Not His Princess Chapter 1

My father loved my mother desperately. And because of me, she died.

Later, my father adopted another daughter.

A girl who looked so much like my mother.

On our sixteenth birthday—

He paraded his adopted daughter around like a princess, while I was mistaken for the housekeeper’s child.

Just then, my phone rang.

"Happy birthday, my love!

"It's been so long. Mommy misses you so, so much!"

My world stopped.

My mother was back.

* * *

I was about to wash the car for Isla’s friend, on her command, when my father, Matthew Backman, came home.

His assistant followed behind him, carrying an exquisite crystal castle—a gift for Isla.

A chorus of gasps and envious whispers erupted from Isla’s classmates.

Then, I heard my father's voice, thick with a doting affection I hadn’t heard in a decade.

"A castle for my princess," he said.

"Happy birthday, my one and only little princess."

His one and only princess.

I chewed on those words until they turned sour in my mouth.

Today wasn't just Isla's birthday.

It was mine, too.

But just like every year before, I got nothing.

Because in my father’s eyes, I was a sinner. I didn't deserve a birthday.

I was the one who killed my mother.