Chapter 5

It's really not my fault. As a child, I was much more mature than my peers because I carried memories from my past life. Whenever our parents scolded Jasper, I was the one who would jump in to defend him. I never thought it would all end up like this.

Just as I was about to speak up, my older brother cut off the conversation with a firm, authoritative voice: "That's enough! She can stay, but there's no way Nora is moving out. What if something happens to her? She's just a young girl!"

Jasper has always been intimidated by our older brother, so he just cast him a reluctant glance and kept quiet.

It would take a week to get the DNA test results. During that time, with Jasper's assistance, Adeline not only moved into our house but also transferred to our school. On her very first day, news about my background spread throughout the school. Everyone concluded that I was an imposter, an unwelcome fake heiress who would eventually be thrown out.

The girls who used to be close to me quietly sided with Adeline, and when they saw me, they'd make snide remarks: "Some people think they can just take someone else's identity and become a real heiress. But now that it's been exposed, they still won't leave. I've never seen such thick skin!"

The one who spoke had always tried to win my favor, but I had seen her true colors and treated her coldly. I never expected her to hold a grudge.

I shot back, "Oh, even my parents can't tell who's real and who's fake. How do you know?"

She flushed red, "Your brother admitted it! You're just being stubborn!"

Adeline was smug, having someone to back her up, and looked at me with disdain. Just as I was about to retort, my best friend Lily appeared, took my hand, and gave me a reassuring look. She directly countered, "If you're ignorant, you should read more. Have you never heard of DNA testing? Until the results are out, she's still the Taylor family's young lady. Who do you think you are to speak to her like that?"

I looked at Lily, deeply moved. This whole incident revealed who my real friends were and who the fake ones were. I thought to myself, I'll be friends with her for life.

After we drove them away, I leaned on the railing and asked Lily, "Lily, if I really am fake, would you look down on me?"

Lily suddenly laughed, "My dear, even if you're fake, I can still support you! We're friends for life."

Her words were comforting, but before I could respond, she sighed, "But that Adeline really has issues. She's not just after your brother but your fiancé as well."

My smile froze instantly. My fiancé... In my rush when I was reincarnated, I forgot about the marriage aspect. Yes, Adeline is determined to make my life difficult, so why would she spare the people around me?

But my fiancé and I barely know each other! We were only together because of a so-called family marriage agreement. The most important thing is, before reincarnation, the Grim Reaper showed me my life script. It only mentioned I would marry a gentle person. So when my mom suggested a few candidates for a family alliance, I chose James without hesitation. Although we've been apart more than together over these years and there's no real affection, I've always thought our relationship was solid!

Has he also betrayed me?

Just as I was about to ask for clarification, I saw Adeline strutting over with James, hand in hand, "No need to look for me, here I am."

My eyes widened. The worst outcome had come true.

"Why! Haven't I been good to you?" I blurted out, shocked, looking at James.

He showed no sign of guilt, just a cold sneer, "To be honest, I've had enough of you. We're supposed to be engaged, right? But you don't even let me kiss you. What's the point of being with you? Adeline, at least, understands me, and with her..."

"Stop it!" Adeline hurriedly covered his mouth, a suspicious blush on her face.

I instantly understood everything. I never thought she would go so far to take my place!

"Nora, do you see it now? Everyone around you prefers me. Why do you still need to stay here?"