Once an Orphan, Now the Heiress They Regret Losing

As the real daughter, after being left in the orphanage for eight years, my parents finally decided to bring me home. When the expensive cars stopped in front of the orphanage, I was handing out snacks to the children.

Freya, I told you before, once Phoebe got into college and became stronger inside, wed bring you home. The moment Phoebes admission letter arrived, I came to pick you up.

I frowned, looking at the strange woman standing in front of me.

She sighed. I know you blame Mom, but Phoebe feels insecure because she isnt our real daughter. You, on the other hand, were born with everything. We just let you enjoy it a little later.

Its been hard for you, staying here for eight years. When you come home, well make it up to you.

The woman kept talking, telling me not to argue with someone named Phoebe. I raised my hand to stop her.

Wait a minute, who are you?

It was ridiculous. A stranger claiming she had come to take me home. But clearly, I already had new parents eight years ago.

The woman froze under my unfamiliar gaze, then turned and let out a soft laugh.

Youve stayed in the orphanage for eight years and are still this stubborn. It seems that even if Phoebe has been spoiled by your father and me, you still wont let her push you around.

But soon, her smile disappeared, and her tone grew cold and warning.

Phoebe is sensitive by nature. When you come home, you must never mention whos real and whos not. Youre both my daughters.

From now on, youll be her older sister. You must take care of her and never let anyone bully her. In my heart, youre both just as important.

Listening to her biased words that could fill an ocean, I finally remembered who she was: Claudia Romero, my biological mother.

After eight years apart, she felt like nothing more than a stranger to me, and a strangers words meant nothing to my heart.

Mrs. Romero, when you left me at the orphanage, did you ever think that I might have already found a new family?

I was healthy, so it was natural for the orphanage to help me find an adoptive home.

Claudia stepped forward, reaching out to touch my head, but I moved away from her hand.

I told the director you were only placed here for a while, that you had real parents. Who would ever adopt you?

Besides, you were already ten back then, a child from the mountains, poor in studies, with no skills, wild and rough. No one would want you.

Youre eighteen now, still without any proper schooling. Other than going home, do you plan to stay in this orphanage forever?

My biological mothers face stayed calm as she stripped me of all worth with her words. When it was revealed that Phoebe Romero and I had been switched at birth, they found me right away.

The day before, they hugged me and said I had suffered enough. But the next day, because Phoebe wanted to run away from home, they sent me here instead and left me to survive on my own.

It wasnt that I felt much for them, but they were still my biological parents. Yet they refused to even give me a place to stay. Feeling upset, I spoke up in protest.

All I got in return was their disgust.

The switch wasnt Phoebes fault. All these years, shes been kind and filial. If you move in, people will start asking questions about her background, and itll affect her emotionally.

Youre our real daughter. Youll have everything you deserve one day. Once Phoebe gets into college and stops feeling insecure, well bring you home.

Those words completely broke the little affection I still had for my parents. Without looking back, I walked straight into the orphanage.

I never thought that the son of the richest man in the city would throw a tantrum about wanting a sister, and when he came to the orphanage, he picked me the moment he saw me.

At that time, I was pinning down a boy who had bullied me and beating him up.

This little sister is really something else. I can tell right away shes meant to be my sister.

And just like that, I became the child of the richest family.

Youve got such a bad temper. All these years, you havent even called us once. But I know, deep down, you still think of your parents.

Otherwise, why would you have personally knitted a scarf for me? You still care about your mom and dad.

I almost laughed.

A large part of the orphanages expenses came from donations, including those from the Romero family. Every year, the orphanage sent handmade gifts as a token of thanks.

When I first came to the orphanage, I knitted a scarf only to complete an assigned task. The dean must have taken it and claimed it was made especially for them, hoping they would take me home.

I honestly felt there was nothing to say to someone I hadnt seen in eight years.

Claudia only thought I was shy.

Youve waited eight years, and now youre finally reunited with us, you must be happy. Your dad and I have been waiting for this day for so long.

Once Phoebes school entrance banquet ends next week, Ill come to bring you home.

The dean, who had rushed over, stood nearby, listening quietly but unable to find a chance to speak.

Claudia kept talking, telling the people to unload the gifts from the car.

You should dress up properly, dont look like a beggar.

I looked down at my simple, practical sportswear, chosen because it was comfortable and easy to wash. How did that make me look like a beggar?

The motorcade outside soon drove away again.

The dean let out a sigh of relief.

Mrs. Romero still doesnt know youve been adopted, Freya Walker? I clearly sent her a message.

I kept handing out snacks.

It doesnt matter. Shes just a stranger.

Dean, please store those gifts in the warehouse. Theyll make a nice treat for the children.

After finishing my chores at the orphanage, I remembered that the birthday gift I had ordered for my mom should be ready by now.

There were only a few luxury jewelry stores in town, and I honestly didnt expect to run into Claudia there. She was sitting on the sofa, listening to the manager introduce jewelry. When she saw me, she stood up in surprise.

You silly child, did you miss your mother? Were you afraid I wouldnt come to pick you up, so you came to check for yourself?

A dull ache formed in my head. When did she start talking to herself like this? Had she even seen a doctor?

It was better not to deal with someone acting like that, so I tried to walk past her and head to the counter to pick up my order.

But she stopped me.

Freya, I have to say, when you come to such a nice place, at least pay attention to what you wear. Why didnt you put on the outfit I brought this morning? Coming here dressed like this is really embarrassing; it makes you look so plain.

I was furious; she had just insulted how I was raised. It was the first time anyone had ever questioned my manners.

I lowered my voice, calm and cold. What I wear is my choice. My family doesnt control me; what gives you the right to? Please move aside, Im here to get my jewelry.

Claudia looked uneasy at my impatient tone. So youre still upset because your father and I sent you to the orphanage? Havent we already explained it? Why are you still being so small-minded? Its not nice at all.

Youre nothing like Phoebe.

Mom.

A gentle hand held her arm.

A bright and elegant girl stood beside her, carrying the air of someone born into wealth.

So this is Sister Freya?

I wondered which school Freya attended and what she had learned. As for me, though not perfect, Ive tried everything, zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Oh, I almost forgot, Freya grew up in an orphanage. You must have worked really hard to get into college, right?

Phoebes tone carried a clear mix of pride and mockery. I dont remember having any sisters. Dont go around claiming that.

I looked at the woman pretending to be the victim after taking all the benefits for herself. When the manager brought out my customized jewelry, I brushed past Phoebe. I hadnt even used much strength, yet she fell to the floor with a loud cry.

Claudia stared at me, shocked. I cant believe your temper has only gotten worse over the past eight years. You havent even come home yet, and you already dare to push people. If you had returned eight years ago, would you have killed someone by now?!

She was completely unreasonable. She kept standing in my way, talking nonstop.

Claudia, I was adopted by another family eight years ago. I only came today to pick up my jewelry, not to look for you.

My parents have treated me with love, as if I were their own daughter. I have no wish to be yours.

Claudias face turned completely cold. What nonsense are you saying? Your mother is standing right here. Even if youre joking, there should be a limit.

Yet, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes. The daughter she hadnt seen for eight years now felt like a stranger, as if something precious had slipped from her hands.

Seeing no one pay her attention, Phoebe slowly got up from the floor.

Mom, maybe I shouldnt stay at home anymore. The family isnt mine; everything I have once belonged to Freya. Its only right that I give it back.

As she spoke, she began taking off her jewelry. Here, these are yours. I just have one small request: can I still be your daughter?

Her voice sounded heartbreakingly soft.

Claudias eyes were filled with visible sorrow. Enough! Phoebe is already being so humble, what more do you want? She only wishes to stay with us as our daughter. Why cant you accept that?

Even now, you still refuse to call me Mom. Ive tried to understand you, but you still wont show Phoebe any respect. You must have been taught poorly!

Phoebe held on to the angry Claudia, looking heartbreakingly fragile. She offered the earrings, necklace, and ring she had just removed with both hands.

Freya probably hasnt seen jewelry this fine before. Any one of these costs more than you could earn in a lifetime. Im not trying to show off how well Mom and Dad treat me, but since youre coming home, dont upset Mom.

Her words hinted that I was making a scene for money. I looked down at her gifts. Jewelry like that? My brother could buy me a room full of it, there was nothing worth comparing.

I gestured for the manager to bring my order. When I opened the box, a green, hollow-carved sapphire-and-gold hairpin lay inside. I nodded in approval.

Not to mention the craftsmanship, even the imperial green sapphire had taken me several auctions to acquire, and the carving alone had used up a large portion of the stone.

Years of my savings had gone into it, but my mom deserved nothing less than perfection.

Miss Freya, are you satisfied with the custom-made Golden Sapphire Reunion hairpin we prepared for your mother?

The manager smiled politely and handed me the receipt to sign.

Just as I was about to write my name, a hand suddenly grabbed the hairpin. So, it was meant for me after all.

Claudias expression softened at once, while Phoebe spoke up beside her.

I didnt expect this store to actually use glass for jewelry. It looks almost real.

Mom, even though Freyas gift is cheap, its still her thought that matters.

I was stunned. How did my fine imperial green sapphire hairpin suddenly become glass? Was it because it looked too perfect to seem real?

Phoebe reached out, trying to place the hairpin in her own hair. Something that had already been touched by someone else, how could I give that to Mom?

Give it back to me!

In the struggle, Phoebe turned her back to Claudia and gave me a faint smile before letting go. My years of quick reflexes kicked in, and before the hairpin hit the ground, I caught it.

Im really sorry, Freya. I accidentally lost my grip

Before she could finish, I slapped her hard across the face. She fell to the floor, a tooth flying out.

Now, she truly couldnt smile anymore.

Claudia lifted her hand to defend Phoebe, but I pushed her down onto the sofa. Its just a hairpin. Whats wrong with your sister wearing it? It was meant for me anyway. Whats mine is also Phoebes!

She completely lost her usual composure, shouting at me in anger.

I took the silk cloth the manager handed me and gently wiped the hairpin. Is your name engraved on it? Yet you still claim its yours. How self-centered.

Claudia stared at me, taken aback. Didnt he say it was custom-made for your mother? If not me, then who else could your mother be?

I didnt answer. Instead, I picked up a call. Hello, Mom, Im heading home now. You dont need to come pick me up.

After signing the receipt, I gathered my things and turned to leave.

Freya!

Claudia grabbed my hand tightly, refusing to let go.

You actually called someone else Mom? Did you really find new parents? The dean never mentioned that! Judging by your clothes, they must not be rich, probably just workers earning four or five thousand a month, barely getting by?

She gritted her teeth, her eyes full of resentment toward me.

Cut ties with those ridiculous people right now! Its shameful. Counting the ones in the mountains, youve already had three sets of parents. What decent girl has three sets of parents?

If you dont handle this properly, dont blame me for stepping in to fix it.

Claudias face turned cold as she threatened me.

Oh, Im so scared, I said with a hint of mockery. Why dont you come home with me and say that to their faces?

Her cheeks flushed with anger. Did you already transfer your household registration?

Back when they left me at the orphanage, they had put my registration there so Phoebe wouldnt grow suspicious.

It was a legal adoption. Of course, my registration was transferred.

Only then did Claudia finally believe that I had truly been adopted.

Youre unfilial!

Your biological parents are still alive, and yet you let someone else adopt you? We only asked you to wait eight years. Why couldnt you wait?

Claudia never once thought she was at fault. She simply poured out her anger, unaware of the strange look on the managers face beside her. She pulled out her phone and made a call.

Before long, a man who looked like a butler appeared. Follow her. Drive those two bitch out of the city. I dont want to see them again!

Phoebe covered her face, glaring at me with venom. Mom, I heard girls her age in the countryside are already married. Could Freya already have a child?

Claudias expression darkened, her critical gaze sweeping over me from head to toe.

Take her to a gynecology hospital first. Country people are usually loose, dont you dare bring back some dirty disease!

Forget it. When the time comes, well just say youre an illegitimate daughter. Otherwise, I wont be able to show my face in social circles.

My temper rose instantly. I had been forced to become an orphan, and now they wanted to label me an illegitimate daughter?

Crazy woman!

My vision blurred as anger surged through me so hard that my low blood sugar kicked in. After eating some sugar and regaining a bit of strength, I suddenly felt someone unbuttoning my pants.

What are you doing?!