CHAPTER 6

22nd October, 2016

The day had finally arrived. It was the day of the entrance exams—the day I planned to change the course of my life. As I stepped out of the car, determination filled every fiber of my being. I made my way to the exam center when—

"Laiza, slow down! Can't you see your sister is still getting out of the car?" Mum called out angrily.

"So? What do you want me to do? It's not like I'm her babysitter. Besides, the exam center is right in front of us. If she gets lost walking in a straight line, that's her problem, not mine," I replied dismissively, walking away without sparing her another glance.

Mum's anger radiated behind me, but I didn't care. I wouldn't let anything disrupt my plans today.

Once inside the exam center, I collected my number and found my designated room. Taking a seat, I noticed Stella passing by the adjacent room, surrounded by her usual group of admirers. Typical. It was just like my past life—her charm pulling people in like a magnet. But this time, I didn't care.

The exams began shortly after. The tension in the room was palpable, but unlike the others, I wasn't caught off guard. This wasn't my first rodeo. My previous experience helped me finish in half the allocated time. I spent the remaining time reviewing my answers and simply waiting for the clock to run out.

After submitting my papers, I made my way to the Academy Café around the corner. Despite Crestwood's reputation as a prestigious institution, the café had barely fifteen candidates. Soon, a man and woman entered, distributing wristbands that would be scanned at the examination rooms. It seemed unnecessary—what were they afraid of? Candidates running away or switching places? Still, I complied.

The actual exam room was bizarre—completely empty except for a desk, chair, pen, and paper. As I cautiously sat down, a voice came through the public address system.

"Dear candidates, please begin your exams."

And so, my journey toward a new life began.

When I emerged from the Academy, it was already evening. The serene quietness around me felt like a balm, washing away thoughts of my past life and the thirst for revenge. For a fleeting moment, I entertained the idea of using Crestwood as a fresh start—far from everything and everyone.

But then, a noisy crowd disrupted my peace. I had no business with them, so I kept walking, letting the tranquility of the evening fill me.

When I returned home, I found Stella crying in Mum's arms. Ignoring the scene, I headed to my room, but Mum's sharp voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Laiza Sabrina Denford! Where do you think you're going?"

Sighing, I turned. "What now?"

"What kind of sister are you, leaving Stella alone at the exam center? What if something had happened to her? You're selfish and unruly! I knew I shouldn't have kept you—I should've given you away when you were born!" Mum shouted, her words piercing through me like daggers.

Her cruel remarks only solidified my suspicions about her feelings toward me. I met her glare with calm resolve.

"You know, it's funny how yesterday you were professing your love for me, and today you're telling me I shouldn't exist. If I'm so selfish, why did I follow your darling daughter to that ridiculous piano class she begged for?" I spat bitterly.

"How dare you insult your sister like that?" Mum roared, but I cut her off.

"Insult her? It's the truth! She's an imbecile who can't function without me trailing her like a nanny. And those two 'perfect' sons of yours? I don't care about them or the golden pedestals you've placed them on. But hear me now—I'm done trying to be the 'perfect child' for a hypocrite like you!"

Mum slapped me hard across the face.

"Mum!" Stella, Brian, and Liam screamed, but their voices barely registered.

I wasn't angry at them—I was angry at my past self for ever seeking love from these people.

"You call yourself my mother? You pretend to love me while stabbing me in the back. Well, I don't need your love anymore. I would've chosen to die rather than be born into this wretched family!"

"Laiza, take that back right now!" Dad's voice thundered.

"Or what? You'll lock me in the basement again?" I challenged, glaring at Brian and Liam.

Turning back to Mum, I delivered the final blow.

"You claim to love me, but you're nothing but a liar and a hypocrite. And you, Dad, you're no better—turning a blind eye to their lies and punishments. To all of you, I'm just a mistake. Well, don't worry. I'll leave soon enough and erase myself from your perfect little world."

The morning brought exhaustion but clarity. I prepared a simple breakfast and avoided my family until Stella confronted me.

"You owe Mum an apology!" she demanded, her tone self-righteous.

"Why? For speaking the truth? I'm done apologizing for things I didn't do. I'm no longer your punching bag," I said firmly, ignoring her growing frustration.

"You're a disgrace!" Brian sneered, with Liam echoing his insult.

"Disgrace? I don't care. None of you are my family. I stopped caring a long time ago."

Their shocked expressions gave me a perverse sense of satisfaction. I turned and left, determined to focus on my future.

When the results came in, I played along with their charade.

"Laiza, you passed with full marks and earned a double scholarship," Dad announced.

Feigning excitement, I hugged him and danced around with my result.

"Double scholarship? What does that mean?" Mum asked.

"It means I can take someone along as an aide," I explained, deliberately fanning the flames.

Turning to Uncle Tim, I offered, "How about Aiden? He's always wanted to go to Valor Ridge. This could be his chance!"

Stella erupted in anger, revealing her entitlement. Mum quickly ushered everyone out, and Dad tried to manipulate me into giving the scholarship to Stella.

"No way," I declared coldly. "I worked hard for this, and I won't hand it over to that lazy brat."

This marked the beginning of a new chapter—one where I refused to be a pawn in their twisted game. My path was clear, and I would use every opportunity to secure the future I deserved.