Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Alice’s POV

A year had passed, and I became a ghost to the people that once treated me like their world. I lingered near the dinner room doorway, the scent of roasted chicken and Victoria’s favorite baked Alaska cake filling the air. There I stood, watching helplessly as my mother and brother swarmed around her, their voices, a chorus of care and silent competition. I was left alone, no one bothering to spare me a glance. Looking at the varieties of dishes on the polished table, I realized that once again, they were all her favorites including the ones I was allergic to. Without a word, I turned, leaving the suffocating atmosphere and helped myself to a bowl of cereal.

Arriving at my sanctuary, my eyes welled up, looking at the tight space and simple furnishings. It was a box, tucked away in the forgotten corner of the house. The walls were dull, a simple bed occupying most of the space. I once had a room filled with plush cushions, a large wardrobe filled with designer clothing and was 10 times bigger than this one. Victoria had requested it, saying she liked the fact it was closer to my brother’s. My parents had agreed, giving it to her without batting an eyelid. Without considering how I’d feel. Never for once did they come check up on me, to see if I was alive or dead.

A knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. Before I could answer, it swung open, Tina, the new maid, walked in, her expression smug. “Afternoon Alice,” she said, her voice dripping with unconcealed disdain. A wave of fury washed over me, my hands clenched into fists, wanting nothing more than to punch her face. “Madam Fiona had requested for your presence at the ancestral hall at five.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned her back, heading to the door before pausing. “And Alice,” she said, her gaze lingering on the empty bowl of cereal. “Make sure you wash your dirty dishes.” Then, the door slammed shut. My nails dug into my palms, anger surging through me.

Later, I began to hear hushed voices outside my door. I pressed my ear closer to the wood, desperate to hear.

“Tina, do you have a death wish?” A female voice rang out, her tone grave. “How dare you speak to her like that?”

“It’s not like she can do anything,” Tina scoffed, her voice lacking any sense of fear. “We all know she’s just a stranger with a borrowed title,”

“Shhhhhh. Keep your voice down,” the other maid whispered.

“Did you see her at dinner? Tina whispered, her voice laced with a cruel amazement. “Just standing there like a shadow.”

“Poor thing,” the other said, her voice devoid of genuine sympathy. “She was once the beloved young lady of this house. Cherished and pampered by all.”

“Well, things change. Now she’s just a nobody, tossed aside like an abandoned toy.”

Their words dealt a heavy blow to me, my chest tightening. I looked away, tears blurring my vision as I quietly retreated to my bed.

Nancy, the only person that cared for me, entered my room. She didn’t say a word, just placed a hand on my shoulder, offering a silent comfort. I drew her into a tight hug, finally releasing all the tears I was holding in.

Walking through the opulent hall, I came across Victoria. She was dressed in a flowy pink satin dress, making her effortlessly captivating. She emerged from the study room, her striking resemblance, a cruel reminder that I didn’t belong. Immediately, I turned around to avoid a confrontation.

“Sister,” she called out, running after me like a lost puppy.

“What is it?” I asked impatiently, taking a step back.

“I…I just want us to be at peace,” she said, looking at me with her big doe eyes which could deceive everyone but me.

“Were we ever at war?”

“No. That’s not what I mean. I just don’t want you to keep getting in trouble because of me.”

“Good. Then, stay out of my sight.”

“Why will you say such a—?”

“Oh, please, spare me the act,” I spat, cutting her off. “No one is here.” Victoria’s eyes became wet with unshed tears, her head lowered.

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Stop pretending,” I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

“Oh, really?” She asked, her brows rose, a cruel smirk playing on her lips.

“What have I ever done to make you hate me so much?” I blurted, voicing out the question that haunted my mind.

She chuckled, laughing like I had just made the joke of the century. “You really have the nerves to ask me that,” she said through gritted teeth. “Your biological mother ruined my life. 21 years…gone. My life, stolen from the moment you were born.”

“What else do you want?” I asked, my voice barely audible. “My family…you have them wrapped around your fingers. They no longer care about me. You’ve won.”

Victoria leaned in, a cold glint flashing in her eyes, “That’s not enough. I want every single thing you stole from me.”

Her hand rose.

Then, Victoria slapped herself so hard, a handprint appeared on her cheek. Before I could react, she forcefully wrapped my hands around her neck, slamming herself against the wall. I stood still, watching the drama unfold.

It wasn’t long before gasps erupted. There my family stood, their jaws dropped to the floor. Nathan, my brother, was also present. He froze, his face drained as if he had just seen a ghost wearing my skin.