The fake rich girl turned out to be the one who bullied me
Chapter 1
I’m the real McCoy, the swapped-at-birth daughter, and my adoptive parents kicked the bucket, so my bio-parents tracked me down and dragged me back to their mansion.
Wouldn’t you know it, the fake daughter, Ashley, is the same girl who bullied me so bad in high school that I dropped out.
I remember something she used to say to me.
Oh yeah, it was, “Born with a silver spoon, raised with a wooden one.”
…
The moment I stepped inside the McMansion, I saw a familiar face.
It was her, Ashley, with that same innocent look she used to wear while egging other kids on to torment me.
Catching Ashley’s glare, I plastered on a big, fake smile and slung my arm around her shoulder, just to bug her. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the daughter my parents accidentally took home! What a small world, huh?”
My mom beamed. “You two know each other? That’s wonderful! I was worried about how you’d get along.”
Ashley forced a smile. “Yeah, Diana and I went to school together.”
“That’s right,” I said, my smile not quite reaching my eyes. “Ashley’s such a kidder. Back then, she’d say I was born with a silver spoon but raised with a wooden one. But then I dropped out, and we lost touch.”
The air thickened. My dad’s brows furrowed. My mom quickly changed the subject. “Diana, it sounds like your adoptive parents were well-off. Sending you to a private school and all.”
I pulled up my sleeve, revealing the angry scars on my arm. My hands were rough and calloused.
Still grinning, I said, “Ashley’s got it made. I took all the hits for her, even living with her awful parents after they died in that car crash, so she doesn’t have to go back.”
“And,” I added, looking directly at my mom, “I went to private school on a scholarship because of my good grades. It had nothing to do with anyone else.”
My dad’s eyes softened when he saw my scars. “Diana, from now on, this is your home. You belong here.”
Ashley’s hands clenched, but she managed to squeeze out a few tears. “Diana, are you blaming me? If me leaving will make you feel better…”
“Hold up,” I interrupted. “Ashley, what are you talking about? We’re sisters now! Don’t worry, I did chores and farm work every day at your parents’ place. I’m strong. If anyone messes with you at school, I’ll protect you.”
My bright smile contrasted sharply with Ashley’s sour expression. The difference in our experiences was obvious, and my dad’s face fell.
“Ashley, don’t overthink it. We can certainly afford to raise two daughters.”
My mom chimed in. “That’s right, Ashley. You’ll always be my daughter. And now, Diana is your big sister.”
I raised an eyebrow at my mom. She seemed to be picking favorites already.
That evening, after dinner, Ashley clung to my mom. “Mom, I can’t sleep. Can you tell me a story like you used to?”
My mom cooed, “Of course, sweetie. You’re just as clingy as when you were little.”
Ashley shot me a smug look.
I returned a wide smile and turned to my dad. “Dad, I’ve always wanted to learn about finance. I know you’re a big shot in the business world. Could you teach me?”
My dad laughed. “Haha! That’s my girl! Just like me. When I was your age, I was fascinated by finance.”
I excitedly took his arm. “So, does that mean you’ll teach me?”
Chapter 2
“Of course! I’ll personally mentor my own daughter.”
…
My mom hesitated. “But Diana’s been out of school for a year. She might struggle to catch up.”
My dad’s face darkened. “My daughter is not slow.”
My mom shut up. In this house, Dad was clearly in charge.
In his study, he handed me a book. “This covers the basics. Read through it, and ask me if you have any questions.”
I gave him a dazzling smile. “Thanks, Dad! But you’re so busy. I can’t bother you with every little question. I’ll just ask Ashley.”
“I have time to help my children. Besides, Ashley’s never been interested in finance. She hasn’t studied it at all.”
I got the answer I wanted and left the study, satisfied. If Ashley hadn’t studied finance, that meant Dad had no intention of grooming her to take over his business.
The next day, after Ashley left for school, my mom handed me a stack of brochures. “Diana, take a look and choose which school you’d like to attend. I’ll make the arrangements.”
I didn’t even glance at them. “Mom, I want to be in the same class as Ashley. I want to protect her. I’m afraid she’ll be bullied. After all, I was.”
“They cornered me in the bathroom and made me miss exams, poured glue on my chair, and forced me to kneel in front of the whole class. Mom, what if Ashley had to go through that?”
My mom’s face paled. Her fists clenched. “Those horrible kids! Ashley’s so sweet and innocent. If anyone tries to bully her, I’ll have their hide!”
I smirked. If only she knew that the sweet and innocent Ashley was the ringleader of my torment.
“Mom,” I said softly, “what would you do to the people who hurt me?”
My mom stammered, speechless. She must have guessed from my comments that there was bad blood between Ashley and me, but she couldn’t admit it.
Seeing her struggle, I broke the silence. “Never mind. Let bygones be bygones. I’ve been out of school for a year. It’s senior year now, and schoolwork is important. I should get back as soon as possible.”
My mom readily agreed and stressed, “You must protect Ashley. She’s different from you. She’s a delicate flower, easily hurt. If anyone tries to bully you two, fight back. We’ll take care of the consequences.”
Oh, if that was the case, I couldn’t wait.
My mom worked fast. By noon, I was at the school with her. After leaving the principal’s office, she was ready to head home.
“Mom, aren’t you going to walk me to class?”
She looked awkward. “You’re a big girl now. You don’t need me to walk you. And by the way, don’t tell anyone at school who you really are. What if Ashley gets teased or targeted?”
I smiled sweetly. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’d rather get beaten up myself than let Ashley be ridiculed.”
“That’s…that’s not what I meant…”
Before she could finish, I grabbed my backpack and ran to class. I’d been waiting for this day.
When I appeared at the doorway, the classroom fell silent.
“Ashley! I’m here!” I waved, acting like we were best buds.
Chapter 3
The room erupted.
“Isn’t that Diana? The one who dropped out? What’s she doing back?”
“Why is she acting all buddy-buddy with Ashley? So fake.”
…
The teacher arrived and introduced me. “This is Diana Miller. I expect you all to get along during your senior year.”
“Isn’t her last name Lee? Why did she change it?”
“And she’s not wearing rags anymore. Did she find a sugar daddy?”
…
I grinned at Ashley, whose face had gone white.
The show was just beginning.
As soon as class ended, the girls who used to bully me surrounded me.
I casually checked the chair beneath me. Solid.
The leader sneered, “Well, well, if it isn’t the poor little orphan. How dare you come back? Haven’t you been beaten up enough…”
Before she could finish, I grabbed the chair and swung it at her head.
With a sickening thud, blood spurted from her forehead.
I went berserk, swinging the chair wildly. The girls scattered, screaming.
They were bullies, not hardened criminals.
I wasn’t letting them off that easy. I stalked towards them, chair raised.
Just as everyone backed away, Ashley appeared like an angel, her voice full of righteous indignation. “Diana! How could you treat your classmates like this? It’s awful!”
“Awful?”
I advanced on her, and she stumbled backward.
“W-what are you doing? I’m Ashley Miller! I’ll tell my parents…”
She stopped abruptly. I raised an eyebrow. “Tell your parents what?”
She bit her lip, her eyes darting around.
I burst out laughing. “I was just disciplining some dogs. I don’t know why you’re so nervous. Unless…are you their owner?”
Ashley’s eyes filled with tears. “Diana, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.”
Her pitiful act instantly drew sympathy.
“Typical trailer trash. No class.”
“Ashley’s the real Miller heiress. She could crush Diana like an ant.”
“A poor girl like that could never compare to a rich girl like Ashley.”
…
Ashley’s darkening expression made me laugh even harder. I went back to my desk, tears streaming down my face.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re all right. Tell me more next time.”
Everyone, except Ashley, thought I’d lost it.
My victory was short-lived. I was sent home for the rest of the day to “reflect” on my actions.
The chauffeur dropped me off, and I admired the sprawling mansion. Such a waste for Ashley to have it all to herself.
Inside, my mom gave me a dismissive glance. She tried to hide it, but I could sense her disgust.
“Diana, what am I supposed to say to you? You’ve obviously picked up some bad habits from…that family. Never mind. We’ll wait for your father to come home and discuss this.”
I gave a bitter laugh. “You’re right. Someone from that family has no class. But don’t forget why I ended up in that family in the first place.”
My mom looked disappointed. “Diana, are you trying to guilt-trip me?”
I shrugged. “Mom, if that’s how you want to see it, I can’t stop you.”
She stormed off to her room.
At dinner, Ashley refused to eat.
My dad frowned. “Ashley, why aren’t you eating?”
Ashley stood up, her voice trembling. “Dad, I know this might upset Diana, but for the sake of our family’s reputation, I have to say something.”
“You can’t just use your status to bully your classmates. What did they do? They just wanted to talk to you, and you attacked them with a chair.”
I remained calm. So, this was her plan.
“What did they do?” I smiled and rolled up my sleeves, revealing my scars. “These weren’t just courtesy of your birth parents. They helped too.”
“Besides, Mom told me not to reveal my identity and embarrass you. I had no choice but to defend myself.”
My dad glared at my mom, his fury barely contained.
