Chapter 2

For as long as I could remember, I had no parents.

I raised myself through petty thievery and pickpocketing around tourist attractions.

Until I was seven, when I snatched a Rolex watch from a wealthy heir’s wrist,

Only to be caught red-handed by the owner himself.

The man, dressed in an exorbitantly expensive custom suit, didn’t hit or scold me, nor did he call the police.

Instead, he crouched down, magically placed a piece of candy in my palm, and smiled warmly.

“Fiona, I’m sorry, I’m late.”

“My name is Kate. I was an old acquaintance of your parents.”

“From now on, I will be your guardian, your uncle, and take care of you for the rest of your life.”

He kept his word. He attended my parent-teacher conferences, protected me from drunk troublemakers,

Taught me how to use forks and knives, taught me to play the piano,

Transforming that prickly little beggar into a proper lady, little by little.

But I was too greedy, not content with just being his niece, wishing to forever monopolize all of Kate’s kindness.

I planned to confess that one reckless night we shared, on his birthday.

I even decided that if he didn’t agree, I’d throw a tantrum, just like when I was little and wanted candy,

Crying and making a scene until he finally said yes.

But before I could even open my mouth,

I heard him publicly announce his strategic engagement to Audrey Benjamin at a family dinner.

Everyone in the family nervously stared at me, afraid I’d overturn the dining table on the spot.

But this time, I merely presented a velvet box.

The box opened to reveal a pair of natural pink diamonds, perfectly cut and dazzling under the lights.

My adoptive mother, Sarah, paused, about to say something:

“Fiona, these diamonds are worth two hundred million. Weren’t you planning to make them into a wedding ring…?”

I smiled gracefully, my tone sincere.

“They were always meant for Kate. They’ll make a perfect engagement gift.”

At my words, Kate suddenly felt an inexplicable awkwardness. His tone was half warning, half coaxing.

“Fiona, when you were younger, I indulged you when you made a fuss.”

“But from now on, if you cause any more trouble, I won’t go easy on you.”

I secretly clenched my fists, raising a smile.

“You’re right. I’ll make sure not to disappoint your expectations.”

Kate frowned, feeling like something was off, but then his phone rang.

It was Audrey Benjamin, urging him to go watch the fireworks with her.

He grabbed his coat, ready to leave, but hesitated, turning back to look at me.

“Fiona, do you want to come along…?”

I paused, then shook my head, my voice light as I urged him on:

“You should go, Kate. Have fun.”

Kate stared at me for two seconds, then finally said nothing.