All Chapters of You Don't Belong to My New Life: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

My teacher, Madison Warner, came to me today, pride shining in her eyes. "Iale University's recruitment advisors called. The two of you scored at the top of the city on your SATs. You're now eligible to fill out this application form and write an essay about how you envision your future."I glanced at Aaron.He spun a pen between his fingers with casual indifference."Ugh. Somebody save me from attending the same university as Bernadette." His eyes were cold and distant. "I want to go to the same place as Rebecca."Madison leapt to her feet in shock. Her glasses nearly slid off her nose. "Wait, are you serious? Rebecca's results could barely get her into second-rate colleges. You're better than that."Aaron remained unfazed. He stood and set one foot on his chair, his back straight. He carried the air of someone used to being obeyed and admired."So what if she's not a high scorer? She's talented in her own ways. Her abilities can't be measured by some arbitrary exams," he said w

Chapter 2

Aaron shot me a look. "I won't regret choosing her."He headed for the door and left with Rebecca.I finally broke my silence. "You're going to let him apply to a third-rate college, ma'am?"Madison patted my shoulder with a sympathetic smile. "We all know you've got your eyes on Aaron, dear. You'd want to go to the same college he does, no matter what that is, wouldn't you?"She paused, then continued, "But you can't force a horse to drink. It's a shame he's given up so much of his potential and his choices for Rebecca, but you don't have to do the same. You deserve better."I was a little stunned. Then I shook my head and let out a soft chuckle."Thanks for your concern, Ms. Warner, but I'm not that kind of girl. I won't sacrifice my future for anyone or follow someone around like a shadow," I replied firmly.Madison looked pleasantly surprised. "Good girl! Just what I expect from the best in class!"I nodded in appreciation and tucked the form into my folder.…In my last

Chapter 3

I stared at Aaron and realized, for the first time, how utterly ridiculous he was. I used to admire him. Now, I saw an egomaniac who truly believed he was too good for me."Oh my God, Aaron. The things you say… You really are a clown," I said with a laugh.His expression darkened.I shrugged his hand off my shoulder and walked away.After turning the corner, I pulled up a number in my contacts and pressed call. "I need an investigation into Mercier Hospital on June 15, 18 years ago. Check all birth records, nurse schedules, and any available security footage."I ended the call and dialed another number. "Mr. Holland? I'd like to join the International Youth Art Show this year."Then I opened social media. Rebecca had just posted a new update on Instagram.The photo showed her holding Aaron's hand, captioned: [We are meant to be together.]A crooked smile tugged at my lips. "Oh, Rebecca. You love taking what belongs to others, don't you? And you, Aaron… You really think she's yo

Chapter 4

Because of an incident two years ago, these people believed I would always do whatever Aaron told me, as long as it kept me close to him.Someone in the crowd shouted, "Just give up and follow your heart, Bernadette! You know you can't risk pissing him off. He might ignore you!"Rebecca adopted a weak, docile tone. "Please, everyone. Don't make things harder for my big sister. She's the top scorer in the entire school. I can't compare to her…"Aaron gripped her shoulders, protective as a knight shielding a damsel."Becky, stop putting yourself down," he said. "You're too kind for this world. You're the better sister."I watched them work so hard to tear me down and offered a neutral smile. "You both sound confident. But can you answer three questions?"First, Rebecca, do you even dare compete with me in a true test of talent?"Second, Aaron, what makes you think I still care about you at all?"And third, do you really believe the one student admitted to Iale today will be you?"

Chapter 5

Rebecca began to panic. She tugged at Aaron's sleeve, but he answered for her with easy confidence. "Bring it on, Bernadette."In my past life, I hid my true talents to stabilize our relationship and keep others from feeling insecure. All I received in return was betrayal, misunderstanding, and apathy.This time, I would live as I was meant to. I would be the queen I knew I was.Other art teachers and lecturers joined the commotion. After some discussion, they settled on a topic: youth. We were to complete a piece in 30 minutes.Rebecca let out a visible sigh of relief. A confident smile returned as she stepped up to her easel, picked up a charcoal pencil, and began to draw. A short distance away, Aaron watched with pride.She finished first, and the crowd murmured in admiration.My canvas remained empty.The crowd faltered.Aaron sneered, "I told you. Bernadette's only talent is memorizing textbooks. She doesn't have any real intelligence or artistic skill.""I don't blame yo

Chapter 6

Aaron stood stunned. He rushed to gather the scattered paintings from the floor and checked them one by one. He saw no obvious issues, so he glanced at Daniel for help.Daniel nodded and instructed a few runners to project Rebecca's painting onto the screen.The students looked puzzled."What's wrong with this? The composition is quite bespoke, and the rendering is dazzling!"The crowd's confusion gave Rebecca a sliver of confidence. Tears filled her eyes as she appealed to Daniel. "Please disregard what my sister has done to me in public. That is a private matter, and we will handle it ourselves. But I swear to God, I created that piece on the spot with my own effort. I composed it in my head and brought my vision to the canvas."I studied the adjudicators' serious expressions and added, "I don't think the rector is focused only on technique. I think he is also considering when this piece was created."Rebecca shot me a venomous glare and turned to the crowd. "What are you tryin

Chapter 7

Aaron stared at the adjudicators in disbelief. "No. This can't be real. Becky would never!"Ash sneered, "You know what's most ridiculous? Rebecca Montgomery's so-called 'original creation,' which she claimed to have made on the spot, uses the exact techniques and details found in Bernadette's work. You can't even call it an inspired imitation. This is plagiarism, plain and simple."Rebecca finally broke into hysterical tears."I want to win! I just want to win!" She turned and lunged at Aaron, clutching his arms. "You have to believe me, Aaron! I only did this because I wanted to go to Iale with you!"Aaron shoved her away as if she were diseased."You… You've been lying to me this whole time?" he cried, his voice trembling. "The 'genius painter' act and the story about being offered a place at Iale for your talent were all fake?"My phone vibrated. I glanced at the screen and smiled. "Thank you for testifying, Mr. Norris. It looks like the DNA report I commissioned has come in

Chapter 8

"Bernadette is just jealous of my relationship with Aaron! All of this slander is made up because she's jealous of me!"Daniel and the other professors exchanged helpless glances.Aaron studied their expressions, decided the worst had likely passed, and spoke. "Bernie, I know you're probably very upset about this, but I can assure you it's all a misunderstanding. If you can't stand the idea of me meeting Becky, I'll do my best to limit our contact."He was about to continue when the door opened again.This time, my adoptive father entered with an elderly woman leaning on a walking stick.Rebecca recognized them and felt her knees weaken. The color drained from her face.I supported the older woman and addressed the room. "This is Mrs. Jones. She used to work as a janitor at Mercier Hospital. She's the only one who witnessed everything."Daniel noticed her eyes and cried out in horror. "What happened to your sight, ma'am?"My adoptive father choked back a sob. "She didn't just g

Chapter 9

"You didn't know?" I retorted icily. "You didn't know anything about what happened in our past lives?"The crowd fell silent."All of you knew she was an impostor, a fraud, and yet you defended and protected her!" I exclaimed, enunciating every word as I faced my stunned parents. "That's because you think someone who grew up in the slums could never belong to your perfectly elite family!"Lara's face went pale."And that's not even the most ironic part," I continued. "The fund Aaron used to start his business came from money I earned. I worked myself to the bone for three months designing graphics to make that money. When his company ran into funding issues, I begged both of you to invest!"Aaron tried to explain. "Bernie, I know you're upset about those things, and they are all my fault. Please, let bygones be bygones—""Shut up!" I roared. "I'm not finished!"I glared at my biological parents, fury burning in my chest. "Do you remember how I died? I was blamed for the crimes h

Chapter 10

"After a discussion among the school committee, we have decided to award you the 'Most Exemplary Student of the Year' Award."…As I left the building, my phone vibrated. A message from an unknown number appeared.[Bernie, it's Aaron. I know you don't want to see me, but give me five minutes. I can explain.]I blocked the number immediately.…Three years later, I stood beneath a spotlight at the center of an art exhibition in the Levre, listening to the applause and admiring praise from the crowd.My adoptive father stood beside me in a tailored suit, his expression filled with pride."Miss Montgomery, your 'Nirvana' series has sent shockwaves through the art world," the editor of the renowned art magazine Le Critique said as he shook my hand. "The piece titled 'Rebirth' is especially remarkable. Few works have captured the emotion and beauty of overcoming adversity so completely."The painting depicted a phoenix rising from the flames, its wings spread wide as it soared into

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