Real Daughter's Revenge novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The day I was finally reunited with my biological family, Lena Fraser, the girl who had taken my place for nearly two decades, was practicing piano in the living room.

The moment she saw me, her fingers trembled, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Mom, Dad, are you really going to abandon me?”

My mother, Rhonda Fraser, rushed over and hugged her. “Lenny, don’t cry. I would never abandon you.”

My father, Nolan Fraser, joined them, gently patting her back. “Don’t overthink it. You’ll always be our daughter.”

My brother, Bernard Fraser, shot me a glare, as if all of this was somehow my fault. “Lenny’s heart hasn’t been doing well lately. Don’t upset her.”

I stood at the doorway, clutching my shabby suitcase.

I almost laughed at the sight of them, all huddled together in that sweet, picture–perfect family

moment.

If it weren’t for the promise I made, I’d never set foot in this house!

***

My biological parents and brother were comforting the person who’d stolen my place for 18 years.

And I, their real daughter and sister, stood outside like a delivery girl.

I knocked on the doorframe. “Um, can I come in, or should I wait outside until you’re done hugging?”

Only then did Rhonda seem to remember my presence, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face. “Jenna, come in.‘

Jenna. She even got my name wrong. It was Jessica.

Perhaps she had grown so accustomed to using Lena’s name over the past eighteen years that the similar name just slipped out.

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“My name is Jessica.”

I dragged my suitcase inside, calmly correcting her.

Lena looked up, still sniffling, her tear–streaked face delicate and pitiful. “Jessie, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I took your place…”

“It’s fine,” I said, dropping my suitcase in the corner. “You’ve had my place for eighteen years. I can certainly wait a few minutes longer.”

The room fell silent.

Lena’s sobs caught in her throat. She clearly hadn’t expected me to be so blunt.

Bernard frowned. “Jessica, what’s with your attitude?”

I looked at my so–called big brother.

Twenty–five years old and CEO of the Fraser Group, he was rumored to be ruthless and decisive. Yet, at this moment, he acted more like a protective mother hen.

“I’m just telling the truth.

I sat down on the couch. It was so soft, way more comfortable than the bed I’d had at my foster parents‘ house.

“She really did take my place for 18 years. That’s a fact.

“Or would you rather I say, ‘It’s okay, Lena. Keep pretending you belong here“?”

“You-” Bernard started to lash out, but Nolan stopped him.

Nolan cleared his throat. “Jessie just got back. We all need time to adjust. Lenny, go back to your room. Don’t forget to take your medicine.”

Lena bit her lip, her eyes still swimming with tears, and glanced at me before hurrying upstairs.

Her retreating figure looked so fragile.

But I saw it clearly–the moment she turned away, her lips curled in a triumphant smirk.

Great acting, but too bad she’d met her match.

Dinner was lavish, with plenty of dishes.

But everything was bland, supposedly for Lena’s heart condition.

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I forked some baked fish–it tasted like cardboard.

“Jessie, were things all right for you over there?” Rhonda asked tentatively.

“Over there” meant my foster parents‘ house.

I set down my fork. “Haven’t you already done your research?”

They must have investigated my living situation right after the DNA results came back; otherwise, they wouldn’t have shown up so quickly.

“We just wanted to hear it from you,” Nolan said.

I smiled. “My foster dad’s a gambling addict, and my foster mom’s hooked on poker. I started working at ten, and by fifteen, I was paying for their son’s schooling.

“You probably know the details better than I do.”

Rhonda’s eyes welled up. “I’m sorry, Jessie. It’s all my fault-”

“We’re eating,” Bernard interrupted, “Let’s not ruin our appetites.”

I glanced at him. “Are you ashamed of my past?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what do you mean?”

“Ah!” Lena suddenly clutched her chest, her face pale. “My heart… I don’t feel well.”

The whole family rushed to her side.

Rhonda said, “Take your medicine!”

Nolan asked, “Do you need to go to the hospital?”

Bernard said, “I’ll call the family doctor right away!”

I kept eating, unbothered.

Lena’s acting had noticeably worsened since moments ago.

People having a real heart attack wouldn’t have the strength to shout, and they certainly wouldn’t time it so perfectly–right when Bernard and I were arguing.

She really knew how to pick her moments.

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The family doctor arrived quickly, examined Lena, and promptly attributed her condition to emotional stress, assuring everyone she’d be fine after a little rest.

Rhonda helped Lena up the stairs. Nolan and Bernard followed.

In the huge dining room, I was all alone.

The maid came to clear the table, but I waved her off. “I’m not done

Truth was, I was already full.

yet.”

I just wanted to sit here and finish my first dinner in my real parents‘ home, even though I was all

alone.

My phone buzzed with a message from my foster mother: “You brat, where’s the money? Why haven’t you sent this month’s allowance?”

I blocked her number without hesitation.

From today on, I’m done giving anyone my money.

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