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Three Days Later
Jade had always dreamed of living a life of luxury, envisioning herself as a princess in her own paradise, valued and respected. But reality had been cruel, trapping her in the slums while her uncle lived in opulence. When her mother revealed just how wealthy Scott was, Jade's fury had ignited. Why hadn't he supported them? Family was supposed to stand by each other, especially in times of need.
Her mother, a woman who had turned to a life of vice—sleeping with men to provide for them and using drugs to numb her pain—had always been an enigma to Jade. Even through her suffering, she never spoke of her pain, and Jade had allowed her to remain shrouded in mystery. Didn't she want a better life for us?
When her mother was diagnosed with lung cancer, it was too late for treatment. The disease had progressed beyond saving. On her deathbed, her mother expressed her love for Jade, apologizing for not being able to provide the life she deserved. "You must live a better, more decent life," she urged, her voice weak but insistent. But her mother never mentioned reaching out to her brother. It was a gap Jade couldn't ignore.
Feeling betrayed by her mother's silence, Jade resolved to take matters into her own hands. Discovering that her mother had planned to leave her with close friends as a legal guardian until she turned eighteen ignited a fierce determination within her. No one else was going to control her fate.
Through her own investigation, she found Scott and uncovered just how wealthy he truly was. She saw his daughter, son, and wife living a life of comfort and luxury while she remained in a cramped, dingy space. The anger boiled within her as she waited for her mother's death, praying for it to come quickly because it was her ticket to the life she had always craved.
Now, as she sat in her uncle's car, heading toward her new paradise, happiness swelled within her. She couldn't care less about the way Lisa looked at her—she was here to stay.
"Jade, are you okay?" Scott asked, glancing at her with concern as he noticed her silence.
She hesitated, not wanting to appear too happy. After all, she was already on cloud nine, but she had to temper her emotions. "I'm good, Uncle. You don't have to worry. I'll be fine, just trying not to feel too bad about Mom's death," she replied, her voice soft with a hint of melancholy.
Inside, she felt a rush of triumph. This is perfect. I need him to feel guilty; it'll make my entry into this family so much smoother.
"I feel guilty for not being able to help her. I'm useless… I don't know if I'll be of any use to you," she added, sniffling slightly as if holding back tears.
Scott's heart softened further. "Stop saying such things, Jade. You're not useless, and none of this is your fault. You've been through a lot, all alone, with no help from anyone. But you're not alone anymore—we're all here for you," he assured her, his voice filled with compassion.
Jade nodded, keeping her gaze lowered, anxious that if she spoke too much, she might reveal the truth beneath her carefully crafted facade. I can't let that happen now. Not when I'm so close to getting what I want.
"Lisa, are you okay back there?" Scott called, glancing into the rearview mirror at his daughter, who wore an impatient expression.
"Yes, Dad, just wondering when we'll get home," Lisa replied, her tone curt. She was clearly eager to escape the tension-filled car.
"Oh, alright," Scott said, slightly flustered. "Don't be like that. I'm just trying to make Jade feel comfortable," he explained, trying to placate his daughter.
Comfortable? Jade thought, barely containing a chuckle. She was more than comfortable—she was thrilled. Yet, she kept her expression pitiful, reflecting the sorrow she didn't truly feel.
"Okay, fine," Lisa conceded, though her tone suggested she was far from happy. Turning to Jade, she forced a crooked smile. "Jade, are you ready to go?"
Jade recognized the challenge in Lisa's eyes. This will be a game, she thought, fully aware that Lisa would be a tough nut to crack. But she wasn't in any rush. Time was on her side.
"Yes, Lisa," Jade replied sweetly. "Uncle Scott, let's go."
Scott nodded, smiling at both girls, and started the car, driving them toward Jade's new life. Jade closed her eyes, allowing herself to get lost in daydreams of what was to come, her heart racing with anticipation.
When they finally arrived home, Lisa felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her. I couldn't stand being around Jade for much longer. She had hoped that Jade might have changed, but it was clear that a leopard didn't change its spots.
As soon as they entered the house, Lisa greeted her mother and Liam before rushing upstairs to her room. She needed to freshen up; coming back from the slums made her feel unclean, and she wanted to rid herself of that feeling. The thought of Jade in her home made her skin crawl, and she desperately sought solace in her familiar space.
After changing into more comfortable clothes, Lisa returned downstairs to join the family in the sitting room. Just be friendly, she told herself, hoping to avoid raising suspicion. After all, they had never met before, and there was no reason for her to openly dislike her cousin.
"So, Jade, how do you feel being here? I hope you like it," Lisa asked, her tone a mix of forced cheerfulness and guarded curiosity.
"Yes, I'm happy to be here with my family," Jade replied, her smile seemingly genuine, but Lisa could see the undertone of calculation in her eyes.
"And your room? Is it to your taste? Mom and I personally designed it. I hope it's not too girly for you," Lisa continued, striving to keep the conversation light, even as she struggled against her discomfort.
Jade nodded, her enthusiasm feigned but convincing. "I love it. It's awesome—just like my dream room. I feel like a princess already."
Lisa laughed, a tinge of disbelief lacing her amusement. How could she be so disingenuous? "I'm glad you like it," she replied, forcing herself to play along.
Turning to her parents, Lisa suggested, "Mom, Dad, let Liam take Jade and me to the mall to get some things. We're going back to school tomorrow, and I want to spoil Jade a little—she deserves it. She's my new elder sister, after all."
Standing up, she moved to sit beside Jade, wrapping her arms around her in a hug, all while suppressing the feeling of repulsion that lingered beneath the surface.
Scott and Daisy exchanged amused glances, unable to hide their smiles at the sight.
"My baby is so cute," Daisy remarked with a fond smile.
"No, Mom, I'm not cute," Lisa protested, pouting playfully, determined to shake off her earlier discomfort.
"Then what are you?" Liam teased, his laughter lightening the mood.
"Look at this specimen and call me cute!" Lisa declared dramatically, her theatrical nature shining through.
She turned to her father. "Dad, tell them!"
Scott chuckled, "You're beautiful, Lisa."
Liam snorted, and Daisy smiled warmly, basking in the moment of familial joy. Jade giggled, feeling more at ease than she had in a long time. In that moment, everything seemed just perfect—until she recalled the underlying tension between her and Lisa, a simmering rivalry that would only deepen as time went on.
But Jade brushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the future. This is just the beginning, she reminded herself, a mischievous grin forming as she plotted her next move.
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