Chapter 1
1063 Words
My parents were textbook narcissists.
My dad was obsessed with making money and never gave a damn about his family. My mom was a total princess. All she ever cared about was pampering herself—never whether I lived or died.
The year they got divorced, the judge asked me who I wanted to live with.
I said, "Neither."
After that, I was sent to an orphanage. I spent three years there, learning firsthand how cold people could be. I also learned something even more valuable—how to survive, fight back, and win in a dog-eat-dog world.
On the day I started college, my dad texted me.
Dad: Dad's company needs investors. Marry into a wealthy family for us, and we can finally be a real family again.
A message from my mom popped up right after.
Mom: Mom found true love, but his son has kidney failure. Can you get tested? If you're a match, you can donate a kidney.
I stared at the messages, then looked up at the man sitting across from me.
They abandoned me once. Now they wanted to squeeze every last drop of value out of me.
Fine. Don't blame me for playing dirty.
I sent them both the same one-word reply.
Sharon: Pass.
I set my phone down and took a sip of coffee.
The man sitting across from me chuckled softly. His long fingers tapped lazily against the table.
Conrad Stewart, the youngest billionaire power player in the capital.
Three years ago, he had pulled me out of the hellhole called the orphanage and personally forged me into the sharpest blade in his arsenal.
"Henry and Tiffany?" He lifted his eyes slightly, amusement flickering across his dark gaze.
"Yeah."
I placed my cup down, my expression calm. "They've got some nerve."
Conrad scoffed. "They dumped you in court like you were trash. Now they want to pick you back up and use you as a stepping stone."
"That's what narcissists do. In their world, family means nothing. Everything has a price tag."
I stood up and smoothed out my clothes.
"Come on. It's my first day of college. My wonderful parents are probably dying to reclaim ownership of me."
Conrad didn't move. He tilted his head slightly, and the two bodyguards behind him stepped forward.
"Have fun, Princess," he said, his deep voice carrying a hint of amusement.
I left the café and arrived at the university entrance just in time to witness a complete circus.
A black Mercedes and a red Porsche were parked side by side, blocking the main gate.
Henry Powell was dressed in a custom-tailored suit, flanked by two burly bodyguards. He kept checking his watch impatiently.
On the other side stood Tiffany Ross, teetering on four-inch heels, clinging to a greasy-looking middle-aged man. An Hermès bag from the latest collection dangled from her wrist.
They had been divorced for three years. Yet somehow, for the first time ever, they managed to show up together, at the same place and the exact same time, all because of me.
I let out a cold laugh and walked over.
"Sharon!"
Henry's eyes lit up the moment he saw me. He strode over, putting on his best strict-father act.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you only reply with one word to my text? Mr. James is waiting for us at the restaurant. Get in the car right now. We're settling your marriage today!"
No greeting. No concern. Just orders.
Tiffany refused to be outdone. Clicking toward me in her heels, she grabbed my arm.
"Sweetheart, don't listen to your father. Mr. James is 50 years old! He's trying to sell you for an investment!"
Tears welled up in her eyes on cue. Oscar-worthy performance.
"Listen to Mom instead. Come to the hospital with me. Dave's son is in the ICU right now. All you need to do is donate one kidney. Then Mom will give you the good life you've always deserved."
Dave Cooper, the man beside her hurried to agree. "That's right, Sharon. Save my son, and you'll be my daughter from now on."
I stared at them coldly and slowly pried Tiffany's fingers off my arm.
"Mr. Powell, Ms. Tiffany, are you two brain-damaged or something? Three years ago, in that courtroom, both of you said whoever took in me, the burden, would be cursed with bad luck. So what now? 'The burden' has suddenly become everyone's favorite treasure?"
Henry's expression froze. Then his face twisted with rage.
"You ungrateful brat! I'm your father! I gave birth to you, raised you. What's wrong with asking you to marry someone for the family? If you weren't my daughter, do you really think Mr. James would even look twice at an orphanage reject like you?"
Tiffany panicked too. She pointed a finger at my face.
"Sharon, do you have any conscience at all? I carried you for ten months! I'm only asking for one kidney. Are you seriously going to let your younger brother die?"
"My younger brother?"
I looked at her with open mockery. "My mother died a long time ago. How could I possibly have a younger brother?"
"You little b***h!"
Henry had completely lost face in front of the growing crowd. He raised his hand and swung at me.
He still thought I was the helpless girl from three years ago, the one who could only stand there and take his abuse.
I didn't move. I didn't even blink.
Suddenly, a hand like an iron clamp shot out from behind me and grabbed Henry's wrist.
A second later, he was on his knees, screaming in pain.
Conrad's bodyguard released him expressionlessly.
"Touch Miss Powell again, and I'll make sure you never use that arm again."
His voice was so cold it sounded like it came straight from hell.
Henry clutched his wrist, drenched in sweat, staring at the bodyguard in disbelief.
Tiffany and Dave stumbled backward in terror.
I looked down at Henry, who was trembling on the ground.
"You want to squeeze me dry? You people aren't even worth the effort."
I turned around and strode into campus with the bodyguards.
Behind me, Henry roared hysterically, "Sharon! You think getting into college means you've grown wings and can defy me now? I still have your file. We'll see how long you can keep acting tough!"
- Writer
