chapter eight

The grand Zu mansion was alive with chatter, the lavishly decorated ballroom filled with guests who had come to welcome the long-lost daughter of the Zu family—me. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, reflecting off the polished marble floor. Opulence surrounded me, but I felt nothing but cold familiarity. I had been here before. I had lived through this night once.

And I had suffered.

My fingers curled around the fabric of my dress as I stood at the entrance. This time would be different.

Sonia Zu, my so-called sister, was at the center of it all. Dressed in a stunning lilac gown, she was the perfect image of a gracious host, smiling sweetly as she welcomed guests.

But I knew that smile hid venom. Sonia had arranged this party, not to honor me, but to humiliate me.

My lips curled into a knowing smirk. Go ahead, Sonia. Try it. Let's see how this night plays out.

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As the evening progressed, Sonia's voice rang out, silencing the murmurs in the crowd.

"Everyone!" she called, clinking her glass. "Tonight is special because we are welcoming back my dear sister, Emily."

A polite round of applause followed, though some guests exchanged glances, their skepticism clear. I was, after all, the daughter who had grown up in the countryside—an outsider in their elite world.

Sonia turned to me with a bright, insincere smile. "Emily, I've been telling our guests about you. They're so curious to see what hidden talents you have. Won't you show us something?"

My heart pounded, though not from nerves. This was it—the exact moment I had been waiting for.

I remembered how, in my past life, I had hesitated, unsure of myself. I had fumbled through a simple tune on the piano, only for Sonia to sneer and say, "Oh dear, is that all you can do?" Laughter had followed, her parents' faces darkened with disappointment, and the guests had whispered about how unworthy she was of being a Zu.

That night, I felt worthless.

This time, I was prepared.

I could have easily shocked them. I could play the piano, dance, even paint with skill refined beyond their imaginations. But instead, I tilted my head and smiled softly.

"I… don't have any skills," I said, my voice meek.

Gasps rippled through the room.

A mocking chuckle came from the crowd, and I caught sight of a few guests exchanging smug looks. Someone whispered, "I knew it. She's just a country bumpkin."

Sonia's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Oh, that's unfortunate," she said, feigning sympathy. "You mean to say you don't know how to play any instrument? No singing? No dancing?"

I shook my head. "No, nothing at all."

Laughter erupted, low at first, then growing louder. The humiliation Sonia had been aiming for unfolded just as she had planned. I saw my father's face darken, his lips pressed into a thin line, while the guests murmured among themselves. My brother had a smirk on his face, like he was expecting me to be worthless.

But then something unexpected happened.

"Enough!"

The voice cut through the noise, sharp and commanding.

My eyes widened in shock. No… it can't be.

My mother stood up from her seat, her gaze sweeping across the room like a blade. The laughter died instantly.

"Why should she have to prove herself to you?" my mum demanded, her voice carrying authority. "Is my daughter's worth determined by how well she performs at a party?"

My breath caught in my throat. This wasn't how it had happened before.

In her past life, her mother had been one of the first to look away in disappointment. That night, my mum had said nothing, merely shaking her head as if I had embarrassed her. But now, she was standing up for me?

The guests shifted uncomfortably. This wasn't the reaction they had expected.

Sonia's expression faltered, her perfect smile cracking. "Mother, I—"

My mum's sharp gaze turned to her. "Sonia, why did you put your sister on the spot like this?"

Sonia stiffened, her hands clenching. "I-I was just trying to help her—"

"By making her a spectacle?" My mum's voice was cold. "Emily has just returned home, and instead of making her feel welcome, you humiliate her? How dare you?"

A heavy silence fell over the room.

I stared at my mother, my heart pounding. Why? Why is she standing up for me now?

I had expected rejection. I had expected to see that same cold indifference I had once received. That was why I had hidden my skills—to test whether my family would cast me aside again. But this… this was different.

My mother turned to me then, eyes softening. "Emily, you don't have to prove yourself to anyone. You are my daughter. That is enough."

A lump formed in my throat. I had never heard those words before.

Not in my past life.

The party continued, but the atmosphere had changed. No one dared to mock me again after my mum's words. The whispers became admiration instead of ridicule.

"She's lucky to have Madam Zu's support…"

"Maybe she isn't as useless as we thought."

I noticed how some guests now looked at me differently, as if reconsidering their judgment.

Sonia, on the other hand, was seething. Her hands trembled as she clutched her wine glass. This was supposed to be her moment. She had planned everything so perfectly, yet it had backfired.

I caught Sonia's eye and gave her a small, knowing smile. You failed.

For the first time, Sonia looked uncertain.

I turned to her mother. "Thank you," she whispered.

My mum reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "You are my daughter, Emily. I won't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

My chest tightened. Maybe… just maybe, this life would be different.