Real Daughter's Revenge novel Chapter 4

I actually went to campus to complete my enrollment paperwork.

My acceptance letter from MIT was my greatest pride.

After I finished everything, I stopped by the bank.

My account had 40,000 dollars–money I’d saved from years of part–time jobs, plus a little from royalties.

That’s right, I was also an online writer. My pen name was “Thirteenth Month,” and I wrote gritty, realistic stories about hardship.

Readers always said my writing felt too real, almost painful to read.

They had no idea those stories came straight from my own life.

Just as I was leaving, the bank manager called out, “Ms. Fraser, you have a new card. Mr. Fraser set up a secondary card for you.”

Mr. Fraser? Nolan?

I took the black platinum card. The credit limit…

Seven figures.

Money really does make life easier.

But I had no intention of using it.

When I got back to the Fraser’s residence, it was lunchtime.

At the table, Lena was sitting right next to Rhonda, the two of them chatting quietly and intimately.

When Lena saw me, she gave me a sugary smile. “Jessie’s back! Come eat.”

I sat down and realized my seat was shoved all the way to the corner, far from everyone else.

And my place setting was different from theirs.

They had premium ceramic dishes, mine were plain ceramic.

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10:54

It’s the little things that show people’s true colors.

“Jessie,” Rhonda suddenly said, “next week is Lenny’s birthday. We’re planning a party for her. You should come.”

“My birthday’s next week too,” I reminded her.

The room fell silent.

Right–Lena and I were born on the exact same day, month, and year. That’s why the hospital mix–up happened all those years ago.

Rhonda looked awkward. “Well… then we’ll celebrate together.”

“No need,” Lena said sweetly, ever the considerate one. “Jessie just got here; she’s probably not used to big parties. It’s better to keep mine separate. Jessie’s birthday can be a small family thing.”

Translation–Only I, Lena Fraser, deserve a grand birthday celebration.

And you, Jessica, don’t measure up.

Nolan nodded. “Lenny’s right. Jessie just returned, so it’s best not to make a fuss.”

Bernard agreed. “Jessie probably doesn’t even like big parties.”

I set my fork down. “You’re all something else.”

“What do you mean?” Rhonda asked, confused.

“Lenny and I have the same birthday. You throw her a lavish party, invite all the city’s elite, and make sure everyone knows she’s your daughter.

“And me? You’ll just do something simple at home.”

I stood up. “You’ve made it pretty clear–you only recognize Lena as your daughter. Even if I’m your biological child, I’ll never be good enough to be seen.

“You’re overthinking it. That’s not what we meant,” Nolan tried to explain.

“It’s exactly what you meant,” I cut him off. “But it’s fine. I never cared about your party anyway.”

I turned and headed upstairs.

Behind me, Lena started to cry, her voice trembling. “It’s all my fault. I won’t have a party. Let’s celebrate Jessie’s birthday instead…”

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