Chapter 2

I'd always been the 'unpopular' one, mostly because I was too loud, too boisterous.

The Millers upheld strict decorum. My brother, Julian, was born with an innate grace, reserved and elegant, earning him constant praise from our parents.

But I was different.

I was a whirlwind of energy, impulsive and carefree, always bouncing off the walls like I had a perpetual sugar rush. I was nothing like a 'proper' Miller child.

Before I turned fifteen, Mom and Dad had me take several DNA tests.

Each time, they'd just shake their heads in resignation after seeing the results.

"Mia's so vivacious, completely unlike any other heiress in our circle."

"Honey, is she really our child? It's a complete disaster!"

"Oh, Mia is supposed to take over the family empire with Julian one day. If she's always so ill-mannered, how can she possibly..."

They never bothered to whisper when they said these things, but I never took it to heart.

Usually, I'd flash a sly grin, tug on Mom's arm, and whine playfully:

"What, you two don't want me anymore? Did you forget who played peacemaker last time you and Dad had a fight?"

"Would you have made up so quickly without me?"

Mom would sigh, tapping my forehead playfully.

"You're impossible."

And so, my life before fifteen, though my family often 'disapproved' of me, wasn't too bad.

Until I got into a fight with the daughter of one of Dad's oldest business partners over a dress.

My parents gave me the cold shoulder all night, then quietly discussed with Julian:

"With a personality like that, she'll be a joke when she's supposed to run the company. Julian, find a good etiquette teacher for her, someone to teach her proper manners."

Julian simply nodded, "After my birthday."

That night, I pulled an all-nighter, preparing a butterfly-themed kaleidoscope as Julian's birthday gift.

The next morning, still yawning, I shoved the gift into his arms:

"Happy birthday."

A flicker of something crossed his brow as he looked at my bloodshot eyes, and a small smile touched his lips.

But when he opened it, he used a bit too much force.

The butterflies were supposed to float out one by one, beautifully.

With his clumsy snap, they exploded outwards in a chaotic rush.

Two wings grazed past Julian's eyes, almost taking out his eye.

His face instantly went rigid with fury.

For the first time, his composure finally snapped, giving way to a furious outburst. He slammed the box to the ground right there.

"So you stayed up all night just to plan a prank? Mia Miller, it's my birthday! Can you *please* act your age for once?!"

I tried to explain, but he wouldn't listen to a word, turning and storming off.

The very next day, I was sent to Mrs. Davies' academy.

These memories used to be crystal clear in my mind.

But now, I could only recall fragments: a harsh, dismissive scolding from Julian.

The rest? Utterly forgotten.

My head was pounding harder with each second. I couldn't help but lift my hand, pressing my fingers to my throbbing temples.

Julian watched me, puzzled, the gift box still patiently held out.

Until a girl ran over and snatched the box from him.

"Wow, this bracelet is so pretty, Julian! Can I have it?"

"But it's Mia's gift..."

Julian, seemingly unable to refuse, frowned and looked at me.

A sudden memory flashed in my mind: fighting over a dress when I was little, and Mom and Dad scolding me for not sharing.

I quickly forced a smile:

"Sure, you can have it. Here, let me help you put it on."