Chapter 1 Upon The Real Daughter's Return, The Fake One Is Abandoned

Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee Sanderson quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase.

Liam Gill, whom Harlee had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..."

Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter.

The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by blood.

Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years.

Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies.

Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family.

"You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..."

According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common.

Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter.

Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now."

After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back.

Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal.

"Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern.

Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare.

Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee."

Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her."

"Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?"

Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether.

Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag.

Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed.

"Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern.

Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two fools date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?"