CHAPTER 2: BACK TO THE BEGINNING
1262words
I opened my eyes with a start, finding myself lying on a bed, my clothes soaked through, my hair still dripping water. The room's decor was elegant yet impersonal—clearly hastily prepared for an unexpected guest.
I froze in recognition—this was the third-floor guest room of the Sinclair mansion, the room assigned to me upon my return.
"Have I... been reborn?" My voice trembled as I stared at the calendar on the wall: September 3, 2016. The very day I was brought back to the Sinclair family.
Memories flooded back like a tidal wave: after eighteen years of separation, a DNA test had confirmed I was the true Sinclair heiress, switched at birth. Today, I had just stepped into this mansion, greeted by an awkward "reunion."
I approached the vanity mirror, gazing at my eighteen-year-old reflection—Emma Sinclair, a young face still bright with hope for the future and yearning for familial acceptance.
"How absurd," I whispered, mocking myself. In my previous life, how desperately I had struggled to belong in this family, only to die alone and forgotten.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
"Come in."
The door opened to reveal Mrs. Sinclair—my biological mother. She stood in the doorway, her expression distant yet polite, as if addressing a stranger.
"Emma, I've brought you some dry towels and clothes," she said, placing them at the foot of the bed without stepping further into the room. "Dinner begins at six. If you'd prefer to rest, you needn't attend."
Not a single word of concern about my being soaked, not one embrace.
"Thank you. I'll join you for dinner," I replied calmly, my response markedly different from the eager-to-please attitude of my previous life.
Mother nodded and turned to leave, her movements graceful yet detached.
I dried my hair and changed into clean clothes, surveying what was supposed to be my "home." In my previous life, I had longed to find belonging here, yet remained perpetually an outsider.
When dinner time arrived, I descended the stairs to the dining room, where the atmosphere was predictably strained.
Father sat at the head of the table, acknowledging me with a slight nod; Alexander—my brother—didn't even grant me a glance; and Olivia, the "false heiress" who had occupied my rightful place, sat close to Alexander, her eyes filled with wariness and insecurity.
"Emma, sit there," Father indicated the seat at the far end of the table.
I took my place quietly and began eating. In my previous life, I would have desperately tried to engage in conversation, to showcase my accomplishments in hopes of recognition. This time, I chose silence.
"Olivia, how are your preparations for the piano competition coming along?" Mother asked tenderly.
"Quite well, Mother. I practice every day," Olivia replied sweetly, though her eyes darted occasionally toward me, as if checking whether I might steal her spotlight.
"I'm confident you'll take first place, Olivia," Alexander encouraged, his voice filled with genuine affection.
I ate my meal in silence, my heart unmoved. This scene had played out countless times in my previous life—they were a family of three, and I was forever the outsider.
"Emma," Father suddenly addressed me, "I've made arrangements for you to transfer to Westfield Academy next week, where Olivia attends. Their business program is excellent and will prepare you for your future role at Sinclair Industries."
In my previous life, I had eagerly accepted this arrangement, believing it would help me integrate into the family. I had abandoned my full scholarship in biotechnology to study business, a field I had no passion for.
"Thank you for your consideration, but I've already been accepted to Cambridge University's bioengineering program with a full scholarship," I stated calmly.
A stunned silence fell over the table.
"What?" Father frowned. "But business would be far more beneficial for you, especially as a Sinclair."
"I have no interest in business. My passion is biological research," I met his gaze directly. "And I don't intend to rely on the Sinclair resources."
"This is preposterous!" Father raised his voice. "You are my daughter, and you deserve the finest education and opportunities!"
I smiled faintly. "The finest education is the one I earned through my own merit, not through your arrangements."
"Emma!" Mother looked at me in shock. "You cannot speak to your father that way!"
"Why not?" I set down my cutlery. "For eighteen years, I've survived on my own efforts. Now a DNA test proves I'm a Sinclair, but that doesn't mean I must abandon my dreams and independence."
Alexander finally looked at me, his eyes reflecting... surprise?
"You're so selfish!" Olivia suddenly exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes. "You've just arrived and already you're upsetting Father! Are you trying to destroy the harmony of this family?!"
In my previous life, such accusations would have shattered me, making me desperate to prove I wasn't a disruptor. Now, I found them merely amusing.
"Harmony?" I regarded her calmly. "Olivia, you needn't be so wary of me. What you cherish holds no value to me, and I have no desire to compete with you. I simply wish to live life on my own terms."
"Enough!" Father slammed his hand on the table as he stood. "Emma, you need time to adjust to this family, I understand. But you must realize that as a Sinclair, you have responsibilities and obligations!"
"My only responsibility is to my own life," I rose from my seat. "Thank you for dinner. I believe I need to rest now."
Back in my room, I began packing my belongings. In my previous life, I had endured countless dinners like this one, tolerated all the coldness and neglect, all for a fantasy that would never materialize.
This time, I chose to leave.
The next morning, rain continued to pour. I descended the stairs with my suitcase in tow, finding Mother in the living room reading a magazine.
"Where are you going?" she asked, surprised at the sight of my luggage.
"The university has arranged an apartment for me. I think it would be more suitable," I replied evenly.
"But... Emma, you've only just come home..." There was a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"This was never my home," I looked directly into her eyes. "We both know you have only one daughter in your heart, and that's Olivia."
"No... that's not..." she struggled to speak, but no further words came.
"Don't worry, I won't disrupt your lives," I pulled up the handle of my suitcase. "If necessary, I'll attend family gatherings and play the role of 'Sinclair daughter.' But beyond that, I think we'll all be more comfortable this way."
I walked toward the door, the rain beating against the windows like the quiet ripples in my heart.
"Emma..." Mother called softly from behind me.
I paused, but didn't turn around.
"Take care," were the only words she finally offered.
I opened the door, and the rain immediately soaked my hair and clothes. But I no longer cared. I pulled my suitcase through the rain, heading toward my own freedom and future.
This time, I would not chase after illusory family bonds or live for others' approval. This time, I would live for myself—for health, for happiness, for a life truly belonging to Emma Sinclair.
The rain washed over my face, seeming to cleanse away the pain and obsessions of my past life. I took a deep breath, savoring the freshness of the rain and the taste of freedom.
A new life begins now.
