I stared at Aaron and realized, for the first time, how utterly ridiculous he was. I used to admire him. Now, I saw an egomaniac who truly believed he was too good for me.
"Oh my God, Aaron. The things you say… You really are a clown," I said with a laugh.
His expression darkened.
I shrugged his hand off my shoulder and walked away.
After turning the corner, I pulled up a number in my contacts and pressed call. "I need an investigation into Mercier Hospital on June 15, 18 years ago. Check all birth records, nurse schedules, and any available security footage."
I ended the call and dialed another number. "Mr. Holland? I'd like to join the International Youth Art Show this year."
Then I opened social media. Rebecca had just posted a new update on Instagram.
The photo showed her holding Aaron's hand, captioned: [We are meant to be together.]
A crooked smile tugged at my lips. "Oh, Rebecca. You love taking what belongs to others, don't you? And you, Aaron… You really think she's your true love? Fine. I'll make your wish come true.
"This time, I will let the entire school see how ugly both of you are beneath those polished faces. I will ruin your reputation so completely that you will wish you had never been born… or reborn."
…
Three days passed. The day arrived.
Aaron had told me the date. It was the day of the International Youth Art Show.
On the surface, it looked like a standard exhibition, but in reality, it was an opportunity to attract the attention of the Iale University School of Art. They used the event to recruit promising artists, which drew in anyone with comparable talent.
In my previous life, Rebecca had seized all the attention with her painting, "Spring Sun." It was so impressive that the rector of the School of Art met her in person. That moment secured her admission to Iale University and brought immense prestige to the Montgomery family.
It was also the moment Aaron and my parents changed their view of her. As their affection for Rebecca grew, they began to criticize and ostracize me, until they eventually abandoned me altogether.
I entered the venue without expression, my posture straight as attention gathered around me.
Whispers followed in my wake.
"That's Bernadette, right? Didn't she ace the SATs? But her parents still favor Rebecca…"
"Man, that's rough. She's the real Montgomery heiress, but a hospital mix-up sent her to some backwater town. Even after she came back, nothing she did earned their love."
"It's not just her parents. Even Aaron ignores Mercier High's top student for Rebecca. Why does she always get the short end of the stick? Something feels off…"
"Tsk, what do you know? So what if Rebecca isn't a top scorer? She's an art genius. This whole show might as well be in her honor."
I ignored them and headed to my booth.
I had just finished setting up when Aaron and Rebecca approached.
"You're joining the show too, Bernadette?" he sneered. "Not bad. At least you'll get to witness the moment Becky's work is selected by the rector."
I did not look up as I adjusted my easel. "You've been working hard to hype her up while looking down on me, haven't you? Have you ever considered how hard the fall will be if she doesn't live up to it?
"If she performs as well as you expect, fine. But if she fails, she won't recover from the humiliation you've set her up for."
Aaron glared at me and let out a short laugh. "What? You think she's as talentless as you? What can you do besides memorizing textbooks and regurgitating them during exams?
"Should I remind you that Becky's piece is already one of the finalists? She's the School of Art's focus at this entire show.
"I know you're jealous, Bernadette, but you should at least respect fair competition and treat her as a fellow artist."
He pointed at my covered canvas. "Or you can stop pretending and admit Becky is better than you. If you do, I'll overlook everything you've done to her. I might even find some time for you in my schedule."
I understood exactly what they were doing. A few people in the crowd snickered as they waited for me to make a fool of myself.
