Heiress: Fake or Real?

I am the fake daughter of the Serenity family. The night the Serenity family's real daughter returned, I was sent back to my biological family. But a few months later, their whole family knelt before my mother and me. Pleading for our forgiveness. However, as I watched them being taken away by the police, I felt a cold indifference. I no longer had any connection with them. I got out of the car, and as soon as I closed the door, the car hurriedly drove out of my sight. I didn't even get to say a word. The alley was pitch dark, without a single streetlight. I took a deep breath, and after a few steps, I saw a figure. "Is that you, Nina?" I was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly walked forward to support her. The woman was short and appeared older than her actual age. She had difficulty walking. This was my biological mother, Haley. Haley grasped my hand excitedly, and I could feel her fingers trembling slightly. She took me back home, to a dilapidated house. The living room was only about ten square meters, with peeling walls. Haley was the only one at home; my father had passed away a long time ago. Previously, Bonnie lived with Haley, and now, it was my turn, from now on. In the dim light, Haley looked at my face and let out a long sigh. "From now on, it's going to be hard for you to live a tough life with me." She seemed a bit guilty, thinking that I had lived a life of luxury in the Serenity family for eighteen years. Surely, I wouldn't be used to such a hard life. "Mom, didn't I already call you when I was on my way, telling you to rest early?" Haley took me to the room she had already prepared for me, which used to be Bonnie's room. The sheets and quilt had been replaced with new ones. I had no particular expectations and was quite satisfied. Although Bonnie and I had returned to our respective places, we were still in the same school. Early in the morning, I got off the bus. Bonnie got out of the Serenity family's million-dollar car. She had changed into a beautiful princess dress and looked much more stylish. She spotted me and walked over. In the past, she always looked at me with a mix of inferiority and defiance. But now, she was confident and aloof. "Nina, or should I call you Harmony now. Who told you to bully me at school? Otherwise, Mom and Dad wouldn't have kicked you out overnight." Bully her? I really didn't know when I had ever bullied her. I ignored her and turned to walk into the school gate. Bonnie grabbed my arm and said sharply, "Tonight is Mom's birthday, and there's a birthday party at home. If you beg me, I might just take you along." I frowned slightly and turned to look at her. Bonnie seemed to think she had me cornered. She released my arm and nodded slightly. "You won't see Mom without me! As long as you apologize to Mom properly, I believe she'll forgive you." "Nina, are you bullying Bonnie?" The boy who just got out of the car was my fiancé. Oh, my former fiancé. To be precise, he was now Bonnie's fiancé. His name was Matthew, and he had a fair face. It hadn't been long since he last saw me, yet he changed his tune so quickly. He stood in front of Bonnie, like a gallant knight. He looked at me with furrowed brows, revealing a hint of dissatisfaction: "You've been living Bonnie's life of happiness for over a decade, and you still won't let her go?" I couldn't help but laugh when I heard that. The Mason family wasn't any better than the Harmony family at the start. In fact, they were worse than the Harmony family. At least the Harmony family wasn't buried under a mountain of debt. My dad used to be involved in chemical research, and after he died, the family started to decline. From as far back as I can remember, the Mason family was constantly being chased for debts. They were even beaten by debt collectors, ending up with bruised faces, and I would often be scared to the point of tears. How did the Mason family become prosperous? It was because I won a prize worth half a million. Since then, the Mason family began to thrive, making huge profits no matter what they did. Now, they are millionaires, with funds nearing a billion. Everyone thinks it's the Mason family's good luck, but they don't know it's my good luck. "Matthew, you used to say you only liked me, and now?" Everyone at school knew Bonnie liked Matthew. Knowing that Matthew once confessed to me, her face turned extremely sour. She even lost control of her emotions: "Nina, if you hadn't taken over my identity, Matthew would be my fiancé." "Yes, yes, whatever you say." I waved my hand and walked into the school. If I continued talking, I'd be late. I didn't really like Matthew; although he looked good, he wasn't very smart, and I found him foolish. I didn't refuse the marriage before because of family pressure, and I didn't have anyone else I liked. In just half a day, I noticed that my classmates treated me differently than before. Those who used to surround me were now all around Bonnie. I could even hear them whispering, calling me a fake heiress. Saying I used to bully Bonnie. And they said it was karma, what goes around comes around. I gave a wry smile; it's actually a relief not having them around me. I have more time to do my own things. Usually, after class, I had to help them solve problems, which was really troublesome. "Boss, boss." Scott poked my back with his finger. I turned to look at him, and he whispered, "Boss, here you go." He took out a bank card and tried to give it to me. "I'm not so poor that I need your charity." Scott insisted on pressing the card into my hand: "What are you talking about? This is your share of the profit, eight million!" Scott may look chubby, but he's one of the few friends I have at school. He's very clever and has long since partnered with me to start an influencer company. We have countless influencers under us, with quite a reputation online. I also have my own account, with a fan base of thirty million. I host a live stream once a month to sell products, and the products I endorse have never had any issues. Not only that, they almost always sell out instantly. So, many people approach me to sell their products. Apart from my salary, Scott gives me a share of the profits. Holding the card, thinking about my shabby house, I decided to buy a house first, preferably close to the school. In the afternoon. I went to the dance club, where Bonnie was also a member. Vivian, the club president and a senior, was always friendly to me because of my talent in classical dance. The next school centennial event was going to feature a classical dance performance. I became the lead dancer. Today, as usual, I stood at the front of the group. But Vivian brought Bonnie and publicly announced that Bonnie would be the lead dancer from now on. "Vivian, could you tell me the reason?" I stepped forward to ask. Actually, I already knew the reason. "The first rule of the dance club is to obey all the president's arrangements. Nina, step down." When Vivian called me Nina, I instantly understood. Bonnie looked at me smugly: "The position of lead dancer is for the capable! If you can't do it, of course, someone else will take over." Bonnie always believed I got the lead dancer position not because of my talent, but because of the Mason family. I nodded: "Then, Vivian, from today on, I’m afraid I’ll have to quit the dance club." Yes, in the dance club, we have to follow the president's orders, but I can leave whenever I choose. I quickly headed to the changing room, took off the dance costume, and left with my belongings. I'm quite curious to see how Bonnie will manage to lead everyone in this dance at the school celebration in three days. If I recall correctly, this dance isn't just for performance. It will even be part of a competition, with many judges coming to score various performances on the day of the celebration. I bought a three-bedroom apartment of about 200 square meters near the school. That evening, I brought my mom to the new house. She looked anxious as she stepped inside. She asked me cautiously, "Nina, how much is the rent for this place?" I smiled: "Mom, I bought this house. You can live here from now on." "No, no way! You can't use the Mason family's money." My mom certainly wouldn’t believe I could have so much money, thinking it was from the Mason family. I held her hand and patiently explained for a long time, and she finally believed me. The money is mine, not the Mason family's. My mom looked at me with relief: "Nina, you're amazing." Matthew and Bonnie are now a couple. I don't know if it's intentional, but they seem to keep popping up around me. During meals, breaks, and even when I take a walk on the track, I see them. My classmates cast sympathetic glances my way. Maybe they think losing someone like him is a pitiful thing. My gaze unintentionally fell ahead. Matthew was holding an ice cream, and Bonnie happily took a bite. I internally rolled my eyes and turned to walk away. "Nina, what a coincidence to meet you here." Bonnie called out loudly and dragged Matthew over. "Nina, how have you stooped so low, hanging out with someone like him?" Scott was following behind me with a big bag of snacks. What does she mean by 'fallen'? Scott and I have always been good friends. He's the only one who didn't change his attitude towards me after learning I wasn't the Mason family's eldest daughter. Our friendship remains the same. "I heard you live near the school, Nina. You shouldn't be so desperate for survival that you..." Bonnie didn't finish her sentence, but her gaze shifted between Scott and me. I really wanted to rush over and shut her up. Matthew also looked complicated, clearly believing Bonnie's words. "Nina, if you're in trouble, you can tell me. After all, we know each other." I cut them off irritably: "I have nothing to do with you anymore. Whether I'm living well or struggling, it's none of your business." I glanced at Scott. "Scott, let's go." We reached the classroom. He opened a bag of chips and handed it over to me. I grabbed a chip and asked, "Aren't you going to have some?" "I'm on a diet," he said, a bit embarrassed. Scott looked slimmer than before. He used to weigh at least 180 pounds, but now he was probably around 150 pounds, looking much less chubby. "Great progress, keep it up." "Chief, you think I've lost weight too, right?" He seemed very happy, his chubby face even looked a bit cute. I shook my head and took a wild guess. "Since when did you start caring about your appearance? Tell me, did you fall for that female classmate?" Scott's face turned red, and he stammered, unable to say anything. Well, I must have guessed right. After school, Matthew was waiting for me outside. He pulled me to a secluded spot. I immediately pulled my hand away. "What are you doing?" "Nina, break it off with Scott. Don't do something you'll regret for money." He was still hung up on what Bonnie said earlier. "I think I've made it very clear, I have nothing to do with you." "Nina, I know you're angry, but believe me, the one I love is you! I'm only with Bonnie because of the engagement. If you agree to be with me again, I can give you money." I couldn't believe Matthew would say something like that. In my heart, he was already trash. Now, he's even worse than trash. I deliberately said, "If I continue with you, what about Bonnie?" "I have one condition, Bonnie can't know." If I'm not mistaken, he wants both. I mocked, "You're just like your dad, a perfect replica." If I remember correctly, Matthew's father had an affair and had a child with another woman. That child was Matthew. After his father's original wife died, Matthew and his mother were brought back to the Christian family. That was several years ago. Matthew's face turned pale, "Don't mention that." He didn't like being called an illegitimate child, and no one had called him that for years. But some things are like a thorn that can't be removed. It won't kill you, but it's a constant irritation. "Nina, don't be ungrateful." He gritted his teeth, staring at me as if everything he did was a favor to me. Unfortunately... "I don't want your money. Don't bother me again, and take care of your fiancée." I turned and left, and Matthew didn't follow. On the way back, I saw from a distance that a guy seemed to be giving Scott a hard time. The man was holding onto Scott's hand. "Come back with me." "I'm not going back." "You're going back whether you want to or not." I immediately approached and called out at the right moment, "Scott." Hearing my voice, Scott looked over at me, and the man let go of his hand. "What are you doing here? The teacher said there's something they need to discuss with you." I shot Scott a look, hoping he'd get it. Luckily, he wasn't that dumb and caught on immediately. "Oh, okay, I'll go right away." It was only later that I realized that guy was Scott's brother. Scott had a falling out with his family and vowed not to return until he made fifty million dollars. I was sipping on a Coke when I heard the news. I almost choked. "What does your dad do?" He talks about five million like it's fifty bucks. "My dad is in real estate." Scott didn't say more, and I didn't push him. "So, have you earned it?" Scott shook his head, but his eyes showed a hint of determination: "I will earn it eventually." "Nina!" My mom looked a bit surprised to see me, carrying groceries, clearly just back from shopping. "Why are you sitting down here? Is this your classmate? Why not invite him inside?" At my mom's invitation, Scott casually strolled into my new home. My mom was busy in the kitchen alone, so I didn't go in to make things worse. I'm clueless when it comes to cooking. Scott, however, went in to help, saying he couldn't just sit around; that would be too rude. I helped set the table. Most of the dishes were my mom's handiwork, except for a plate of sweet and sour ribs that Scott made. I took a bite and gave him a thumbs up. I must say, it tasted really good. Even Scott, who I usually see as chubby, seemed quite adorable. On the day of the centennial celebration, many parents showed up. I originally wanted my mom to come too, but her mobility issues kept her from attending. However, Mason's parents came to watch Bonnie perform a classical dance. When they saw me, their eyes quickly skimmed over me as if I wasn't even there. They never liked me and were never kind to me since I was a child. I even suspect they might have known all along that I wasn't their biological daughter. Scott sat beside me, bringing my favorite lemon-flavored candies. Bonnie's dance had already started. As the lead dancer, she had to perform a few big moves like somersaults solo. I watched with interest. Suddenly... Bonnie fell straight to the ground during a somersault. Although there was a mat prepared on the ground, her painful expression still showed how much it hurt. The dance stopped, and classmates and teachers, along with Mason's parents, rushed onto the stage. I grabbed another candy from Scott. "Boss, I think your dancing is way better than hers." "You watched me dance?" Scott blushed, hesitated, and stayed silent. I didn't ask further; this dance was meant for a competition. Today was the first official public performance, usually practiced in the dance studio. Speaking of which, I had put a lot of effort into it too. Unfortunately, even if I handed it to them, they couldn't handle it. Bonnie was sent to the hospital, and Vivian came to find me after school. She blocked my way, seemingly a bit humble: "Nina, please come back to the dance club. We're about to participate in the city competition." Yes, it was already registered. But it was her decision to change the lead dancer, and now that Bonnie couldn't do it, she wanted me back? Why should I? "Sorry, Vivian, I'm busy. Please step aside." Vivian stood her ground in front of me. Her brows furrowed in silence. Just as I was running out of patience, she finally spoke: "Nina, can you bear to see everyone's hard work go to waste? In such a short time, where can I find a lead dancer?" When I left, no one pleaded for me. They didn't say a word. Even though I didn't make a fuss about it, it doesn't mean I've forgotten. I was strict with them as it was essential for preparing for the city competition. I also knew they resented me for it. At that time, when Vivian asked me to leave, they were all secretly hoping for it. "Vivian, I can return, but you must agree to one condition." Vivian looked pleased but there was a hint of caution in her eyes. "What condition?" "Write an apology letter and post it on the school's bulletin board, and I want every member of the dance club to personally sign their name on it." Every member, including Bonnie, of course. "Nina, it was me who asked you to leave the dance club. I'll apologize to you, but why should others apologize too?" "This is my only request. Whenever you manage to do it, come find me." I'm not in a hurry; it's them who are anxious now. I waved my hand, lightly bumped Vivian's shoulder, and walked past her with ease. After school, I have a meeting with a client alongside Scott. These are brands that want me to promote their products. It's a major skincare brand. This brand offers very generous commissions, and the products are trustworthy. As long as everything goes smoothly, there's no reason not to collaborate.