Chapter 4%
“Oh my god! The Sterling family really lives up to the hype. That kind of generosity is next–level,*%
“Sienna should be on her knees thanking the Wests. If it weren’t for them, how would some orphan like her even dream of marrying into a family like that?“%
“Sure, the Sterling heir’s got a bit of a reputation, but come on, she’s about to be swimming in money.
The noise around me only grew louder, a blend of envy, judgment, and false admiration.
I could feel their eyes on me, cutting in ways they probably thought were subtle. Caitlin’s expression had already gone sour, twisted up in jealousy, but she was trying to keep it from cracking in public.
And honestly? Even I was caught off guard.
I mean, I was just the adopted daughter, not even part of their bloodline. And yet, the Sterling family had gone all out for me like that??
Or so I thought.
Right then, the attendant who’d delivered all the betrothal gifts stepped forward again.
His voice was calm, smooth, and sharply clear. “These gifts are from Mr. Lance Sterling, sent to congratulate Miss Caitlin West on her acceptance to Southridge Tech University.“”
The entire room went dead quiet. No one moved. I felt my whole body lock up.
Wait…. what? The gifts weren’t for me?‘ I thought as I felt my stomach drop.
Whispers started up again like a fresh wave.}
“Wait, so they were just congratulatory gifts?“}
“Why such a huge display then? You think Caitlin and Lance Sterling have something going on?“>
“Honestly? I’m starting to think he’s into her. It makes a lot more sense now.“}]
“Right? Maybe he actually wanted to marry Caitlin, but the adopted sister swooped in and took her place. No wonder the engagement with Sienna–this is gonna be brutal for her.“>
Cold sweat prickled at the back of my neck.@
In my past life, Lance Sterling had never shown even a hint of interest in Caitlin. Nothing like this had happened.
Why was everything suddenly so different in this life?!
And as if everything was perfectly timed, Caitlin, who had just been burning with jealousy, suddenly lit up like a Christmas tree.
“Please thank Lance properly for me,” she said sweetly like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.“)
Then she tossed out, like it was an afterthought, “Oh, and by the way, my sister’s wedding to Lance is the day after tomorrow. Just wondering why her betrothal gift hasn’t arrived yet.”}
The steward paused for a second, his brow twitching like he was trying to figure out how to say it gently.
“Miss West, it’s possible Mr. Sterling simply forgot.”
And just like that, every head turned toward me. Their stares weren’t curious or concerned–they were soaked in mockery and fake pity.
The mood had turned fast. The snickering started up again, the whispers gaining momentum.
Then, as always, Caitlin swooped in for the kill, stepping toward me with this ridiculous air of concern. She reached for my hand as if we were still playing sisters.
“Sis, don’t take it the wrong way,” she said, tone dripping with pretend kindness. “I’m sure he’s just been slammed at work, and it slippec his mind. He might send it tomorrow.”
Someone in the crowd snorted loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.
“Oh, Caitlin, you’re way too sweet. Come on. Lance Sterling remembered your little school party and sent a literal mountain of gifts. And we’re supposed to believe he forgot his own fiancée’s engagement gift? Please. He just doesn’t care about Sienna.“}
The noise picked up again, voices overlapping, the tension thickening by the second.
And I… stayed quiet.
Because honestly? I didn’t care what they thought.”
I’d already escaped one fire only to land in another. I didn’t want to argue or play their games. All I wanted was a life of my own–quiet simple, on my own terms.
But Caitlin wasn’t about to let that happen.
She leaned in closer, too close, her voice dropping into something darker. “What’s with that blank look, Sienna? You care. I know you do You’re dying inside, aren’t you?”
She gave a low, satisfied little laugh and kept going.#
“Let me spell it out for you. Mom and Dad only adopted you because I was bored. I wanted a new toy. Watching you act so grateful for a roof over your head and a couple of scraps from our table? Honestly, it’s pathetic.”
Caitlin snorted and derided, “You think marrying Lance instead of me will stop what happened last time from happening again?”
My eyes flew open, and I froze in place. I hadn’t expected Caitlin to say that. Not out loud.
“You–*%
Caitlin just smiled, calm and self–satisfied. “Sienna, you’re just a stray. What makes you think you could ever compete with me?“%
And then in the blink of an eve she screamed
And then, in the blink of an eye, she screamed.§
“Ah!”
Then, she dramatically plunged into the ornamental pond behind her.
“Help! I can’t swim! Sienna pushed me!”
Gasps exploded through the banquet hall like someone had fired a gun.”
Dean didn’t even hesitate. He ran toward the pond and dove in like some kind of discount action hero, pulling Caitlin out of the water seconds later.
She came over coughing, sputtering, soaked right through, her hair dripping and makeup streaming down her face. Her eyes were red and frantic as if she were scared, but underneath, I could see it.
She was playing them all.”
“Sienna,” Caitlin sobbed, her voice trembling just enough to sound real. “I’ve always treated you like my own sister. Even if you were jealous… how could you try to kill me?”
And that was it. That was the match to the powder keg.
Hearing this, my adoptive parents‘ faces turned stormy with anger.
“Sienna! That marriage was decided fairly, with lots drawn!” my adoptive father snapped. “Your mother and I didn’t favor either of you!“}
Right. Because this? This was what fairness looked like.
