Opening her eyes, Nicole looked out of the car window as the scenery passed by her.
When she woke up this morning, all these images and memories were already in her mind. It was too vivid to be a dream and even this morning gave her a strange sense of deja vu.
Who knew why she had been reborn but what she knew is; its 15 years in the past and, she's now seven years old. It was at this point that her sister started making her life a living hell but, this time she wouldn't give her a chance.
She turned to her sister who was also looking out the window.
Looking at Veronica's sweet face, you wouldn't think she could even harm a fly.
Nicole's sister seemed to notice her gaze and turned to Nicole flashing a brilliant smile.
Before Nicole didn't notice anything odd about her sister's smile, now looking closer; malice and jealousy were shining in those seemingly warm pupils.
Probably because she was young and didn't know how to hide it well yet, Nicole easily picked up on the negative emotions hidden behind her smile.
On the other hand, Veronica felt something was wrong; her sister seemed different, almost like another person. Usually, whenever she smiled at Nicole, Nicole would smile back at her like an idiot but, ever since she woke up this morning Nicole hadn't smiled at her once.
It was like her sister was drawing a line between them.
'No, that can't be possible,' she tried to reassure herself, her sister was a hopeless idiot who couldn't do anything without relying on all those around her.
After having convinced herself, she smiled even brighter, "Sis, are you nervous? You've been frowning the whole way. You don't have to worry- even if you don't do well, mum and dad will make sure to help you."
Nicole turned to Veronica, her face still straight. She remembered this had happened last time too and she, ignorant as she was, smiled happily and nodded in agreement thinking how much her sister cared for her.
She didn't know her sister had dug a pit for her with that statement and she happily jumped into it!
In the car were her mother, and their new team.
If she said yes, not only would she lower her mother's expectations of her, making her think she couldn't take care of herself and always had to rely on others, her crew would probably think she was a spoiled brat who thought she was entitled to everything.
A lot of people hated rich kids who don't work and have everything handed to them.
This was how it all started, how her crew slowly became biased towards her sister. All the good jobs went to her and Nicole rarely received any help. Additionally, when her parents were not around, they would mistreat her, but she never reported them so, their bullying became even more rampant.
Finally, she was booted out of the industry in disgrace. But not this time.
Her sister wasn't the only one who could dig pits; she thought as she put on an innocent and lovable smile before replying, "I'm not nervous at all sis and, I don't want to rely on Mummy and Daddy. I want to climb up myself. Also, sis isn't nervous so why should I be."
"Yeah I know we can do it, Nicole, I'm sure the judges will love us" Veronica's eyes dimmed a little as she replied obviously disappointed Nicole didn't fall for the trap.
Nicole snorted in her head as she continued, "Yeah, after all, big brother already introduced you to the judges since you asked. The judges really like big brother, so I'm sure they will help you."
After Nicole said that, Veronica's face dropped and she bit her lip resentfully as she looked at Nicole. She probably wondered how Nicole would know about this but, she couldn't have guessed she told Nicole herself on Nicole's grave.
Now the tables had turned, and the faces in the car that had stared at Nicole previously were now directed at Veronica.
Even mum sighed disappointingly; she didn't want her children to rely on connections.
Veronica coughed lightly to hide her distress and murmured an 'OK' before turning back to look out the window as if to escape the judging eyes on her.
Nicole smiled, seeing Veronica in her position for once gave her great satisfaction but, her smile didn't give any of that away. It was a sunny and clueless one showing ignorance about the magnitude of what she had just revealed.
Everyone loved a pure and obedient child who doesn't scheme or cheat, and she was going to be just that. Nicole could see appreciation plain on their faces but, she pretended not to notice and just continued to smile brightly.
The car soon arrives at their destination.
Thx for reading! Appreciate any comments or suggestions.
And sister's name changed from Nian to Veronica
The car pulled up at Galaxy Studios.
Galaxy Studios was only a third tier production company but, for a child star, it was a great start.
Nicole slipped out of the car and Veronica followed; a slight frown still graced her lips. Veronica probably still hadn't gotten over what had happened in the car. Looking at her still sulking, Nicole sneered lightly before looking toward her mother who was also stepping out of the car.
Nicole had always admired her mother.
Emilia Reyna, not only was she a global star but also a very caring mother. Even with her overwhelming schedule she still always made time for her family. Balancing life as both a mother and supermodel was not easy, and Nicole had seen the years take their toll on her mother.
When Veronica had had her kicked out of the entertainment industry, her mother was always there for her. No matter rain or shine, even when she was exhausted, she would always greet Nicole with a smile.
Nicole has always been grateful for the care she received from her mother, and in this life, she was determined not to be her mother's burden.
Emilia walked up to her two daughters.
She crouched down and took each of their hands into her own, "Mummy can't follow you this time but, just know; I believe in both of you. Give it your best, and leave no room for regrets."
Emilia then took something out of her pocket. Two diamond earrings dangled from her hand and glittered under the sunlight — one black as night and the other white like the first snow.
"Mum had these made to commemorate your first audition. When you wear them, know I'll be right beside you, always."
"Thanks, mummy!" Veronica exclaimed as she excitedly took the white earring and put it on. Veronica greed showed plainly on her face when she swiped the earring. Mother, on the other hand, didn't mind, she assumed Veronica was just too excited, but Nicole knew the greed that had already started to fester in Veronica's heart.
Veronica didn't like the black earring thinking it inferior to the shiny white one.
However, at times, hidden behind the most obscure things, is a gem that shines brighter than any other.
That was the case with this black diamond.
Right now, it was not popular; however, in a few years, people will discover its true elegance.
It all happened when a rising celebrity took the stage one day. When the stage lights hit the black diamond on her necklace, it gave off a delicate glow. As the glow surrounded the celebrity, it created an ethereal and magical effect.
The diamond's glow enthralled the audience, becoming the celebrity's trademark and, propelling her to the top of the fashion scene.
Of course, after that, the demand and value of these unsuspecting diamonds grew much greater than before. The black diamond was also rare to begin with, even with money it was not guaranteed you could get it. Eventually, another celebrity managed to get their hands on one but, during her show, she was overshadowed by the glare of the diamond and became a laughing stock.
After others attempted the same but all the attempts ended in failure.
The problem was to wear the diamond one need a certain presence and ability, and it was either those who wore it didn't have it or those that did wouldn't imitate someone else's style and wear the diamond so blatantly as their signature style.
Still, its value never reduced.
As Nicole looked at it lying lonely on her mother's palm she slowly picked it up and put it on, "I won't let you down, Mum."
Emilia smiled again before hugging her children.
Leaving them with their manager and crew, she drove away. As Nicole watched the car drive away, she lightly touched the earring on her ear and made her resolve. 'You and I were both ignored in our past but, this time I'll make sure that we both shine so bright no one will be able to ignore us.'
As if to respond to her declaration the earring let out a small sparkle that, no one noticed like that two dim stars had slowly started to sparkle again.
Hey guys! Thx again for reading!
And sister's name changed from Nian to Veronica
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