Chapter 6 No.6

Brianna's first night back in the Owen mansion was different from her past life.

Last time, she had been too anxious to sleep, worrying about how to make her new parents love her. This time, she didn't give a damn about that.

But peace was hard to find. She was haunted by nightmares.

She dreamed of Matthew, her former fiancé.

In the dream, his handsome face was twisted into a mask of cold contempt. They stood in the grand foyer of the mansion, the marble floor cold beneath her feet.

"You low-class woman, you think a few fancy dresses can hide what you are?" he sneered. "You think you're good enough for me? Only Cassie deserves to be my wife. You could never compare to her."

He accused her of pushing Cassie down the stairs, calling the police while she begged him to listen, to believe her. But he didn't listen to a word she said.

Then, the dream plunged her into the damp, suffocating darkness of her prison cell. The smell of mildew and disinfectant filled her nostrils. A large woman with knuckles like rocks had her pinned against a concrete wall, a calloused hand squeezing her throat. Brianna's lungs burned, spots dancing before her eyes.

"No!" She woke up with a start, heart hammering against her ribcage.

The room was dark, the sky outside her window just beginning to turn grey.

She sat up, wrapping her arms around her knees, her body trembling not from the cool air, but from the visceral memories.

Those weren't just dreams; they were scars on her soul.

In her past life, Cassie had framed her for assault. With no one to believe her, Brianna was sent to prison for four years.

The four years in prison had been a relentless cycle of humiliation and pain-the sharp sting of a slap, the shocking cold of water dumped over her head, the hollow ache of hunger as her meal was deliberately kicked across the filthy floor. She went hungry many nights.

The only light in that darkness was a kind inmate who had been a doctor before prison.

When she learned that Brianna wanted to become a doctor, the woman taught her everything she knew. Those lessons became Brianna's lifeline.

Brianna took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She started reciting medical terms in her mind, focusing on the knowledge that was her real inheritance.

This time, she vowed, she would live for herself. She would make Cassie pay for every second of her suffering.

By six o'clock, she went downstairs.

The mansion was silent. Her family was still asleep.

Living with her adoptive family had forced her to wake up early to cook breakfast for everyone. It was a habit she couldn't break, but she had no intention of cooking for the Owens. She knew nothing she did would ever truly win their favor.

She walked into the kitchen. It was already busy with maids preparing for the day. Brianna approached a young maid who was slicing fruit.

"Excuse me," Brianna said politely. "Could I please have some bread and jam? I'd like to make a sandwich."

The young maid, Grace Duffy, looked her up and down with a sneer. "How cheap," she muttered, just loud enough for Brianna to hear. "You finally come back to the Owens, and you get up early to make your own food? Like a servant. Maybe you shouldn't have come back at all."

Brianna didn't get angry. She looked calmly at the maid. "If you have a problem with me, you are free to quit your job," she said, her voice even. "But I doubt you will. Not every family pays as well as the Owens do."

Grace's face turned bright red. She wanted to argue, but she couldn't. The job was easy and the pay was high. She loved it too much to leave.

Just then, an older maid, Hazel Irons, hurried over. She bowed her head slightly to Brianna. "Miss Owen, please forgive my niece, Grace. She speaks without thinking." She quickly handed Brianna a plate with bread and jam. "Here you are."

Brianna gave a small nod. "It's fine." She took the plate and went to the dining room to eat alone.

Grace watched her retreating figure, fuming. "Did you see how she looked at me? So arrogant! She's nothing but a stray the Owens brought in! She's so rude! Not like Miss Cassie. Cassie is so kind and polite. She's the daughter of this house!"

Hazel scolded her sharply. "Enough, Grace! Do not let me hear you say that again!"

Grace shut her mouth, but in her heart, she decided she would find a way to help Cassie get rid of this intruder.

After breakfast, Brianna went for a half-hour run in the garden. She knew a strong body was a useful tool for revenge.

When she returned to the living room, her parents and Cassie were already there, talking and laughing.

Abbie was complaining. "I wish Wesley would visit more. Our son is always so busy with work, keeping a roll on business trip abroad."

Cassie smiled sweetly. "Wesley is just very ambitious. He's a role model for all of us!"

Her words made Caleb and Abbie laugh warmly.

Brianna watched the cozy scene. For a moment, she thought the maid Grace was right. She didn't belong here.

In her past life, she had tried everything to fit in, only to be betrayed and murdered.

This time, she was only here for one reason: justice.

Abbie noticed Brianna standing there. The happy chatter stopped abruptly. An awkward silence filled the room.

Caleb cleared his throat. "Brianna. You're up early. Did you sleep well?"

Brianna forced a small smile. "Yes, thank you. I'm just used to waking up early."

Abbie suddenly clapped her hands, her face brightening. "I just remembered! Brianna, your father and I have decided to throw a big party for you! A welcome home party! We'll invite every important person in Ironvale. It's time the world knew that our real daughter has finally come home!"