"Do we look alike?" Myra wondered.

A complex mix of emotions swirled within her. Felicia was her biological daughter, undeniably, yet the girl's cold, prickly demeanor proved difficult to overcome. It was like hugging a cactus. Despite Myra's efforts, Felicia remained aloof. The initial excitement of their reunion had faded, evolving from calm acceptance to a hint of disappointment.

The maid's cheerful greeting momentarily lifted Myra's spirits. Approaching Felicia, she forced a smile. "Why are you back so late? Change into something more appropriate. You can't dress like that tonight." Felicia shrugged. "I'm fine like this."

Her closet remained largely untouched for months. The dresses Myra had selected when Felicia first returned home hung unworn. Felicia had worn two, perhaps three; the rest remained new, tags still attached. Myra frowned. "It's your birthday. At least make an effort. What about those dresses I got you...?" She trailed off, realizing they were already out of style.

Even if Felicia didn't care, appearances mattered. People might assume the Fuller family's daughter couldn't afford new clothes.

Myra's tone sharpened. "You could have bought something yourself."

Felicia, though reluctant to argue, bristled at the unfairness. "Did Kayla buy her own dress?"

The answer was obvious. Kayla's dress, a handpicked creation delivered directly by the designer, along with her custom heels, were gifts from Myra. Felicia usually ignored Myra's favoritism—she was perfectly capable of buying her own things—but this unwarranted reprimand triggered a retort.

Myra's face flushed, a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She had considered Felicia while planning, but the girl's cold attitude and refusal to call her "Mom" had fueled her anger, silencing her attempts at connection.

Felicia brushed past her, heading for the buffet. Food was far more appealing than confronting her mother.

The maid approached Myra, her voice soothing. "Mrs. Fuller, don't take it to heart. Ms. Felicia is your daughter. Mothers and daughters always find a way to make up."

The birthday party, intended to celebrate both Felicia and Kayla, clearly favored one daughter. While Felicia sat alone, Kayla basked in the attention of friends and classmates. Every laugh, every compliment, every expression of admiration was directed at Kayla. Even Myra and Dexter seemed to reserve their warmest smiles for her. Guests, oblivious to Felicia's birthday, barely noticed her.

After eating, Felicia turned and saw Sebastian approaching. With his usual easygoing smile, he bypassed the crowd and went straight to her. "Guess what I got you?" he asked, extending his hand. Felicia blinked, surprised. "I have no idea."

Sebastian revealed a necklace; its pendant, a tiny, intricate globe, resembled a miniature planet.

"Do you like it?" he asked warmly.

Felicia smiled, about to reply when another hand snatched the necklace.

Kayla's voice, playfully annoyed, rang out. "Sebastian, you're so mean! You knew you wanted this one, but you gave me the swan instead. Let's just swap, okay, Felicia?"

Felicia noticed the sleek black swan pendant Kayla now wore.

With a cheerful grin, Kayla returned the swan necklace to Sebastian. "Come on, Sebastian, please?" she said, flashing an innocent smile.