Part 1The Princess and the Orphan

My father loved my mother to the point of obsession, but she died because of me.

Later, he adopted another daughter.

The adopted daughter looked exactly like my mother.

On our sixteenth birthday...

He treated his adopted daughter like a beloved princess, while his guests mistook me for the maid's daughter.

Right then, my phone rang.

"Happy birthday, baby! It's been so long, Mommy missed you so much!"

Me: !

My mother had returned.

* * *

When Chloe's guests ordered me to wash her car, my father, Arthur Davis, happened to return from an outing.

His assistant, trailing behind him, presented a priceless crystal castle to Chloe.

Immediately, Chloe's classmates gasped in awe.

Their envy was palpable.

Then, I heard Arthur's voice, filled with indulgence and affection:

"A castle for my princess. Happy birthday, my one and only little princess."

His only princess.

I rolled those words around in my mind, a bitter taste spreading through my chest.

Today wasn't just Chloe's birthday.

It was mine, too.

But, just like every other year, I received nothing.

Because in Arthur's eyes, I was a sinner. I didn't deserve a birthday.

Because I killed my mother.