Chapter 1

On my first day back with the Clark family, I stood looking at the enormous house, a feeling of familiarity mixed with strangeness washing over me.

Dad smiled at me. "Do you like any particular room? Pick one to stay in for now."

I nodded. "Then I'll take this study."

In my past life, the two best rooms on the second floor had both been occupied by my little sister, Camila Clark. One was her bedroom, the other her study. To please my family, I had given them up and moved into a dark, cramped storage room instead.

Sure enough, Dad looked embarrassed. "Beth, why don't you choose a different room? This one is your sister's study."

In my previous life, I would have already compromised, but this time I wasn't going to try so hard to please everyone.

I lowered my head, my voice small and weak. "I'm sorry, Dad. I thought I really could choose my own room."

Camila immediately lowered her head and began to sob, her voice trembling. "Why would you say that, Beth? If you want it, I'll just move out. After all, I'm the one who took over what wasn't mine in the first place."

My brother, Noel Clark, immediately rushed to comfort her, shooting me a disgusted look. "There are so many other rooms in the house. Why do you have to fight over Camy's study?"

Mom spoke up then as well. "Camila has finals coming up. She needs a quiet space to focus. You can stay in one of the other rooms."

I nodded meekly, letting my shoulders slump. "It's okay. I'm just grateful to have a place to rest now. Before, when I was living on the streets, I kept getting soaked by the rain and had to sleep hiding behind dumpsters."

When they heard this, everyone looked shocked. Dad felt guilty and immediately turned to give orders to the helpers. "Clear out Camila's study for Beth right away. Everything should be arranged exactly how Beth wants it!"

Then he turned back to me. "Beth, don't be afraid. From now on, you'll have a share of everything in this house! If there's anything uncomfortable about where you're staying, just tell the maids."

I nodded obediently, playing my part.

Seeing this, the others couldn't argue back. Camila looked like I'd just ruined her day, her face twisted with displeasure. When she looked at me, there was a trace of venom in her eyes.

I ignored her and walked into my room.

In my last life, I'd given in on everything to fit into this family. I'd walked on eggshells, never defended myself even when misunderstood, convinced I could earn my family's approval through compliance.

Instead, all it earned me was worse treatment—more accusations, more suppression.

This time, I was going to take back everything that belonged to me on my own terms.