The Eldest Daughter's Revenge

Sophia gazed at her wedding dress with awe, her heart swelling with pride. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, her fingers gently brushing against the intricate lace. This dress wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it was her masterpiece, a culmination of her passion and talent. She had poured her heart and soul into every stitch, and now, it was ready for the most significant day of her life. Today, she was marrying Ethan, the man she had loved for over four years. Her heart fluttered at the thought. This was the day she had dreamt of for so long—her fairy tale coming to life. Not only was she about to become his wife, but she would also step into the spotlight as the eldest daughter of the Lane family and the renowned fashion designer known as LX. The world, which had been blind to her true identity, would finally recognize her for who she was. Her dreams were about to come true: a loving husband, a beautiful wedding, and a life of freedom and recognition. No more secrets, no more hiding. From this moment on, she could live openly, embracing her happiness alongside Ethan. Lost in her thoughts, Sophia didn’t notice when her younger sister, Rose, and her best friend, Ivy, entered the room. The sound of their laughter brought her back to reality. Turning to greet them, she smiled warmly. “Rose, Ivy, you’re here! Look at my wedding dress,” she exclaimed, gesturing toward the gown. “Isn’t it beautiful?” “It’s stunning,” Rose said with an approving nod as she approached the dress. “The most exquisite one I’ve ever seen. Don’t you agree, Ivy?” Ivy sighed dramatically, feigning envy. “Absolutely! It’s a masterpiece. I can’t help but feel a little jealous. I want a wedding dress like this for myself someday.” Sophia laughed at her friend’s theatrics. “Oh, don’t be jealous! When the time comes, I’ll design your dresses, and I promise they’ll be even more beautiful than this one.” Rose chuckled softly, running her fingers along the hem of the dress. “Elder Sister, you don’t need to trouble yourself. You’ve already designed my wedding dress.” Sophia frowned in confusion. “What? When did I do that?” Rose and Ivy exchanged a sly glance before Ivy placed a hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “Sophia, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten,” she teased. “Forgotten what? What are you two talking about?” Sophia asked, her brow furrowing. With an exaggerated pout, Rose pointed at the dress. “This is my wedding dress. Today is my wedding day.” Sophia blinked, stunned by her sister’s words. Then, realizing they were joking, she let out a small laugh. “Alright, enough. You two are terrible at making jokes.” But Ivy’s tone turned serious. “We’re not joking, Sophia. Today is Rose’s wedding, and that dress is hers.” Sophia rolled her eyes. “Oh, I see. Let me guess—Rose’s groom is Ethan?” she quipped, humoring them. “Exactly!” Ivy said with a smirk. “Elder Sister, I’m marrying Brother Ethan today. Didn’t you get the wedding invitation?” Rose asked, her tone dripping with mock innocence. “Stop it, you two,” Sophia said, her smile fading. “This joke has gone far enough. I need to get ready.” But instead of backing off, Rose’s expression turned cold. She clapped her hands, and the door burst open. Four burly guards stepped inside, their presence filling the room with tension. “Rose, what is this? What are you doing?” Sophia demanded, alarmed. Rose’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “You’ll understand soon enough,” she said icily. “Guards, take her.” Before Sophia could react, the guards seized her arms, their grip painfully tight. Panic surged through her. “Let me go! Rose, what are you doing? I’m your sister!” Her cries fell on deaf ears. Rose approached her, her face devoid of the warmth Sophia once knew. Without warning, Rose’s hand lashed out, striking Sophia across the face. The sting of the slap left Sophia stunned. “You… you slapped me,” Sophia stammered, disbelief clouding her eyes. Rose sneered, gripping Sophia’s chin so tightly her nails dug into the skin. “Listen carefully, servant. You will address me as Miss Lane from now on. Do you understand?” “Servant? What are you talking about?” Sophia whispered, tears pooling in her eyes. This couldn’t be real. The sister she had loved and trusted now looked at her with nothing but hatred and contempt. Sophia's mind spun as Rose's words sank in. The eldest daughter of the Lane family is me, she thought desperately. What on earth is Rose talking about? “Rose, what nonsense are you saying? I’m your elder sister! I’m the eldest daughter of the Lane family! Let me go!” Sophia screamed, her voice raw as she thrashed against the guards holding her. “Today is my wedding day!” “You shameless woman!” Rose hissed coldly, her expression twisted with disdain. Her hand shot up, ready to strike, but Ivy quickly intervened. “Rose, calm down,” Ivy said smoothly, placing a hand on her friend’s arm. “There’s no need to dirty your hands on someone like her. Remember, today is your big day. You need to look flawless in that gorgeous gown—oh wait.” Ivy paused with a mocking smirk. “That’s right, the beautiful gown your servant so lovingly created for you. Isn’t that true, Sophia?” Sophia froze, her heart pounding. Ivy’s venomous words pierced her like daggers. Her mind scrambled to process what was happening. Turning to Rose, she asked in a trembling voice, “Your wedding? Are you saying… this isn’t a joke?” Before she could get an answer, a sharp pain shot through her scalp. Ivy had grabbed a fistful of her hair, forcing her to look up. “Do you really think someone like Ethan would marry you?” Ivy sneered, her voice dripping with contempt. “A filthy servant pretending to be part of the Lane family? Don’t make me laugh!” Sophia's body trembled as tears streamed down her face. “What are you talking about, Ivy? This can’t be real! I’m the eldest daughter of the Lane family! Today is my wedding to Ethan” SMACK! Another slap silenced her, harder and more vicious than before. “Don’t you dare say Brother Ethan’s name with your filthy mouth, you disgrace!” Rose spat, her eyes burning with hatred. Ivy laughed mockingly, adding fuel to the fire. “Still don’t get it, do you, Sophia? Today is Rose’s wedding to Ethan. Did you really think someone like you—a nobody—was worthy of him?” Sophia’s legs felt weak as the truth hit her like a wave. Her lips trembled, but no words came out. Rose, growing impatient, snapped at the guards. “What are you waiting for? Drag her out of here!” “Yes, Young Miss!” the guards replied in unison, tightening their grip on Sophia’s arms. “Let me go! Please, you’re making a mistake!” Sophia cried, her voice breaking as she struggled against them. Pain shot through her body as they dragged her forcefully toward the door. “Rose! Ivy! Stop this! Please!” she screamed. “Mother! Father! Help me!” Her desperate cries echoed through the halls, but no one came to her aid. Her strength was no match for the guards, and they dragged her through the grand corridors like a lifeless doll. When they reached the large, opulent hall downstairs, Sophia’s frantic sobbing slowed for a moment. Her gaze landed on three familiar figures standing at the base of the staircase: her parents and Ethan. Relief surged through her like a beacon of hope in the darkness. “Mother! Father! Ethan!” she called out, her voice filled with desperation. But the moment their faces came into view, her hope shattered. They stood there, their expressions cold and indifferent. Her mother looked away as if ashamed, her father’s jaw was set in grim silence, and Ethan’s face was a blank mask. Sophia’s knees buckled. Her voice trembled as she sobbed, “Why? I’m your daughter… why are you doing this to me?” Her pleas were met with silence, their lack of response cutting deeper than any words could. The people she had loved and trusted the most had abandoned her.