The Imposter Daughter Chapter 1

To save my mother, I secretly donated a kidney to her.

But the "real" daughter claimed the credit for my sacrifice.

Disregarding our eighteen years of mother-daughter bond, Mom kicked me out of the house, scolding me:

"No wonder you're not a Vance. Raising you for eighteen years was less worth it than the daughter I just found!"

I tried desperately to explain, but she wouldn't believe a word.

Until I was rushed into the ER for severe post-op anemia.

I cried and begged my mom to save me.

Instead, she crushed my only blood bag.

"You ungrateful wretch! You deserve to die."

Later, as she wished, I really died.

And Mom went insane over a kidney donation confidentiality agreement.

* * *

Post-surgery, pale and weak, I went to check on Mom's recovery.

Not wanting to worry her, I peeked through the door.

Seeing her rosy complexion, I knew the transplant was a success.

Just as I was about to go change out of my hospital gown to celebrate, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Sweetie, where are you going?"

Mom's voice was choked with emotion.

My heart skipped a beat. Did she find out I was the donor?

I clutched the confidentiality agreement in my hand, unsure of how to start.

Suddenly, a girl about my age shoved past me.

"Mom, are you feeling better? I thought I'd never see you again."

Mom stroked Chloe's hair lovingly.

"Silly child, it's all thanks to you donating a kidney. Otherwise, I'd be gone."

I knew Chloe.

She showed up a few days before Mom's surgery, claiming to be the long-lost biological daughter of the Vance family, armed with a DNA test.

Mom immediately renamed her Chloe Vance.

Before they could celebrate their reunion, Mom's kidney disease flared up, and she was hospitalized.

While everyone was busy testing for a match, I disappeared.

Because I matched first and was already wheeled into the OR.

I hadn't even had the chance to tell Mom, yet Chloe had already stolen the credit?

The agreement in my hand clearly stated the donor: "Patient's Biological Daughter."

I am Mom's biological daughter. Who is Chloe?

As far as I knew, Mom only gave birth to one child—me.

Whoever she was, trying to deceive my mom and steal my credit, I had to expose her.

Ignoring the pain from my incision, I squeezed through the crowd.

"Mom, are you feeling any better?"

Mom just had surgery; she couldn't get agitated. So I didn't confront her directly. Her health came first.

Mom, who was smiling just a moment ago, dropped her face when she saw me.

"Unlucky for you, I'm still alive."

I froze, frowning slightly.

"I didn't mean that. I'm genuinely worried about you."

Mom scoffed.

"You didn't mean what?"

"Where were you when everyone was rushing to get tested for me?"

"Even if you're not biological, I raised you for eighteen years."

"Even the neighbor's dog whines when it sees me in pain, but you were nowhere to be found."

I stood there, stunned, as everyone's gaze turned to me.

I never expected Mom to humiliate me in front of so many people. Or compare me to a dog.

Chloe seized the moment, gently patting Mom's chest.

"Don't be mad, Mom. Sister Harper must have had her own things to do."

"But no matter how busy, what could be more important than Mom's life?"

Chloe covered her mouth in mock surprise.

"Oh, I forgot!"

"Sister Harper is just the fake daughter who stole my identity, not Mom's real flesh and blood."

"Forget it, I don't blame you. After all, there's no blood bond."

Chloe peeled an apple for Mom as she spoke.

The relatives present didn't know why Mom called Chloe her daughter. Now she gave herself the perfect opening.

Since she brought it up, I might as well clear the air.

I walked to Mom's side, righteous indignation filling me.

"Chloe, you know perfectly well whether you're the real Vance daughter. Do I have to expose you in front of everyone?"

I was imposing. I thought she would be scared, have a conscience, and stop lying to Mom.

Chloe walked up to me.

"Sister Harper, I know you don't want to accept the truth."

"But you can't push me!"

I didn't understand what she meant.

Suddenly, Chloe threw herself against the corner of the table.

From that angle, no one but us could see what happened.

Chloe clutched her stomach, blood seeping out. The location of the wound was exactly where my incision was.

Mom was furious and slapped me hard.

"Harper Vance, how did I raise such an ingrate!"