Hope woke up the next morning with a knot in her stomach. The previous day had been exhausting, filled with whispers and stares. She had barely slept, replaying Victoria's words in her head.
"Try not to embarrass Richard."
She knew what Victoria was implying she wasn't truly part of the family. But Richard had adopted her. He had called her his daughter. She wanted to believe that was enough.
But was it?
A Test of Strength
At breakfast, Hope kept quiet, picking at her food while Richard and the kids talked about their plans. Victoria barely looked at her.
Richard finally turned to her. "Hope, how was your first day? Do you like the school?"
Hope forced a smile. "It was… okay."
Victoria chuckled softly. "I heard there was a little trouble. Fitting in takes time, dear."
Hope's cheeks burned, but Richard only nodded. "That's normal. Don't let it get to you."
His words were kind, but Victoria's were sharper. Hope clenched her fists under the table.
After breakfast, Lucas and Emily waited for her by the car, but Victoria stopped Hope just before she could step outside.
"I'll be taking you today," Victoria said with a smooth smile. "I have some errands to run."
Hope hesitated before nodding.
As they drove, Victoria barely spoke. The silence in the car was thick, pressing down on Hope's chest.
When they arrived, Victoria didn't let her out immediately. She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel before speaking.
"Listen, Hope," she said in a sickly sweet voice. "I know Richard has a soft spot for you, but let's be honest you're not really a Calloway."
Hope's hands trembled.
Victoria leaned in slightly. "You might have a roof over your head, but that doesn't mean you belong. Don't get too comfortable."
Hope swallowed hard, gripping her bag.
"Now," Victoria's smile returned, "off you go. Be a good girl."
Hope stepped out of the car, her heart hammering. As Victoria drove away, she forced herself to take deep breaths.
Victoria was testing her. Pushing her.
But Hope refused to break.
Friend or Foe?
Inside the school, Hope made her way to her locker when she saw Natalie and her friends leaning against the wall, waiting.
Natalie smirked. "So, how's it feel to be the billionaire's little pet?"
Hope ignored her, opening her locker.
"Aw, don't be shy," Natalie continued. "Your mommy dropped you off today. Bet she had a lot to say."
Hope clenched her jaw. She wasn't going to give Natalie the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Still acting tough?" Natalie scoffed. "You'll never be one of us, you know."
Before Hope could respond, a voice cut in.
"She's already more than you'll ever be, Natalie."
Hope turned to see Jake standing nearby, his blue eyes sharp.
Natalie rolled her eyes but didn't push further. "Whatever." She walked away with her friends, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Hope let out a quiet breath.
Jake grinned. "You should stop letting her get to you."
"I'm not."
He raised a brow. "Right. That's why your hands are shaking."
Hope quickly stuffed her hands into her pockets.
Jake leaned against the lockers. "Don't let people like her win. You've got nothing to prove."
Hope wanted to believe that.
But deep down, she wasn't sure.
Breaking Point
The rest of the day passed in a blur, but the tension inside Hope didn't fade. By the time she got home, she was exhausted.
She went straight to her room, shutting the door behind her. She wanted to cry, but she refused to.
Then, a knock.
"Hope?"
It was Richard.
She quickly wiped her eyes and opened the door.
He frowned. "You okay?"
Hope hesitated before nodding.
Richard sat on the edge of her bed. "I know it's been tough adjusting. But I want you to know something."
Hope looked up at him.
"You are my daughter. No matter what anyone says. No matter what you feel."
Tears pricked at Hope's eyes, but she held them back.
Richard smiled. "You don't have to fight alone, Hope. You belong here."
Hope's chest tightened.
Maybe she wasn't alone after all.