Chapter 1
After the biological daughter of the Evans family was found, I, the adopted daughter brought back from the orphanage, suddenly became awkward.
Several people came to talk to me, persuading me to recognize my position.
The wealth of the Evans family, everything I enjoyed, wasn’t mine.
They didn’t know that I had realized this since I entered the Evans family at five years old.
Not only the Evans family’s wealth, but even their much-coveted marriage alliance candidate, I never dared to think about.
After all, the Evans family took me in from the orphanage back then just to alleviate Mrs. Evans’ pain of losing her beloved daughter.
A substitute should have the self-awareness of a substitute.
For so many years, the Evans family never stopped searching for Tessa Evans, so it was only a matter of time before Tessa returned.
On the day Tessa came back, I wore the simplest dress and waited at home with Joanna Evans for her return.
Joanna was really nervous - the hand she was holding mine with had turned red and swollen.
But I acted as if I didn’t feel the pain, lowering my head and softly comforting Joanna, telling her not to worry, that Dad would bring sister home soon.
Joanna nodded saying okay, but still dug her nails into my flesh.
Time seemed to slow down.
Finally, the doorbell rang, and Joanna practically sprang up from the sofa, reaching the entrance in a few steps.
Zion Evans outside the door was startled by Joanna, while Tessa took a few steps back as if frightened.
“Tessa, it’s Mom! Do you remember Mom?”
Joanna spoke incoherently. Standing beside Joanna, I thoughtfully took Tessa’s belongings and held her hand.
“Sister, you’re finally back. Mom and Dad have missed you so much!”
Tessa was ushered into the living room by Joanna and Zion, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
Joanna held Tessa’s hand gently, as if Tessa were some fragile porcelain doll.
Tessa had gotten lost in the park at five years old. She had some memories of Joanna, but couldn’t muster much familial affection.
Joanna reacted intensely, while Tessa seemed at a loss.
It wasn’t until Zion spoke that Joanna stopped sobbing.
“Alright, now that Tessa is back, our family is reunited.”
“Yes, yes! Tessa, Mom has missed you so much all these years. Is there anything you want? Mom will give you everything.”
Tessa nodded mechanically. The three embraced, so sweet and perfect that I standing aside appeared utterly out of place.
“Samantha, has the largest room upstairs been prepared?”
Joanna was making arrangements. Samantha came out from the kitchen, looking at me with difficulty.
Because the room Joanna mentioned was my bedroom.
I smiled and said, “It’s been ready for a while. Now that sister is back, naturally the best should go to her.”
Joanna nodded in satisfaction, as if this was only to be expected.
Just then, the doorbell rang again.
Samantha looked and said, “Mr. Ferguson is here.”
Hearing Eric Ferguson had arrived, Joanna looked at me warily.
The Ferguson and Evans families had a marriage alliance. After Tessa went missing and I was adopted, it was tacitly assumed I would be the one for this arrangement.
And for over a decade, I had indeed followed Eric around like a lovesick puppy, utterly devoted.
The Ferguson family held prominent status nationwide, and Eric was the most outstanding among the Ferguson younger generation.
Previously when I followed Eric everywhere, Joanna never commented. But now with Tessa back, Joanna naturally wanted to reserve Eric for Tessa.
I smiled reassuringly at Joanna’s guarded expression. After Eric changed his shoes and entered, I called out brightly, “Brother-in-law, you’re here!”
Eric’s face darkened slightly, while my mood soared to new heights.
Goodbye, old man!
