Reborn and Ruthless: My Stepsister’s Sweet Act Ends Here

I heard Shirley Pierce's timid thoughts as she shrank by the doorway. Despite the resentment surging through me, I raised my hand and beckoned her over with a look of tender affection.Noticing the way I gestured for her, her face flushed red as she clutched a small box in one hand and the other fidgeted nervously with her dress.She opened her mouth yet failed to say a single word, looking utterly nervous and uneasy.Beside her, one of the relatives chuckled and teased. "What's wrong, Shirley? Is your new sister-in-law so frightening that you can't even speak?"Shirley quickly shook her head and carefully held out the box to me, her eyes filled with expectation.I smiled as I accepted it, though I knew this very gift had led to my death. I opened it, a look of delight on my face. "This is beautiful, Shirley. I love it."With that, I clasped the bracelet around my wrist in front of everyone.A flicker of triumph flashed across Shirley's eyes before she looked up at me with delig

Hearing Dean's words, Shirley turned to him in disbelief. But his eyes were fixed on me, and he didn't bother to spare her a single glance at all.Biting her lip, she lowered her head with a look of grievance and whispered an apology. "Sorry…"A heartbeat later, her inner voice spilled into my ear, deliberately letting me hear her thoughts. "Why am I always so clumsy? I just wanted to take care of Diane and make sure my little nephew or niece will be born safe and sound. Thank goodness it was me who got burned and not her…"I quickly adjusted my expression and tugged guiltily at Dean's sleeve before murmuring, "It's fine. Maybe it's just because I'm further along now, and this has nothing to do with Shirley. She's just a young lady. How could she know how to look after someone who's expecting?"His dark expression softened at that before he gave me an exasperated look. "You're just too kind, Diane."Then, turning to Shirley, he said, "Diane's right. From now on, you don't have to

Sure enough, when Dad learned that he had six grandchildren now, he wrapped up his military exercise and rushed back.He arrived home just in time for the babies' naming ceremony. Military spouses from around the military family compound crowded around, eager to join the celebration and share in the family's joy.Beaming with pride under the envious stares of his fellow generals, Dad strutted about with two babies in his arms. Every few minutes, he would return, swap them out for another pair, and parade again.His old military buddies watched with puffed cheeks, while Helen and Shirley fumed and gritted their teeth in a corner. Yet, they dared not show their anger.One of his military buddies scoffed. "Don't get too smug, old man. With six mouths to feed, I bet they'll eat you out of house and home before long."Dad only laughed, looking delighted. "You're just jealous. At my age, it doesn't matter anymore because everything I have will be theirs anyway."That was when Helen sho

The seasons slipped by. As Helen's due date drew near, the Aldridge residence became even livelier, especially after she confidently declared that she was going to have a boy. It had left the military family compound buzzing with anticipation."General Aldridge, I'm craving some lemon pie from Victoria's Bakery," Helen cooed from the delivery bed in a sweet voice. I almost laughed as I watched her put on such a show.Dad, however, played along perfectly. He patted her hand and said soothingly, "Alright. Focus on giving me a son, and I'll have someone get your pie right away."Minutes later, piercing screams came from the delivery room as Helen went into labor."Enjoy it while it lasts. Once my mother delivers my little brother, there will be no place for you in the Aldridge family. "Then, I'll marry Dean and bring our family closer together. So step aside now if you know what's good for you," Shirley whispered near my ear, no longer hiding behind thoughts but speaking aloud now.