Chapter 3
783words
The morning office building was nearly empty, with only a few cleaners and security guards present. I silently began my work, wiping the corridor windows.
"Look who's here," a familiar voice came from behind, making me freeze.
I turned to see Bianca standing there in an expensive business suit, wearing a victorious smile.
"Good morning, Bianca," I said calmly, trying to continue my work.
"Wrong," she sneered. "You should call me Miss Blackwood, or soon-to-be Mrs. Everest."
My hand stopped mid-air. "What?"
"Oh, didn't you know?" she feigned surprise. "Logan and I were childhood sweethearts. We promised to marry when we grew up."
She stepped forward, lowering her voice. "And now that I've found my real family, our engagement will naturally continue."
I felt sick. She wasn't just stealing my identity—she planned to use it to gain even more.
"You know that's not true," I said quietly. "You're not Daphne Blackwood."
Bianca's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Watch it, Zoe," she threatened. "I now have the power to make you lose this job."
She looked around to ensure no one was nearby, then suddenly kicked over my bucket. Soapy water splashed everywhere, soaking my pants and shoes.
"Oops, how clumsy of me," she said with fake remorse. "Clean it up, will you?"
I gritted my teeth and bent down to wipe the floor. This humiliation wasn't new—I was used to Bianca's cruelty.
"No, not like that," she suddenly said, cruel pleasure in her voice. "Get on your knees and scrub."
I looked up at her in disbelief. "What?"
"You heard me," she sneered. "Kneel down and clean my shoes. They got wet."
I stood up, feeling anger burning in my chest. "I won't do that."
Bianca's face twisted with rage. "You dare defy me?" she hissed. "I'm the CEO's future wife now. If you don't obey, you'll regret it."
She stepped forward, closing in on me. "Kneel," she commanded.
Just then, a voice came from the end of the corridor. "What's going on here?"
We both turned to see Logan standing there with a serious expression.
Bianca instantly transformed, her malice vanishing, replaced by a sweet smile.
"Logan, darling," she said softly. "Nothing, just a little accident."
Logan approached, seeing the water on the floor and my soaked pants. His gaze shifted to Bianca, his brow slightly furrowed.
"Were you telling her to kneel?" he asked directly, disapproval in his voice.
Bianca's smile froze. "I... I was just joking."
"That's not a good joke," Logan said seriously. "Even if you're not blood sisters, you've lived together for years. How could you treat her like this?"
Bianca's expression instantly changed to one of hurt. Her eyes reddened, her lips trembling slightly.
"You don't know how she treated me before," she choked, tears beginning to fall. "I'm just giving back what I got."
I watched her performance in shock. Her lies flowed so smoothly, so convincingly, as if she truly were the victim.
"That's not true," I couldn't help saying. "I never bullied her. On the contrary, she's always bullied me."
Bianca whipped toward me, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "You dare spout nonsense?"
She pulled a small vial from her bag containing liquid. "See this?" she threatened. "Say another word, and I'll make sure you can't speak at all."
She approached me, the small vial swaying in her hand. I stepped back, feeling a wave of fear. I didn't know what it was, but I was certain it wasn't anything good.
"Stop," Logan suddenly said with undeniable authority. He grabbed Bianca's wrist, preventing her from coming closer.
"Don't hurt others, Bianca," he said seriously. "This isn't how we solve problems."
Bianca's expression changed from anger to hurt. Her tears flowed more heavily, making her look like an innocent girl treated unfairly.
"Do you still not believe me?" she sobbed to Logan. "Don't you believe I'm your childhood sweetheart Daphne?"
She put the vial back in her bag and wiped away her tears. "It's fine. The DNA report will be ready soon, and then you'll know the truth."
I stood there feeling a glimmer of hope. Yes, the DNA report would reveal everything. If I truly was Daphne Blackwood, the test results would prove it.
"I believe science doesn't lie," I said calmly.
Bianca gave me a malicious smile. "Indeed, science doesn't lie," she said with a confidence that made me uneasy.
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Victoria stepped out.
"Mother!" Bianca immediately went to her, giving Victoria a hug. "What brings you here?"
"The DNA results are in," Victoria said.
