willow, always one step ahead, had stolen that opportunity right out from under her. She used her parents' clout to snatch the part for herself, leaving Eliana crushed and back at square one.

Eliana had her moments—times when a real opportunity seemed just within reach. But every single time, Willow swooped in and snatched it away like it was her personal mission.

Those years were pure hell. Once Eliana stepped into the entertainment industry, Willow wasted no time playing dirty. She spilled the tea to the press, exposing Eliana as the "fake" Garcia daughter and claiming the title of the "real" one for herself.

The media ate it up, running headline after headline comparing the two. Eliana? She was dragged as a fraud and a wannabe who didn't deserve her place.

But it didn't stop there. The tabloids doubled down, spinning stories about how Eliana had "stolen" Willow's life and gone out of her way to target her. They painted Eliana as the cruel, jealous sister while making Willow out to be some innocent little angel—a helpless victim who'd been wronged by the big bad imposter.

Eliana had no way to fight back. No one cared about her truth, not when the internet trolls had already decided she was the villain. They tore her apart online, leaving her feeling helpless and alone.

It was like being stuck in a bad dream she couldn't wake up from, no matter how hard she tried.

Willow hadn't just taken Eliana's opportunities—she'd taken everything: her family, her career, her dreams.

But this time? Eliana wasn't playing nice. The Garcias' love might be gone for good, but the rest? She was taking it all back. One way or another.

"Isonstead! That's a fantastic school," Lucy said, her face lighting up as she handed Eliana the peeled lychee. "I graduated from there too, you know. My major was opera performance."

"Seriously, Mom? We're both alums!" Eliana grinned, popping the juicy lychee into her mouth. "Thanks, Mom."

Lucy laughed warmly. "So, my girl's aiming to be an actress, huh?"

Eliana nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, that's the plan. I've always dreamed of it."

Lucy, who had spent her life immersed in the world of theater, felt a swell of pride. Knowing Eliana shared her passion was a gift. "Well, sweetheart, I've got your back all the way! Clearly, you inherited my artistic flair. My daughter's going to be the best actress in the game—I can feel it!"

"Thanks, Mom. I promise I'll make you proud."

*****

On the first day of school registration, Lucy and Sebastian were drowning in work and couldn't spare a minute. So, they hit up Eliana's cousin, Thomas, to give her a ride.

Thomas, a junior studying computer science over at Isonstead, didn't even blink before saying yes.

Eliana waited at their planned meeting spot, leaning casually against a tree.

She was dressed in a white ruffled sundress that swayed gently in the breeze, her fair skin glowing under the warm sunlight. She glanced at her phone, editing something while the minutes ticked by.

A sleek black Bentley pulled up silently in front of her, the engine barely making a sound. At first, she didn't notice, too focused on her screen—until it suddenly glitched.

The display turned black, flashing a series of red error codes. She frowned and tried to reset it.

"Eliana?" a low, magnetic voice called out, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Startled, she looked up, her eyes meeting a pair of piercing brown ones framed by a strikingly handsome face.

She quickly clicked her phone off, assuming this was Thomas. A bright smile lit up her face. "Cousin?"

Cameron Wright raised a brow, his gaze lingering on her delicate features and that sweet, disarming smile.

Technically, it was supposed to be Thomas picking her up. But Thomas, ever the smooth-talking ladies' man, had gotten tied up with a girl and begged Cameron to step in at the last minute.

Cameron wasn't exactly thrilled, but after some relentless teasing and a promise to owe him one, he had given in.

'What a hassle,' he'd thought—until now.

As his eyes traced Eliana's features, he felt a flicker of surprise. Her face checked every single one of his aesthetic preferences, down to the smallest detail. For the first time in a long while, Cameron found himself intrigued.

Chapter 6 Sit Here

The driver got out of the car and opened the front passenger door.

Cameron never sat in the same row as anyone else. Whoever it was always had to sit up front.

Eliana was just about to climb in when Cameron, seated in the back, pushed open his door and said in a low voice, "Sit back here."

Eliana froze for a moment. The driver, startled, stared at Cameron with wide eyes and asked, "Mr. Wright, is that okay?"

Cameron didn't look at the driver. His focus remained on Eliana. "Sit here," he repeated.

"Oh, alright." Eliana nodded and slid into the back seat.

The driver, still looking puzzled, got back in silently and started the car.

As they drove, Eliana turned to Cameron with a polite smile. "Thank you for picking me up."

Cameron leaned back, one brow raised, his gaze locked on her like a hunter assessing its prey

His stare made Eliana squirm. 'Why is he staring at me like that? Did I spill something on my clothes?' she thought.

She glanced down and checked herself but didn't notice anything wrong.

Then Cameron spoke suddenly. "No need to thank me. Just treat me to a meal."

Eliana blinked in surprise. 'What? We're just heading to school—how does that call for me treating him?' she thought.

But she nodded anyway. "Sure. How about lunch later?"

"You're in the acting department, right?" he asked.

Eliana nodded again.

"I'll come find you at noon."

"Okay." Her reply was short. She wasn't interested in chatting any further.

Cameron wasn't much for small talk either. When she said nothing else, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Thomas.

Cameron: [Your cousin's not bad.]

Thomas: [Cameron, you already picked her up? I haven't even seen her yet since she got back. How does she look?]

Cameron glanced at Eliana, considered for a moment, and typed back. [Very unusual.]

On the other end, Thomas scowled at the message, his fingers hovering over the keyboard.

'What the hell does that even mean? Is she... ugly or something? Is that why everyone says the Davis family keeps her locked away like some dirty little secret?' he wondered, irritation bubbling beneath his cool exterior.

In a flurry of nerves, Thomas sent another message. [Cameron, she's still my cousin, alright? Go easy on her.]

He couldn't shake the mental image of Cameron tossing Eliana out of the car just because of how she looked.

Cameron put his phone away, uninterested in continuing the conversation. Before long, the car pulled up to the gates of Isonstead University.

As Eliana prepared to get out, she turned to Cameron and asked, "Are you coming too?"

Cameron usually avoided entering through the main gate—it was always too crowded and noisy for his liking.

The driver, noticing Eliana's question, quickly responded with a polite refusal. "Miss Davis, Mr. Wright doesn't like going through the main entrance..."

"Sure, I'll come with you," Cameron suddenly said, cutting off the driver mid-sentence.

On a whim, he decided to get out of the car and walk into the campus with her.

Eliana frowned slightly, finding Cameron more and more intriguing.

The driver, however, looked completely baffled. He couldn't make sense of Cameron's unusually out-of-character behavior.

Cameron stepped out of the car alongside Eliana.

As she looked at the school gates, a strange feeling washed over Eliana. It was as if she hadn't seen this place in years. Just as she was about to walk through, a flurry of voices erupted from nearby.

"Oh my God, it's Cameron!"

"Cameron's at the main gate? No way!"

"Is that really him? Who's the girl with him?"

"She's gorgeous! Is she his girlfriend? No, no, no, this can't be happening! I'm so jealous!"

"Impossible! Cameron's never had a girlfriend. Didn't people speculate he was gay? Maybe she's a relative?"

The crowd's stares burned with curiosity, their chatter buzzing around Eliana and Cameron like a swarm of bees.

Hearing their comments, Eliana turned to Cameron, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Who are you? You're not Thomas Davis?"

Cameron slid his hands into his pockets, glancing down at Eliana, who was a head shorter than him.

"No," he replied calmly.

Eliana's eyes widened. "You're not Thomas? Then who are you?"

"Did I ever say I was Thomas?" Cameron countered, tilting his head slightly.

"Why didn't you explain that earlier?" Eliana demanded.

Cameron shrugged. "I thought having a cousin could be fun."

Eliana's frown deepened. Her impression of Cameron had just hit rock bottom.

"Then where's Thomas?" she asked. "Why did you come to pick me up instead?"

"Who knows? Maybe he's dead," Cameron replied with an air of indifference.

Eliana, thoroughly fed up, didn't bother responding. She turned on her heel and walked through the gates without looking back.

Before traveling through time, Eliana had spent four years at Isonstead University. She knew the place better than anyone.

Navigating the campus with ease, she quickly found the registration office and completed all the necessary formalities

A teacher escorted her to class. Walking along the familiar paths, Eliana couldn't help but recall the four years she had endured relentless bullying. The memories brought a surge of hatred rising to the surface.

She had spent so much time blaming herself back then, thinking her lack of effort was why Willow had stolen opportunities that should have been hers. But now, she finally understood—she had never been the problem.

Willow had also traveled through time. She knew everything ahead of time, always managing to stay one step ahead.

Suddenly, Eliana's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a notification: someone had accepted the challenge she'd posted on the dark web, scheduling it for the weekend.

That put her in a slightly better mood.

'I've got a shot to start fresh now. This time, I'm not letting Willow take anything from me,' Eliana thought, her lips curling into a sly smirk. 'Oh, so she loves stealing what's mine, huh? Well, not this time. This time, I'll make her pay.'

*****

When Eliana walked into the classroom, it was packed with students eagerly waiting to meet the new arrival.

As soon as Eliana entered, all eyes turned to her. Whispers quickly spread through the room.

"It's her, right? The one people have been talking about on the forum?"

"Yeah, that's definitely her. She looks just like the pictures. Honestly, life's so unfair—she's even prettier in person! I thought those photos were filtered."

"Oh my God, she and Cameron look so perfect together."

Eliana could feel their stares trailing over her, sizing her up from head to toe.

Among the whispering students, many were familiar faces—people who had once sided with Willow to bully her.

Back then, Eliana had gone out of her way to build relationships with them, doing favors and helping with their work. In return, they mocked her behind her back, calling her "cheap labor" who'd do anything for a smile.

The memory made her stomach twist. She had no intention of being polite to these people now.

She glanced at the clock. Willow likely hadn't arrived yet.

Without a word to anyone, Eliana chose a seat in the back row, pulled out her phone, and ignored them all.

Chapter 7 Fake

Shortly after, Willow swept into the room, her every move deliberate, with two maids trailing obediently behind her.

It was obvious she was hell-bent on making a big, flashy entrance.

Each maid carried two large boxes filled with snacks and drinks.

Before Eliana had her whole time-traveling ordeal, she'd already managed to screw things up on the very first day of class. She showed up late, flustered as hell, because she'd taken a wrong turn—no thanks to the lack of anyone around to help her out.

By the time she finally stumbled into the classroom, everyone was already buzzing around Willow like bees to honey. Back then, Eliana just assumed Willow was one of those effortlessly popular types.

Now, Eliana knew better. Willow had simply bought their affection with gifts.

Seated in the back, Eliana kept her head down, scrolling through her phone, blending into the background.

Willow directed her maids to distribute snacks and drinks to everyone. With a bright smile, she said, "Hi, everyone! I'm Willow Garcia. We're all classmates now, and I hope we can become friends!"

As they enjoyed the treats, the room erupted in admiration.

"Willow, you're just the sweetest!"

"Totally! This milkshake is amazing!"

"Wow, I've never tasted cookies this good! Are these imported? Your family must be super rich!"

Basking in the praise, Willow offered a modest smile. "You're exaggerating. These are just ordinary snacks. If you like them, I'll bring more next time. I always end up buying too much anyway."

Her classmates immediately launched into another round of compliments.

"Willow, no wonder you're so slim. If it were me, I'd eat every last bite!"

"Exactly! And that dress you're wearing, it's gorgeous! Is it the new Louis Vuitton collection?"

At that moment, one of the maids noticed Eliana sitting in the back. "You in the back," the maid called out. "Come up and grab some snacks and a drink!"

The maid's voice drew everyone's attention to Eliana.

Dozens of eyes turned toward her, curiosity and judgment flickering in their gazes.

Eliana slowly raised her gaze, her expression utterly indifferent. She gave the group a fleeting glance and said softly, "I don't need anything."

Willow's eyes widened for a brief moment when she saw Eliana in the back. She hadn't expected her to arrive earlier. But Willow quickly recovered, putting on a bright smile as she walked over.

"Sis, how did you get here before me?" Willow said cheerfully. "If I'd known, we could've come together! Mom and Dad were just talking about you this morning. They've been so worried since you left and never came back!"

In the days after Eliana's departure, Willow had been busy convincing Andy and Victoria that Eliana wasn't worthy of being part of the Garcia family, subtly elevating her own position.

Having spent years feeling guilty for Willow's hardships, Andy and Victoria now showered her with care and affection.

If this had been the Eliana from before, she might have felt touched by Willow's words, moved enough to continue bending over backward for the Garcia family. But not anymore.

Eliana's tone was ice-cold. "Sis? Who are you calling sis?"

Willow blinked in confusion. "You, of course. You're my sister."

Eliana let her eyes roam up and down Willow before replying, "Are you out of your mind? My family has only one daughter—me. I have one older brother, and that's it. I don't have a sister. Besides, we don't even share the same last name. How could we possibly be siblings?"

Willow's smile froze in place, her face paling with embarrassment. She couldn't understand why Eliana was suddenly acting so different.

But with so many classmates watching, Willow couldn't afford to lose face. Forcing her grin to stay intact, she said, "Oh, come on, Eliana. I know I'm Mom and Dad's biological daughter and you're just their adopted one, but I genuinely want us to get along. Let's not fight, okay? Come here, let's hug it out."

Willow spread her arms wide, signaling for a hug.

But Eliana only curled her lip in disgust. "I wouldn't hug you even if I had to," she said coldly. "I'm a germaphobe. I can't stand touching dirty things. Honestly, just you standing here is already polluting the air around me."

With that, Eliana pulled out an elegant bottle of perfume and sprayed it lightly around herself.

Several sharp-eyed classmates immediately recognized the brand—it was an outrageously expensive luxury label.

"Oh my God, she's even richer than Willow!" one student whispered to another in astonishment.

Willow's face twisted with frustration, but in the next moment, tears brimmed in her eyes. She looked up at Eliana pitifully. "Sis, did I do something wrong? If I did, just tell me, okay? I'll change, I promise. Please, don't ignore me."

Eliana knew Willow was a masterful actress, but seeing her perform so shamelessly was still impressive.

Eliana didn't bother to engage, though. Her response was simple and cutting, "Trash."

Willow's anger surged, though she kept her expression composed. She couldn't understand how Eliana had suddenly become so confident and unyielding.

'She must be jealous of me, Willow thought. After all, I'm the reason she had to leave the Garcia family. That perfume she used earlier? It's definitely something she swiped from the house,' Willow thought.

Just as Willow was about to retort, a teacher entered the classroom and spoke to the group. "Everyone, you can head to your dorms now and get settled. We'll reconvene here this afternoon for the freshman welcome party. Eliana, could you come with me for a moment?"

Eliana gave a small nod and followed the teacher out of the room without looking back.

As soon as Eliana left, Willow swallowed her anger and turned to the class with an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry you had to see that. She's actually my sister."

"Sister? But you don't even share the same last name," one curious classmate said. "And why is she so cold to you?"

Willow pressed her hands to her face, pretending to hold back tears.

One of the maids standing nearby jumped in with a haughty explanation. "It's true. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia accidentally took the wrong baby home from the hospital years ago and raised her for eighteen years. And yet, despite everything they gave her, she's completely ungrateful. You saw how she treated Willow just now, didn't you? It's despicable! She probably hates Miss Garcia for reclaiming her rightful place."

These maids had helped raise Eliana, but their loyalty now lay with Willow, whom they mistakenly believed to be kind and gracious.

The classmates murmured in understanding, the pieces seemingly falling into place.

"Oh, so that's what happened. Eliana is being so unreasonable! How could she treat Willow like that? Someone who didn't know better might think Willow was the adopted one."

"I'm telling you, that perfume she sprayed earlier? It must've come from Willow's family. She probably stole it!"