Chapter 1The Switch: A Life Reclaimed

The year my foster mother beat me half to death was the same year I found out I was the "real" daughter, switched at birth on purpose.

After a whirlwind transition back to the wealthy Sterling family, I instinctively chose the smallest, shabbiest room in the mansion.

My biological mom immediately stopped me. "Why are you going into the maid's quarters? Your room is upstairs."

My brother walked towards me with his hand extended. Conditioned by habit, I lowered my head and meekly handed over my monthly allowance.

His eyes widened in shock. "I'm your brother! I was reaching out to bandage your wounds, not take your money!"

Then came Chloe, the girl who took my place. She walked towards me with a tear-streaked face. I braced myself, turning my left cheek like they do in the dramas, ready for the slap.

I expected a stinging pain. Instead, I got a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm sorry, big sis. Can you please not hate me?"

* * *

The scenery outside the car window blurred past. The woman sitting next to me held my hand, her grip slightly nervous.

Maybe my expression was too numb, because she kept throwing out topic after topic.

"Do you like Barbies, Ava? Mom will buy you a bunch, you can pick whatever you want."

"How are your grades? Is there anything you're particularly interested in? Mom can sign you up for some classes."

"Oh, I'm talking too much. How about you decide what we eat for lunch, Ava? We can have the chef make it, or Mom can cook. My specialty is steamed egg custard, I just don't know if you like it."

She gave me an awkward smile.

Her hands were well-maintained, soft and fair, not looking at all like the hands of a forty-year-old woman.

I lowered my head and whispered, "Whatever is fine."

My foster mother used to say my voice sounded like a rooster crowing—annoying as hell. Every time she saw me, she got irritated. Since then, I tried not to speak unless absolutely necessary.

I was afraid if I opened my mouth, I'd scare this new mom, and she'd send me back.

After all, she didn't raise me. She might find me repulsive.