Floating in the air, Zuri felt a brief moment of confusion before her memories returned. She had died, killed by the person she trusted most, Damian. A bullet had pierced her forehead, and she could still faintly feel the pain.
The Damian who had always protected her like a brother had, deep down, feelings for Saira. Such a good actor. He had spent eight whole years earning her trust, only to deliver the fatal blow in the end.
In her past life, she was the cherished daughter of the Lin family. However, due to a mix-up at birth, she was raised elsewhere. When her family found her at the age of 18, she thought her suffering was over and she could finally enjoy the warmth of a family. Little did she know, her mother deemed her ill-mannered, her father found her useless, and all their love was reserved for the adopted daughter, Saira.
Saira, who seemed gentle, beautiful, and cultured in everyone's eyes, had already decided to take everything from Zuri: her family, her love, and the entire Lin family fortune.
After her death, her so-called family didn't even bother to retrieve her body. The last thing her soul saw was the eldest young master of the Ye family, who had no connection to her, taking care of her corpse.
As Zuri floated in the air, she was suddenly swept up by a tremendous force, and in the next second, she lost consciousness completely.
On a mountain road, a black car was driving along when a black cat suddenly darted out from the jungle, startling the driver into slamming on the brakes.
"Bang!" The girl sitting in the backseat hit her head on the back of the chair and passed out immediately. The driver clutched his chest in fright, his heart pounding.
In the middle of the road stood a black cat, meowing eerily at the car. The driver's skin prickled with goosebumps as he nervously honked the horn, trying to scare the cat away.
Awakened by the horn, the unconscious girl suddenly opened her eyes, a seething hatred filling her beautiful eyes.
Wasn't she dead? What is this…
Her eyes scanned her surroundings, finally landing on the driver, Xiao Wang. This scene was like a switch, bringing back memories from eight years ago.
It was her first time in a luxury car, her first time on the way home. She pinched her arm hard, the pain confirming that everything was real.
She had come back. Back to eight years ago, back to the beginning of her life's tragedy.
"Miss Zuri, are you okay?" Xiao Wang asked, turning his head.
Zuri shook her head. The car continued on the mountain road. As she looked at the familiar surroundings, countless memories flashed through her mind.
This was the starting point of her life's tragedy. The familial love she never received in her past life—she no longer hoped for it in this life. But those who owed her debts in the past life, she would reclaim them all, starting from here.
Zuri stood at the entrance of the mansion, her deep gaze fixed on the luxurious villa before her, a slight smile tugging at her pink lips. Saira, I'm back.
The housemaid, Arianwen, hearing the commotion, came out of the villa and saw the thin, lonely figure standing at the door. A trace of pity flashed in her eyes. She smiled and approached, "Miss Zuri, come in."
Arianwen warmly took the luggage from Zuri's hands and led the way.
The last time she stepped on these stairs, she was nervous, uneasy, expectant, and happy. But this time, only hatred filled her heart, hatred that had already torn her heart into a thousand pieces, bleeding profusely.
The grand living room, the marble floor that shone like a mirror, the million-dollar crystal chandelier, all these spoke of the wealth of the villa's owner.
Arianwen smiled and said to the lady arranging flowers in the living room, "Madam, Miss Zuri is here."
The lady, continuing with her flower arrangement, didn't seem to hear.
Arianwen felt awkward, turning to Zuri and saying, "Maybe the madam didn't hear."
She stepped forward and raised her voice a bit, "Madam, Miss Zuri is here."
Dalia inserted the last rose, then slowly picked up a silk handkerchief from the table, gently wiping her fingers, every movement slow and elegant. She looked up, her gaze passing over Arianwen and landing on Zuri. Seeing Zuri's clothes, her brows furrowed, and she glanced at the tattered bag Arianwen held.
"Arianwen, where did you pick up this garbage? Throw it away immediately. Look at how filthy it is; who knows how many germs are on it. If Saira touches it, she'll get sick."
Her voice was soft and gentle, like a spring breeze.
Arianwen was awkwardly frozen, not knowing what to say. She looked worriedly at Zuri, afraid the child would feel humiliated.
Zuri's expression remained calm.
This kind of humiliation she had experienced eight years ago. Now, it was nothing.
"Madam, this is..." Arianwen didn't know how to continue.
Just as she found herself in a dilemma, a cool voice interrupted, "This belongs to me. Madam, do you think I am covered in bacteria? Indeed, from a medical perspective, my body hosts many bacteria. Similarly, your body is no less free of them."
Her speech was unhurried, revealing no trace of emotion.
Dalia was stunned, while Arianwen looked at her in surprise.
Dalia stared at her in disbelief.
Arianwen stepped in to mediate, "Miss Zuri, don't be upset. The lady here just speaks her mind and means no harm."
At that moment, a clear, sweet voice came from the direction of the staircase.
"Is my little sister here?"
A lively figure approached with a brisk step, adorned in a white, puffy princess dress and custom-made cream-colored lambskin shoes. She wore valuable diamond earrings and a necklace, looking like a meticulously dressed Barbie doll.
Behind the girl stood a refined middle-aged man with a stern, cold expression on his face.
Zuri's gaze was fixed on Saira, her fingers gradually tightening, nails digging deep into her flesh, though she felt no pain. Her overwhelming hatred had long surpassed the sensation of pain.
Saira cheerfully approached her. One was as elegant as a princess, the other in worn, faded clothes, contrasting like a swan and an ugly duckling from a fairy tale, making one feel ashamed.
Saira scrutinized the person in front of her, noticing her fair, almost translucent skin and delicate features. Even in tattered clothes, her beauty could not be concealed.
She was the most beautiful girl Saira had ever seen, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable.
Smiling, she took Zuri's arm and cheerfully said, "Dear sister, may I call you that?"
"Call me Zuri."
Saira's face showed disappointment, but she quickly regained her sweet smile, "Zuri, let me introduce you to Dad and Mom. From now on, we'll be living together."
Zuri looked at the familiar yet strange middle-aged couple in front of her. Since Saira had come downstairs, a smile had never left Dalia's face.
As for her father, he remained as cold and stern as ever. Even seeing his long-lost biological daughter brought no smile to his face.
This was the impression she had of her biological parents at their first meeting. To them, it seemed she was just a blood-related stranger, not their long-lost daughter.
In contrast, Saira, who had no blood relation, seemed more like family.
Eighteen years of absence not only deprived her of a good life and education but, more importantly, family affection.
At this moment, she clearly recognized her awkward position in this family.
In her previous life, she foolishly believed that she was her parents' daughter and that they loved her.
This belief took her eight years to realize how laughable and pathetic it was.
Dalia gently said, "Zuri, you must get along well with your sister. Although Saira is not our biological child, we have decided to adopt her. She will be your sister from now on, and you must take good care of her, okay?"
How ridiculous this was.
"I've only heard of older sisters taking care of younger ones, not the other way around."
Dalia's smile froze.
Saira immediately took her arm and pouted, "Mom, I'm an adult now and don't need anyone to take care of me. Zuri just arrived; I should be the one taking care of her. Don't think I'm so fragile."
Dalia was quickly amused, affectionately pinching her nose.
The head of the household, Aaron, who had been silent, finally spoke, "You're sensible."
Then, turning to Zuri, he said, "From now on, this is your home. If you need anything, just tell your mom. She will arrange it for you."
"Now that we've met, I'll take my sister upstairs to her room."
With that, Saira didn't wait for her opinion and directly led her upstairs.
Dalia watched her daughter storm off, smiling dotingly, "Look at this child."
Her tone was full of affection.
Turning to Zuri, her tone became unusually cold, "If you don't like it, just let us know, and we'll change it."
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