Chapter 1
For ten years, my parents were stationed abroad.
I was sent to live with my uncle in the village. I grew up rough around the edges, quick-tempered. Whoever crossed me, I'd snap back on the spot.
I was nothing like Jenna Reed, who had stayed by my parents' side, gentle and sophisticated.
She played the piano beautifully, spoke softly and sweetly, and never made anyone feel awkward.
She was the daughter of my parents' friends. After her parents passed away, she lived abroad with my parents.
In every photo in the family group chat, my mother was always hugging her and sighing, "Not my own flesh and blood, yet closer than flesh and blood."
I hated her.
I hated her for taking my parents from me, for not sharing them with me for a single day in those ten years.
So I finally stood my ground and snatched away her engagement with the Chase family.
Joseph Chase, the only son of the Chase family of Fairport, was exceptionally handsome and came from a wealthy family.
But Jenna later married poorly. Her husband cheated on her and beat her daily.
Joseph felt guilty and often helped her in secret.
When I found out, I fell out with him.
I stood my ground once more, never speaking to him again until my dying day.
He knelt by my sickbed, gripping my hand and refusing to let go.
"Nina, I beg you, don't leave me alone. When you get better, we'll be just like before, traveling everywhere with you..."
But I didn't want that anymore.
When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my mother was arranging a blind date for Jenna.
I spoke up, "Joseph likes sapphires. Jenna, you should wear that Cartier sapphire bracelet; he'll definitely like it."
My mother shot me a look like knives.
"How do you know what he likes? An unmarried girl poking her nose into such things. Go stand in the corner!"
In my past life, I would have snapped back long ago. This time, without a word, I walked over and stood ramrod straight.
My mother was stunned for a moment.
Just as she was about to speak, Jenna hooked her arm through my mother's and gently smoothed things over, "Mrs. Hayes, she means well. Since Joseph likes sapphires, I'll just wear the Cartier one; it matches my outfit perfectly. I'll listen to her."
My mother's expression softened, and she patted Jenna's hand.
"Jenna is still the sensible one," she said. She added, "Oh, right. I have a Graff piece in my jewelry box worth a million. It's perfect for you to wear; it's just gathering dust here with me anyway."
That bracelet was mine.
My grandmother left it to me before she passed. My mother said she'd keep it for me and give it to me when I turned eighteen.
Surprise flickered in Jenna's eyes, and she hurriedly declined, "That wouldn't be right, would it? Nina will be unhappy..."
My mother shot me a disapproving look, her eyes full of disappointment.
"With her vulgar personality, she doesn't deserve to wear such a valuable bracelet."
I lowered my eyes and said nothing.
In my previous life, over something like this, I might have torn the house apart.
Deep down, it was envy.
I envied Jenna for getting to go abroad, envied that my parents treated her like their own daughter and doted on her for ten years.
What about me? I grew up at my uncle's house in the village, walking on eggshells around my aunt, wearing my cousin's hand-me-downs, not even having a thin quilt when it was cold in winter.
That's why I fought for everything—clothes, bags, summer camp spots, everything.
In the end, I got nothing. I never even heard, "Nina, you've had it rough."
