Chapter 10

My instincts screamed that something was wrong. I set the bowl of chicken soup down and looked at my mother.

Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "Mom, I've always wanted to know… When it comes to Alice and me, do you love us both the same?"

She hesitated for a beat before plastering on a smile. "Of course," she said.

My dark eyes never wavered from her face, carefully tracing every flicker of hesitation and helplessness.

With a knowing smile, I said sharply, "But the one you love most is still Alice, isn't it?"

My mother frowned, and her voice rose defensively. "You're both my daughters. I love you both the same."

Still, I didn't believe her. Her years of favoritism had left a wound too deep to forget.

After I died in my past life, my mother never once came to see me. She even refused to let me be buried alongside the rest of the family.

Drawing in a steady breath, I asked bluntly, "What did you put in this soup?"

Her eyes widened, and panic flickered across her face.

"N-nothing," s