Chapter 2 The Forsaken Heiress

CHAPTER TWO

When Clara arrived at the Genesis home, the atmosphere was solemn. Her younger brother, whom she had only met once, seemed annoyed about having to pick her up. Genesis left her in the living room and went upstairs, leaving Clara feeling like a zoo animal being inspected by his parents.

Mrs. Genesis frowned upon seeing Clara. She was surprised at how similar Clara looked to her daughter, Cassie, yet felt disdain because Clara, who grew up with the Flora family, lacked the refinement and manners of Cassie. Clara didn't even know to call her "mother."

Mr. Genesis, Jordan, also looked displeased. Genesis felt that Clara couldn't compare to Cassie in any way.

"Dad! Mom!" Cassie's familiar voice broke the tension. The parents' cold demeanor towards Clara changed instantly as they hurried to welcome Cassie with smiles. "Cassie is back?"

Clara turned and saw Cassie leading her adoptive parents inside. Their expressions shifted upon seeing Clara there, but they quickly composed themselves, confident that Clara's night in the hotel would soon ruin her standing.

Cassie, feigning concern, said, "Dad, Mom, now that Clara is back, it's time for me to leave and give her her rightful place."

Mrs. Genesis held Cassie's hand, distressed. "Silly child, what are you talking about? You will always be the little princess of our family. Even with Clara here, we will love you just as much."

Mr. Genesis echoed his wife's sentiment. "Cassie, you have been our daughter for the past 20 years. Clara may have returned, but our love for you will never wane."

Cassie's mother looked at Clara sternly. "We won't treat you poorly, Clara, but we won't diminish Cassie's living standards for you. Remember, you are not to cause trouble for Cassie."

Clara felt cold and detached. She didn't need the love of a family who never wanted her, whether it was her birth family or the one that raised her. The more she smiled, the colder she felt inside.

"Mrs. Genesis," Clara began, startling Mrs. Genesis with the formal address. "I'm not here to stay. I'm here to inform you that I don't want to be part of the Genesis family, nor do I want anything to do with the Floras."

Mr. Flora's face darkened. "How dare you!"

Clara's response was icy. "How dare I? You replaced me at birth for your daughter's benefit and raised me in your home. Now you have the nerve to yell at me?"

Mrs. Flora shouted, "That's not true!"

Clara remained calm. "You know it is. God sees all. Your actions will catch up with you."

Unable to argue, Mrs. Flora was left speechless. Clara turned to her biological parents and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Genesis, consider Cassie your daughter. From now on, I have no connection to either of your families."

As Clara turned to leave, Cassie hurried to catch up with her, intentionally or not, tripping and pulling Clara's skirt. The already torn fabric gave way, revealing Clara's skin marked with visible signs of her recent ordeal.

For a moment, the entire room fell silent.