I'm no more responsible for you

"Wake up, Sloth! The sun has risen over your butt."

Sophia barged into the room, yanking the blanket off Gianna as usual. Lips pursed with annoyance, she towered over Gianna's bed with clear disapproval. She couldn't believe that the former still hasn't woken up yet even though it's already 5:30 in the morning. How can a girl be so lazy?

Gianna groaned, her body stiff from exhaustion. Being denied a proper eight hours of sleep always left her groggy. Her eyelids felt as heavy as stones, and the overwhelming urge to shut them again made it nearly impossible to focus.

"It's 5:30 already. Go make meals for your siblings and go open the store quickly. Do I really have to wake you up every day before you get used to this?" Sophia scolded, hands planted firmly on her waist, her face etched with anger.

Gianna let out a slow breath, massaging her temple before shooting Sophia a hard look. Her voice came out hoarse yet cold. "Don't wake me up this early ever again."

Sophia, who had already turned toward the door, halted in her tracks. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she slowly turned around, pointing at her own chest as if making sure she wasn't hearing things.

"Are you talking to me?"

Gianna sighed, feeling drained as she sank back into the comfort of her blanket.

"I'm talking to you! Are you deaf?!" Sophia snapped, nostrils flaring with anger.

Gianna sat up with another sigh, her expression tired but firm. "Is it that hard to understand my request? I have to wake up at 5:30 and sleep at almost 12 a.m. Do you think that's enough rest for me? You know it's bad for my health, right?"

Her fingers clenched around the edge of the blanket as memories of her past life surfaced.

As a superstar, she had learned the importance of rest. Between the ages of 18 and 21, her life had been a constant struggle—juggling multiple jobs, barely sleeping, and constantly pushing herself beyond her limits. She had gone from working at Walmart to modeling, then quickly transitioning into acting. The rise had been swift but brutal, and for nearly three years, she had survived on less than three hours of sleep each night.

By the time she turned 22, the consequences had caught up to her. Severe migraines, chronic fatigue, and health issues had forced her to slow down. After that, she never allowed herself to be sleep-deprived again. Even her agency made sure to avoid overburdening her.

But now, here she was, trapped in a new life where exhaustion seemed to be her fate once more.

Sophia blinked at her, momentarily taken aback before her lips curled into a sneer. "You think I care?"

Gianna stilled.

"You're already eighteen—an adult. If you don't like the way things are, you're free to move out anytime," Sophia continued, arms crossed. "Do you think I'm going to baby you? If you can't get your ass up early like an adult should, then don't expect anything from me. As long as you live in my house rent-free, eating my food, you'll follow my rules. I already told you—I'm not responsible for you anymore."

Gianna's breath hitched. The ridiculing gaze Sophia shot her made her stomach churn.

She had never expected a biological mother to speak this way to her own child. Maybe it was because, in her past life, she had been raised by a grandmother who had always put her first. A woman who had supported her, comforted her, and ensured she never felt alone.

The contrast was jarring.

Her silence only made Sophia scoff. "Take care of your siblings properly. If you can't handle it, leave."

With that, she slammed the door shut so forcefully that Gianna flinched.

For a few seconds, Gianna remained still, her head resting against the headboard, eyes blankly staring at the ceiling.

Finally, with a deep breath, she got up.

She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and moved to the kitchen, her mind clouded with thoughts. As she sliced onions, the sharp sting in her eyes barely registered. Her focus was elsewhere—on her life, her future that was so uncertain.

She needed to act fast.

Though it had only been a day since her rebirth, reality had already proven that this new life wouldn't be smooth sailing.

"Sister, good morning!"

A bright, energetic voice pulled her from her thoughts. Aurora walked into the kitchen with a cheerful smile. Her dark curls bounced slightly as she moved, and her large, innocent eyes sparkled with excitement. "How was your night?" she asked eagerly.

Gianna turned to her, forcing a small smile. "Good. Yours?"

"Bright!" Aurora nodded enthusiastically. She felt energized—better than she had in a long time.

The conversation they had shared the night before had felt almost surreal. But she knew it had been real, and her sister's promise to always be there for her had been enough to brighten not just her night but possibly her entire week.

"Go wait in the dining room. The food will be ready soon," Gianna instructed, her attention shifting back to the steaks she was cutting.

She had no choice.

If she wanted to escape this life, she needed a plan—and fast.