Chapter 2

The next day arrived swiftly. Isabel’s adoptive parents and five brothers prepared for the day's events. They planned to exchange Isabel for the real heir. Isabel remained silent, having witnessed enough cruelty to understand their intentions.

“Isabel, don’t blame us for being cruel,” Rosy attempted to comfort her, sensing Isabel’s silence. “After all, your real parents are not us. You should be with them.”

“They are not my real parents,” Isabel murmured.

“Precisely because I’m not their real daughter,” Isabel thought bitterly, “they could plan such a horrific thing.” That family was a den of wolves; she had spent her life surrounded by vicious beasts. Hatred burned within her.

Lucian noticed the bag she carried. “Isabel, none of the Clyde family’s belongings belong to you. You can’t take anything.”

Isabel tossed the bag to him. “Go ahead, check it.”

He opened it, revealing only a few changes of clothes, a few books, and an old, worn copper mirror—nothing of value.

Caius attempted to smooth things over. “Lucian, Isabel has been your sister for years. What does it matter if she takes a few things? We won’t make a fuss.” Lucian sneered, “That’s not necessarily true. Her real parents are dirt poor. I heard they’re pig farmers in the countryside.”

Isabel was speechless.

Soon, they were on their way. After hours of driving, they reached the rural area where the Galvez family lived on the city's outskirts, a blend of countryside and suburb. Amelia Galvez, a simple country girl, was about to become a Clyde and a city lady. Amelia’s excitement was palpable; in a huff, she kicked over nearby pig feed.

“Amelia, what are you doing?” Hannah Galvez asked.

Amelia, her voice dripping with disdain, retorted, “My real parents are coming soon. I’m the true heiress. All the wealth and luxury that should have been mine were taken by someone else. I suspect you deliberately swapped me at the hospital so I could suffer while your daughter enjoyed everything.” Learning she was the child switched at birth from a wealthy family had completely changed her attitude.

Hannah didn’t respond immediately. The words stung, though she knew Amelia had suffered. The accusations, however, left her feeling helpless and bitter; she couldn’t explain their strange fate. After a moment, she realized Amelia’s anger was justified. It was only natural, considering her daughter’s impoverished life.

The Clyde family soon arrived. Rosy, shocked by the surroundings, exclaimed dramatically, “Good heavens! Such a poor and shabby place? The roads are full of potholes and gravel. What on earth has my baby girl been through?” The rest of the family expressed similar concerns, while Isabel remained silent.

“Mom, we’ve arrived,” Lucian said, parking the car. The Clyde family exited the vehicle.

“Honey, my dear daughter, I’m so sorry,” Rosy exclaimed, embracing Amelia. Touching Amelia’s face, she noted the familiar features. She instantly knew this was her biological daughter; Isabel had never resembled her.

Amelia’s eyes sparkled; the luxury car and the scene overwhelmed her, bringing tears to her eyes. “Dad, Mom, you finally came for me! I’ve had enough of this place!”

The Clyde brothers greeted their sister. “Amelia, from now on, you’re a Clyde, not a Galvez,” Caius said compassionately. Amelia nodded, breathing deeply as she looked back at the life she was leaving.

Watching the reunion, Isabel felt only bitterness and hatred.

“Amelia, my darling, you’ve suffered,” Rosy said. “From now on, we’ll make it up to you. You’ll have everything you want.”

They took Amelia into the car.

“Amelia, my daughter!” Hannah yelled, chasing after them.

Feeling a deep loss, Hannah watched her daughter leave. Amelia glared back. “Don’t call me that. This is my real mom,” she snapped.

Rosy added, “Your daughter has already been brought to you. Stop harassing Amelia.”

The luxury car sped away. Hannah turned to Isabel, her heart heavy. Isabel seemed as cold as Amelia. Hannah, unable to restrain herself, embraced Isabel.

“Your name is Isabel, right? I’m so sorry. I should have taken better care of you.” Hannah’s voice broke. This felt strangely familiar, despite the years apart.

Isabel glanced at the paternity test; she knew it was true.

“Mom…” Isabel whispered.

Hannah smiled. “Good girl. Come inside.”

Hannah gently pulled Isabel into the house. Isabel admitted it was in poor condition; old, dirty, messy, and shabby.

Hannah, self-consciously, explained their situation. “Isabel, I need to be honest. I know you’ve lived a life of luxury, but… this is our home. You have two older brothers and a sister. You’re the fourth child; a younger brother is still in high school. We’re nothing like the Clyde family.”

“Mm. I understand,” Isabel said calmly. “Please don’t worry. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this place.” She said it to comfort Hannah, though she hadn’t yet formed an attachment. In her heart, however, she vowed to make the Clyde family regret their actions and ensure the Galvez family lived better. Fortunately, she’d hidden her other identity well; otherwise, the Clydes would never have let her leave.

“Hannah! Has Amelia left?” A man’s voice called from inside.

Hannah led Isabel inside. “Amelia has left,” Hannah answered.

The man sighed sadly. “She didn’t even say goodbye…”

Hannah sighed and laughed bitterly. “Don’t even think about it. She’s gone to live a better life. Her biological parents came in a luxury car. Eighteen years… it feels like we raised her for nothing.”

Hannah then looked at Isabel. “But thankfully, our real daughter is back. This is Isabel, our daughter.” She pointed to the man in bed. “Isabel, this is your father. He had an accident and is paralyzed from the waist down.”

Now Isabel understood Amelia’s hatred. The family struggled; her father was paralyzed. Compared to the Clyde’s luxury, it was no wonder Amelia preferred them.

“Hi, Dad,” Isabel said softly.

Samuel Galvez, seeing his daughter, was visibly moved. He reached for her hand. Isabel took it.

“My dear… you’re back. But…” Samuel’s voice trembled. “Our situation isn’t good. I’m paralyzed, a burden. I hope you won’t be ashamed.”

Isabel shook her head, smiling gently. “No, Dad. Can I see what happened to your legs?”

Samuel hesitated. Hannah interjected, “She’s a nice girl. Let her check.”

Hannah lifted the blanket, and Isabel carefully pressed on Samuel’s leg. “Do you feel anything here?”

Samuel shook his head. Isabel shifted. “What about here?”

Samuel’s eyebrows moved slightly. “Just a little bit.”

“What does it feel like?” Isabel asked, continuing to press different parts of his legs. After a while, she stood. “Alright, I’ve got it. Dad, there’s still a chance for your legs to recover. Don’t lose hope.”