Chapter 2

But the next day, Dad still brought Jasmine home.

Just like in my previous life, she looked shy, constantly darting glances at me.

Seeing my mom’s cool, calm demeanor, I realized she had known about Dad’s affair for a long time.

A stepsister two years younger than me.

But unlike my previous life, Jasmine showing up now only solidified her title as an illegitimate daughter.

“Cassidy, Jasmine will be your sister from now on. Please take good care of her.”

Sister?

The one who orchestrated my mom’s death, drove a wedge between me and my dad, and eventually replaced me to marry into an elite family?

She wasn’t worthy.

“Doesn’t Dad know I have a bad temper? It’s best to keep her away from me, or I might just lose control and hit her.”

My dad glared at me, then unleashed his anger on my mom.

“Look at the daughter you raised! So grown up, yet so thoughtless!”

My mom had always been soft-spoken, usually deferring to my dad at home, never daring to contradict him.

So, when I was about to speak, I was surprised by my mom’s response.

“Did I give birth to her alone? Did you not raise her?”

“Always look at your own issues first.”

My mom rolled her eyes at him, then pulled me towards the dining room for dinner.

I happily ate two bowls of rice.

This was my mom, the one who always protected and stood up for me.

My dad’s voice, comforting Jasmine, drifted from the living room.

As long as she and her mother were here, I couldn't rest easy.

Jasmine stayed in the room diagonally opposite mine, about half the size of mine.

That night, there was a knock on my door.

Jasmine stood before me, holding a glass of milk, her voice still stammering.

“Sister…drinking milk at night helps…helps you sleep.”

“You didn’t put some slow-acting poison in it, did you? How could I drink something without an analysis report?”

I folded my arms across my chest, leaning against the door as I watched her.

Jasmine trembled with fright. “I just took it from the fridge. I didn’t bring anything when I came here.”

I feigned sudden realization, nodding my head.

“Didn’t bring anything? So you plan to take everything here for yourself?”

“Sister, I’m innocent too. I couldn’t choose where I was born. You both have a father; I didn’t have one growing up. Why can’t you pity me?”

Jasmine’s eyes welled up with tears.

Was she trying to play on my emotions?