CHAPTER 4

October 18, 2016

It was as early as 7 a.m. when I woke up, groggy, but with a clear purpose. I started getting rid of anything and everything that made me look like I was coping—like I was trying to be Stella. In other words, I was clearing my already bare room, making it even emptier. It wasn't like I didn't have an allowance. In my past life, I never spent my allowance to avoid seeming like a spoiled brat. Instead, I took hand-me-downs from Stella and stupidly paraded around in her trash, thinking that somehow, this would earn their approval. Looking back on it now, I detested my former self. I was furious for ever craving their attention.

By the time the maids had finished their morning chores, I was done packing everything. I took a bath and threw on a sweater and sweatpants since my closet was now empty. As I tied my hair into a ponytail and reached for my credit card from the drawer, two maids barged into my room.

"What did you just put in your pocket?" one of them shrieked, accusingly.

"Excuse me?" I responded, irritated.

In my past life, whenever they saw me with something, they immediately accused me of stealing. They would report it to my mother, who, of course, never listened to my side of the story. She always took theirs and punished me without question. But this time, I wasn't about to let them bully me.

"You heard me," the second maid demanded. "Take it out, now."

I leaned back against the dresser and crossed my arms. "Since when do I owe you an explanation?"

The first maid blinked in confusion, "What did you just say to me, you little brat?"

"You heard me. Who do you think you are, interrogating me in my house?" I said, walking toward them, asserting my dominance.

"You… you…" she stuttered, clearly taken aback.

"This is your first and last warning. Don't ever act like you're in charge here, or we'll see who gets kicked out first." I turned toward the door, but before leaving, I added, "Oh, and take those boxes from my room and donate them. If I see them when I get back, you'll regret it." I shut the door behind me, leaving them speechless.

Downstairs, I grabbed an apple from the kitchen, but just as I was about to head out, my mother's voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned to see her standing on the stairs, looking furious, with those two maids smirking behind her.

"What is it this time?" I asked, unbothered by the scene unfolding before me.

"Laiza, your change in behavior is unacceptable!" Mum scolded.

"Sigh What did I do now?" I asked, emotionless.

"The maids said you stole something that wasn't yours! What is wrong with you? What could you possibly want that you don't already have? Why are you so determined to disgrace this family?" she snapped, clearly echoing the maids' lies.

The two maids tried to act concerned. "Oh, Mistress, don't say that to the little miss," one said, fake sympathy dripping from her voice.

"Yes, she's just a child. Please calm down," the other added.

Disgusted, I sighed and looked my mother dead in the eye. "Are you done?"

The three of them looked confused. I continued, "I asked if you were done. Because now, I have some questions. You two," I pointed at the maids, "claim I stole something. Where did I steal it from?"

The first maid hesitated, "Uh… from the second miss's room, of course."

"Yes, that's right!" the second maid quickly chimed in. "You took one of her jewelry pieces."

I smiled. "Interesting. And where did you see me with this so-called stolen item?"

"In your room," the first maid replied, puzzled by my calmness.

"Really? Because didn't you just say you saw me in Stella's room?" I asked, watching my mother's anger falter.

"Well…"

"You see, I never went into anyone's room. If you don't believe me, go check for yourselves. Stella is still sleeping, and I haven't touched a thing. Perhaps you should be checking these two instead," I gestured at the maids. "They seem to know an awful lot about what's missing."

With that, I turned on my heel and saw Uncle Tim, the butler, approaching. "Uncle Tim, could you please have someone clear the boxes in my room for donation?" I asked him sweetly. He nodded, and I left the house without looking back.

I headed to Elise Square, where the best high-end shops were located. It was a vibrant, colorful place, always bustling with activity. I spent the day transforming myself. First, I went to a salon, trading in my dull look for a fresh wolf cut that kept my hair long but stylishly edgy. Then, I shopped for everything I wanted—clothes, accessories, and a new phone. For the first time in a long time, I felt in control of my own life.

By the time I returned home, it was already evening. The moment I stepped through the door, Liam stormed toward me.

"Where the hell have you been?" he yelled.

"Since when did you care about my whereabouts?" I asked, unamused.

"Answer me!" he shouted again, getting on my last nerve.

"Enough, Liam," Mum interjected. "Laiza, where have you been all day?"

"Shopping," I said flatly, showing off the bags in my hands.

Stella approached, her eyes wide. "What did you do to your hair?" she asked, voice trembling with disbelief.

"I cut it. Why?"

"Why would you do that?" she shrieked, tears filling her eyes.

"Why wouldn't I? It's my hair," I shot back.

"Who gave you permission to change your look? Who said you could look better than me?" Stella screamed, her jealousy on full display.

I couldn't help but smirk. "I don't need permission from anyone. I'm not your shadow anymore, Stella. Get used to it."

She was seething, but I wasn't done. "I am Laiza Denford. I do what I want, and no one—not even you—can stop me."

With that, I brushed past her and made my way upstairs. Uncle Tim followed, and after everything was put away, I sat in my now sparse room, feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.

Uncle Tim sat next to me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. For the first time in years, I let myself break down, crying freely. All the pain and frustration from both my past life and this one poured out.

"I don't know what caused this change in you," Uncle Tim said softly, "but if it makes you happy, you have my full support."

I smiled sadly. "You're the only family I have, Uncle Tim. Thank you."

As we sat there, I finally felt a glimmer of hope. For the first time in a long time, I was on the path to reclaiming my life—and no one, not Stella, not my mother, not anyone, was going to stop me.