Reborn Against Family Schemes

After my own sister caused my death, my ex-boyfriend married her and they had a daughter to remember me. They even took my parents to my grave, asking them to forgive my sister for her wrongdoings on my behalf. Really, who were they trying to insult here? I hovered above, laughing derisively. Then, I was reborn. Reborn at the Thanksgiving dinner between the Stone and Fox families.

I stared at the half-full glass of orange juice in my hand, a familiar voice bringing me back to reality. "It's Thanksgiving, why the long face? With all this food, why fight your sister for the turkey?" My mom's displeased expression brought a flood of memories rushing back.

"I’m just having my own share; how’s that stealing from her?" I looked at the plate in front of me, noticing my turkey serving had already been sneaked over to Isabella’s side by Peyton Fox. Naturally, since we were kids, I had to give up everything to my sister because of her heart condition. Anything good that caught her eye had to be handed over willingly. All the delicious and fun things were naturally reserved for her. As for the things she didn’t want, I couldn’t even go near them.

Each time, my sister would look at me with innocent, apologetic eyes, like a perfect white rose. Over time, I just chose silence and compromise, knowing well that complaining was pointless. I glanced around at the others. Keegan and Ruby Fox eyed me with disapproval. Peyton seemed like he wanted to say something. My dad frowned, his eyes filled with disapproval as they focused on me. Everyone adored the considerate Isabella.

At this moment, Peyton and I were no longer together. He had "finally realized his feelings" and confessed to Isabella. But Isabella claimed she wanted to consider my feelings and delayed her answer. So, despite my reluctance, I was coerced by my parents' persistent "encouragement" to attend this family gathering.

"It should be Genevieve's portion," Isabella quickly offered to return my dish. Ruby gently stopped her with a calm expression. "Genevieve, tonight’s dinner is hosted by Peyton. He should decide who gets what, don’t you think?" Every year, the Stone and Fox families took turns hosting the Thanksgiving dinner.

A brief smile vanished from Isabella’s face, replaced by one of awkward hesitation. Ruby patted her hand reassuringly. My mom, growing impatient, said, "Enough already. If you want turkey so much, buy your own!" Dad tugged at her sleeve. "Enough, enough, she knows better than this." He then turned to me. "Genevieve, you’re an adult now; you should know how to behave."

Keegan tried to lighten the mood by adding a forkful of mushrooms and greens to my plate. "It's Thanksgiving. Let’s all be happy. These mushrooms and greens are delicious, Genevieve, give them a try." I nodded, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Uncle Keegan."

I disliked greens; both Isabella and I did, but my parents loved them. To them, my preferences didn’t matter; anything Isabella disliked, I had to finish. Refusing them meant getting a lecture about "not wasting food." Yet, after once forcing down the greens and subsequently getting sick at the table, they finally stopped making me eat things I hated.

To seem fair, Ruby also added some vegetables to my plate. "Genevieve, if I was a bit harsh earlier, don't hold a grudge. But remember, you're grown up now, you can't act so willfully." I nodded and smiled again, discreetly glancing at my watch. An hour and a half remained of this ordeal.

Previously, I had suffered through dinner, full of resentment, only to end up paying the bill when everyone else’s phones mysteriously malfunctioned. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

I calculated the time, waiting patiently until the server came to our door. Clutching my stomach, I stood up, seizing the chance to excuse myself to the restroom. They didn’t suspect a thing, though Isabella pretended to show concern, asking if I was alright. I glanced at the half-eaten second serving of turkey on her plate, assuring her with a smile that I was fine and would be back shortly.

Having brought only my phone, leaving was a breeze. I headed straight for the restaurant entrance, where the car I had discreetly booked awaited. Once inside, I blocked all their contacts. Let Peyton's family handle it; it was his party after all.

Arriving at my parents' neighborhood, I asked the driver to wait and went straight for the study. After rummaging through drawers to retrieve my family registry booklet, I returned to the car and headed back to my apartment. I was glad I had some foresight in my previous life. Once my parents turned my room into Isabella’s study, I moved out and rented an apartment.

I still remembered the sting of seeing my belongings piled up carelessly in a tiny north-facing room. I felt cold all over, trembling with anger. I had argued my case numerous times, always losing. To them, as long as Isabella was comfortable, I didn’t matter. In my despair, I finally realized there was no place for me at home.

I opened a real estate website, locating the property I remembered from my previous life. I sent an inquiry to the contact listed. This time, I was much earlier. Hopefully, my dream home wouldn’t slip away this time.