The situation culminated at the critical moment when we both took our art university entrance exams. Grace supposedly had a sudden vision problem during the test and couldn't complete it. She then switched our names when submitting our papers.
When the admission results came out, I immediately recognized that the excellent test paper bearing Grace's name was actually mine. I begged Mom and Dad to support me, but they just held Grace, who was crying hysterically, and advised me to be more generous.
"Wendy, you can always retake the exam next year, but Grace doesn't have much time left. You know she could go blind at any moment!"
"Grace has had such a pitiful life. Just give in to her this once! You'll definitely pass next year!"
They made it sound so easy. Who knew how many hours I had secretly practiced, drawing late into the night until I nearly ruined my eyes because my natural talent didn't match Grace's?
I broke down and shouted, "Isn't it enough that she's stolen my parents? Does she have to steal my life too? Give me back my spot, or I'll leave this family forever!"
My defiance didn't bring any remorse from my parents—just an angry slap from Dad.
"If Grace's eyes weren't sick, do you think you could ever beat her? You have no artistic talent whatsoever. You'd be at the bottom of the class even if you got into art school!"
I held my stinging cheek, unable to believe these words had come from my biological father's mouth.
In the end, Grace took my place at the art university. Meanwhile, I became the laughingstock of everyone in our social circle.
I was the girl who lost to her adopted sister with impaired vision. I descended into a life of mediocrity when my artistic dreams were shattered.
I had already lost my passion for painting in this new life. So, I threw the entire art set into the trash in front of my parents. Dad's face darkened instantly, but they knew they were in the wrong and just awkwardly left with Grace.
Jake, who usually studied abroad, came home for a family reunion when summer vacation arrived. He also came back mainly to meet our legendary new sister, Grace.
Just like in my previous life, Grace completely enchanted Jake from their first meeting. She had covered her eyes with a cloth, pretending to be blind as she fumbled her way through the hall. She then "coincidentally" fell right into Jake's arms during their first encounter.
Grace blushed and said sweetly, "Because I don't know when I might go blind, I want to learn to live in darkness first so that I won't burden Mom, Dad, and you in the future."
Grace was so clever with her words. She subtly excluded me while hinting to Jake that we didn't get along.
The young and impulsive Jake was speechless with emotion. The girl before him was as pitiable as the pure-hearted heroine from a drama. He immediately vowed to take care of Grace for the rest of his life.
My parents suggested that we all go out for a day of fun to welcome Jake home. I didn't want to join them.
After all, what did their perfect family of four have to do with me, the temperamental, jealous, difficult daughter that no one loved?
Even then, Grace had to make things difficult for me. She hid in a corner, shedding delicate tears.
"Mom, Dad, you should just take Jake and Wendy without me. I would only spoil your family reunion."
Jake became anxious and gently wiped away Grace's tears.
