Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

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“What are you smirking at? Noelle, we made it clear when we brought you back two years ago—Willa was raised in this house. Even if you’re not related by blood, you’re expected to treat her like your own sister. You, as the older one, are supposed to protect her—spoil her! But what have you done since you returned?”

Noelle smiled bitterly. Her lips, soft and rose-colored, trembled slightly. Two years ago, when the Moss family came looking for her and claimed her as one of their own, she thought she had finally found her people. Jeffery and Babette had already passed away, and with no one left, she clung to the hope of reuniting with her real family. She even turned down a generous offer from Levi Martin, Jeffery’s old friend, who had wanted her to live with him—just so she could live with the Mosses.

For two years, she had done everything she could to fit in. She had endured more than anyone should have, always backing down.

She gave Willa the nicest things, only taking what Willa rejected. She lived like a shadow behind her, never asking for more.

She truly believed that if she kept being patient and kind, the family would slowly start to accept her. That maybe her parents and five brothers would see her as one of them.