chapter 6

And I was severely allergic to cilantro.

In my past life, when I ended up in the hospital from an allergic reaction, they thought I was faking.

They said I had done it to myself, just to get attention.

Derek even complained that I looked ugly during the reaction—and that I had scared Stella.

This time, I watched quietly from the shadows as she tried the same trick again.

Stella placed the juice in front of me.

"Eleanor, I was wrong yesterday. I specially made your favorite dishes and bought your favorite drink."

She smiled sweetly at me, but I didn't react.

Dad's expression darkened instantly.

"Don't be so childish!"

I stayed calm and pushed the glass toward him.

"Can you smell cilantro, Dad?"

He frowned. "What about cilantro?"

"Exactly! What's wrong with you,Eleanor? Stop being so dramatic!" Derek snapped, eyes full of disgust.

I clenched my fists tightly and said quietly, "I'm allergic to cilantro. I remember the orphanage director told you about it."

Silence fell. The director had given them all my records.

If they had just taken the time to read them, to care, they wouldn't have forgotten.

For someone with a severe allergy, even a tiny amount could be life-threatening.

Stella suddenly burst into tears.

"I'm so sorry, Eleanor! I didn't know! Please don't be mad. I I apologize!"

Landon quickly pulled her back. "It's nothing serious."

Mom hurried to comfort her.

"Yes, yes, she's not mad. Be a good girl, don't cry."

Dad glared at me, annoyed.

"Why don't you comfort Stella? You're fine, aren't you? Do you expect her to apologize to you?"

Just like that, I—the victim—became the villain.

Was it my fault she tried to hurt me? Did I force her to apologize?

They were all blind and heartless, believing her clumsy performance.

It was laughable.

I had no interest in watching her act. I grabbed my bag and went back to school.

Finally, the SAT was over. I scored 1560 and won the Presidential Scholars award.

Even my usually cold father smiled at me—for the first time.

He threw a banquet to celebrate, boasting about me to everyone.

Only then did they acknowledge me openly. They bragged about my achievement, about how successful their parenting had been.

Everything was going smoothly—until someone decided to ruin it.

"Stella fell into the pool! Help!"

A loud cry for help came from outside.

The moment Mom heard it, she yanked her arm from mine and rushed out.

I stumbled backward, crashing into the table behind me. Cakes and drinks spilled across the floor.

Seeing Stella splashing in the water, Derek jumped in without hesitation.

After being pulled out, Stella lay unconscious, her face pale.

Even my usually calm father panicked, shouting at the driver, "Drive! Get her to the hospital now!"

They brushed past me without a second glance, their entire focus on Stella.

The three of them left the party, leaving me behind with whispering guests.

In my past life, Stella had pulled the same stunt at my engagement party with Landon.

When Landon heard Stella was drowning, he left me without a word. I had thrown a tantrum.

But this time, I didn't care—about family or that jerk. I had no reason to be angry.

I kept a polite smile on my face, greeting the guests calmly, showing no sign of distress.

I even managed to secure two contracts for my company that night.

Sarah walked over with a smile, linking her arm affectionately with mine.

"Eleanor, you're truly outstanding. My son is so lucky."

My smile didn't reach my eyes. Just moments ago, I had seen Landon leave with Stella.

Just like in the past, Landon had used his so-called pursuit of me to fool his mother.

Perfect. I could use this chance to let her see the truth about Landon and Stella.

"Mrs. Hunt, let's go to the hospital and check on Stella."

Sarah was desperate for me to agree to marry Landon—it would have helped the Hunt family rise even higher.