Part 1The Actress

I was born an actress. I crave wealth and luxury, not sincerity.

I went from orphan to the daughter of the richest family in town, but before I could even warm the seat, the Sterling family went bankrupt.

Just as I was packing my bags to run, I overheard the family doctor whispering to my "dad": "Aren't you afraid of breaking the child's heart?"

Without hesitation, I spun around, rushed into the room, and hugged my "mom." "Mom, a daughter doesn't leave because her family is poor. Don't worry, I'll take care of you both in your old age."

Poor for a moment versus poor for a lifetime—I, Chloe Sterling, can do the math.

I caught a glimpse of the luxury watch on my dad's wrist, hidden under his cheap shirt—worth enough to buy half a street. I smiled silently.

* * *

I dragged my legs, heavy as lead, back to the dilapidated rental apartment.

Clutched in my hand was the hundred bucks I’d earned sweating it out as an extra on set. I went straight to the pharmacy to buy Dad's imported medication, then detoured to that overpriced French bakery to buy Mom her favorite raspberry tart.

It was tiny, but it cost me hours of work.

I pushed the door open. Dad was slumped on the sofa, looking ashen, the collar of his cheap cotton T-shirt stretched loose.

Mom sat beside him, her eyes vacant.

I handed over the medicine and the exquisite little box, forcing my gentlest smile. "Dad, your meds. Mom, your favorite."

"Chloe, you..." Mom looked at my sweaty, disheveled state, then at the glaring scratch on my arm. Her eyes instantly reddened.

"I'm fine, Mom," I waved it off, pitching my voice to sound exhausted and hoarse. "I rushed back because I was worried about you guys."

I moved quickly to pour water and get Dad his pills. As I moved, I "accidentally" brushed my wound against the table corner and hissed in pain.

"Oh my god! You child! Why didn't you say you were hurt like that?!" Mom stood up in a panic.

Dad struggled to sit up. "Quick, let me see!"

I dodged them. "It's really nothing, just a scratch. As long as you guys are okay, I'm relieved."

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught it—the flash of an expensive watch under Dad's cheap sleeve.

I lowered my eyes to hide the smirk that almost escaped.

Bankruptcy?

What a setup.