Chapter 1

On my birthday, Mom and Dad presented me with a gift.

It was a DNA test result, showing no biological relation.

Mom's smile was cold.

"Maya," she said, her voice devoid of warmth, "since you're not our biological daughter, it's time you repaid us for the seventeen years of expenses for your upbringing."

Dad snorted.

"No wonder you don't look anything like me. You've sponged off the Sterling family for too long. From today, you'll be our housemaid. We'll pay you fifty dollars a month, which will go towards your debt. Food and board are not included."

I didn't cry or argue. I just nodded calmly.

After all, last night, I'd heard it all from outside their bedroom door.

My sister, Chloe, had been clinging to Mom and Dad, pleading, "Mommy, Daddy, my birthday wish is to be the Sterling family's only child, to have all your love and attention just for me. Can Maya be our housemaid for a year? Please?"

Dad, his face full of adoration, had replied, "Yes, my darling. Anything for you."

Mom had chimed in with a soft chuckle, "For this year, Mommy and Daddy belong only to our precious Chloe."

I leaned against the wall, my eyes burning with unshed tears.

They didn't remember that Chloe and I were twins, born on the same day.

And my birthday wish was:

To leave the Sterling home, not for a year, but forever.