Chapter 2

The recess bell chimed, jolting me awake.

I surveyed my surroundings and realized I had been given a second chance at life.

I found myself at the beginning of my high school journey, a sixteen-year-old freshman. Coincidentally, my parents George and Maria visited the school that day.

My teacher summoned me to meet them.

"Ruby, I'm your mother," she said.

I nodded uncertainly. During our journey to the family estate, George and Maria filled me in on the details.

Upon entering the mansion, I spotted Quincy dressed in an elegant white designer outfit.

She greeted Maria warmly, taking her hand.

"Mom, Dad, welcome home. Is this Ruby?"

I observed their closeness, feeling like an outsider.

In my past life, I had been incredibly envious of her. I had pleaded with George and Maria for similar treatment.

However, this only resulted in their disapproval, viewing me as an unrefined daughter who couldn't measure up to Quincy.

But weren't they supposed to provide for me? They owed me that much.

I had merely asked for a new dress and room, yet they deemed me improper.

It became clear how superficial this blood connection truly was.

Regrettably, I hadn't grasped this in my previous existence.

This time around, I resolved not to vie with Quincy for status within the Shaw household.

"Indeed, this is Ruby. From now on, you two are sisters. Ruby, meet your older sister."

Hank descended from upstairs, eyeing me with disdain.

"How can she be our sister?"

Just as before, Hank was fiercely protective of Quincy.

Yet I, his biological sibling, was completely disregarded.

This pattern persisted across both lives.

I shot Hank a cold glance, then replied evenly, "You're correct, I probably shouldn't be."

George noticed my unfriendly tone and promptly addressed Hank,

"Apologize to Ruby. She's your biological sister. How could you say such things?"

Hank glared at me, teeth clenched. Despite the clear hostility in his eyes, he grudgingly called me sister.

I paid it no mind. What was the use of a facade of harmony when turmoil lurked beneath? I cared nothing for such pretenses.