The Lost Princess: From Heiress to Outcast Chapter 1

I was once the undisputed princess of the family.

But on my eighteenth birthday, my dad adopted an orphan girl from a shelter, and everything changed.

My brother, who once protected me, now adored her and despised me.

My childhood sweetheart, who promised to marry me, now ignored me for her.

Even my father, my hero, said the orphan was ten thousand times better than his own flesh and blood.

On my college graduation day, they missed my celebration for the 101st time because of her.

I finally snapped. "Am I not your real family? Why does she always come first?"

My dad, seeing the orphan girl tear up in fear, slapped me across the face.

"You jealous, petty thing. I wish I never had you."

My brother screamed at me, "Having a sister like you makes me sick. Get out of this house!"

I didn't argue. I silently packed my bags and left.

After I was gone, the house was finally peaceful.

They took the orphan girl on a trip to Antarctica to see penguins, thinking the silent treatment would work like always. They thought I'd cool off and come crawling back.

They didn't know I was gone for good.

I called my mother, accepted her offer to move abroad, and never looked back.

This time, I really didn't want them anymore.

* * *

"Mom, I accept your offer. I'm moving abroad to live with you."

The voice on the other end paused, then erupted in joy.

"Emily! You finally agreed!"

Then, her tone shifted to worry. "Wait, honey, you said you weren't considering it last time. Did your father do something? Is he mistreating you?"

"I knew that old fool was unreliable. When we divorced, I should have fought harder to take you."

"He swore he'd take care of you and your brother. Is this how he keeps his promise? Emily, tell me what happened. Mom will fix it."

It was true. When my parents divorced, Mom fought for me. But Dad wouldn't let go, promising to give me the world. My brother, Liam, hugged me and cried, begging me not to leave.

So I stayed.

But now, they had forgotten those promises.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, took a deep breath, and forced a cheerful tone. "No, Mom, it's not that. I just miss you."

Mom paused again.

"I miss my Emily too. Come here, and we'll never be separated again."

"I'm booking your ticket right now. Just come home."

"Okay."

As soon as I hung up, my phone buzzed.

It was a notification from the airline.

The ticket was booked. Three days from now.