Reborn Not to Be a Punching Bag

I woke up standing right at the entrance of this dazzling, ornate ballroom. Wearing a faded, worn-out shirt, completely out of place amid all this luxury. "So, you're the country girl, huh?" A woman dressed in a couture gown looked me up and down, her tone dripping with disdain. She was Mrs. Scott—my biological mother. "Mom." I whispered the word softly, deliberately softening my tone. Mrs. Scott frowned and took a step back. "Don't call me Mom. I have only one daughter—Tina." Not far off, the girl surrounded by a crowd glanced my way, a flicker of triumph flashing in her eyes. She's Tina Scott, the fake heiress who's been living my identity for eighteen years. "Today is Tina's eighteenth birthday. Behave yourself and don't disgrace the Scott Family." Brother Bruce Scott walked over, his tone icy cold. I lowered my gaze, my long lashes hiding the sarcasm beneath: "I get it, brother." A waiter passed by carrying a glass of red wine; I pretended to slip. "Ah!" I cried out as the wine in my hand splashed right onto Tina Scott's pristine gown. The red stain spread fast, blooming into ugly blotches like deformed flowers. The whole room instantly fell silent, every eye fixed on us. Tina Scott screamed, "You did that on purpose!" My eyes blurred with tears, my voice wobbling with sobs: "I'm sorry, Tina, I didn't mean to, I was just so nervous I lost my balance..." "Look at what a poor, shabby mess she's wearing—she's definitely jealous of Tina!" someone whispered. Mrs. Scott immediately stepped up to Tina's side, snapping, "Get out of here, now!" I bit my lip, tears welling up: "I really didn't mean to; isn't my apology enough?" Bruce Scott's face went deathly pale. "Enough! Nicole, come upstairs with me!" I obediently followed him away, with Tina Scott's sobbing and the guests' whispered gossip trailing behind. At the staircase landing, a faint, barely noticeable smile tugged at the corner of my lips. The Scott Family, Tina Scott—the game has only just begun.