ManyWriters

  1 At age eight, our family's spiritual guide proclaimed my fate as "too delicate." Consequently, I was dispatched to Serenity Ridge, a sanctuary brimming with mystical energy, to live in isolation. The plan was for me to remain there until I turned eighteen. However, upon my eventual return to the family home, I uncovered a shocking revelation: For a decade, my supposed loving siblings had allowed their adopted foster sister, Jessica, to assume my identity. During my fiancé's birthday celebration, she took her deception even further. Jessica seized the symbol of our betrothal–a gift from my uncle, the Emperor–and flaunted

Shattered Masquerade, The Heiress Returns

The aging Marquis's demise and Wyatt's poor leadership led to the once-grand Stuart family's downfall. In desperation, they sought an alliance with the powerful Duke of Harrington to save their dwindling influence.


In my past life, Wyatt tirelessly lobbied my uncle, the King, for our betrothal. His relentless efforts convinced my uncle of his devotion, resulting in royal approval and a gift of matching jade pendants to symbolize our union.


I was away at Serenity Ridge, engrossed in solitary training when the pendants arrived. Though surprised, I trusted my uncle's judgment and had heard rumors of Wyatt's charm and competence as a young nobleman.


Upon my return, I was astounded to find Wyatt openly doting on Jessica, my supposed foster sister.


For once, I disregarded my brothers' cautions and privately revealed my true identity to Wyatt, hoping he would rectify the situation.


Instead, he became furious and immediately informed my brothers. Fearing Jessica's background would be exposed, they decided to eliminate me before our parents' return.


They bludgeoned me to death in the wilderness, my screams unheard. My corpse was left exposed, ravaged by wild dogs in the night.


Following my demise, my uncle the King was enraged. Wyatt, ever the performer, wept before the throne, claiming unwavering love for me and blaming unnamed villains for deceiving him.


Such a deceitful and spineless individual... Far from the devoted husband my uncle had envisioned.


Jessica, in her naivety, believed marrying into the Marquisate would bring her endless prosperity, oblivious to Wyatt's family's impending ruin.


In this life, the spectators clearly favored Jessica. She shot me a quick, victorious look before lowering her eyes modestly. Her voice, gentle and melodious, carried just the right touch of sorrow as she said:


"Savannah, I've always considered you my sister. How could you betray me like this, impersonating me to wed Wyatt? Don't you realize how much this wounds me?"


She placed a quivering hand on her chest, her face a picture of hurt and disillusionment. Her performance was so compelling that the onlookers immediately began whispering sympathetically.


"Sister?" I scoffed, my tone glacial. "You believe you have the right to call yourself my sister?"


"Since you became a foster child in the Duke's household, you've desired everything of mine. And each time, I yielded to you. My attire, my accessories, my literature–whatever you craved, I surrendered. Even when you mistreated the staff, I shielded you, worried my brothers would banish you if they discovered the truth.


"And how do you repay me, Jessica? By taking my betrothed?" I chuckled mirthlessly, the sound silencing the crowd's murmurs. "How insatiable can you be?"


Tears welled up in Jessica's eyes, and she bit her lip, shaking like a delicate sparrow. Her pitiful display further softened the observers' hearts.


"Jessica, you're too generous," Logan said reassuringly, touching her shoulder. "That's why individuals like her exploit you."


2#02