: My Own Future
4
My departure from the Sterling Family caused no ripples.
I suppose I have their past mistreatment to thank for that. Using my supposed introversion as an excuse, they rarely let me interact with the Sterling Family's social circles, so when Stella Sterling made her grand entrance, no one grew suspicious.
My adoptive parents, for their part, completely changed their tune. They started taking her to all sorts of high-end venues, introducing her to everyone they knew.
By the looks of it, they seemed to be grooming her to take over the Sterling Group.
Meanwhile, I was preparing for my graduate school entrance exams.
The same day I was accepted as a student by my dream advisor, Stella Sterling officially joined the Sterling Group.
Newspapers and online platforms heralded her arrival, praising her to the heavens. I just read the news and gave a faint smile.
The affairs of the Sterling Family had nothing to do with me anymore.
I studied diligently, day in and day out, and would hear that the Sterling Group's great heiress had landed another major project.
While I was pulling all-nighters, a pop-up in the corner of my screen would announce some new gossip about the "perfect couple."
Zane Vance and Stella Sterling had apparently become a match made in heaven.
One day, it was a handbag Zane Vance bought for Stella Sterling; the next, some new dress. The day after, it was their plans to go on a trip somewhere. People eagerly followed their every move.
Stella Sterling had also shed the green, unseasoned air she'd had when she first joined the Sterling Family. Every gesture was now dripping with jewels and casual elegance.
No one knew the Sterling Family once had a Seraphina Sterling.
And no one ever asked about her again.
They didn't know that Seraphina Sterling was also gritting her teeth, fighting hard for a future of her own.
No matter how hard the days were, there was still much to look forward to.
As my papers were published one after another in various academic journals, I gradually made a name for myself in the world of academia.
Stella Sterling became Silverwood's most celebrated heiress, while I built my own circle of friends.
Life wasn't lonely.
After careful consideration, I ultimately chose to take the civil service exam and secure a stable position.
My advisor was extremely reluctant to let me go. "If you're willing to stay, we can do research together. I guarantee I'll treat you well. What do you say?"
I politely declined.
I told him that if he ever needed my help, I wouldn't hesitate, but I wanted to "come ashore" and rest for a while.
I'd been planning and fending for myself since I was a child, and I was long since weary and weathered by it all.
It was time to rest for a bit before planning my next move.
My advisor didn't insist, and after passing through trial after trial, I finally entered the Revenue Service and became a proud Law Enforcer.
The night I received my acceptance notice, I gazed off in the direction of the Sterling Family's estate.
The Sterling Family's reputation was still impeccable.
Stella Sterling had firmly established herself in high society, and I heard she was even going to marry Zane Vance.
Her life was a picture of boundless glory, with smooth sailing all the way.
'It's been three years. The Sterlings have probably forgotten I even exist, haven't they?'
They had the future they wanted, and I, too, would have a bright and brilliant future of my own.
