The Stolen Life

The day I get engaged, my brother brings home a woman who's my age. He says she's his actual sister and accuses me of stealing her life for the past 20 years. Even my fiancé says she's his rightful wife. I'm kicked out of home. Meanwhile, my brother and fiancé take the true heiress traveling. They even give her the villa they had prepared for me. Half a month later, they suddenly remember it's my birthday. To their dismay, they find that they can't see me anymore—I've joined a secret ten-year project organized by the nation. They're supposed to be happy, but they now regret everything. Chapter 1 "Eleanor, have you thought this through? This project requires total isolation. Once you head off, you won't be able to see your family." Jonathan Hensley's words pulled me back from my thoughts. My eyes were still damp. A lot had happened at home these past few days—nothing everyone at the institute didn't know about. I, Eleanor Shaw, was a fraud. "I know this incident has hit you hard, but you shouldn't act rashly. This concerns your life." Noticing the sorrow in my eyes, the director of the institute clasped his hands behind his back. His expression was heavy with concern. "Please rest assured, Dr. Hensley. I'm not acting on impulse. The only reason I didn't accept this immediately was my family—I couldn't bear leaving them. But now, given how things have turned out, leaving would be the right decision." I steadied myself, wiping away a tear I hid from Jonathan. I was truly heartbroken, but at the same time, I felt a sense of relief. It was as though I had always known this would be my final decision. Rather than causing everyone unhappiness, it was better to step aside early and make room for the replacement. "Alright, I trust you. Take care of yourself. Departure is in half a month." Jonathan didn't press further. Instead, he gently patted my shoulder. He knew I needed comfort but couldn't find the right words. Hence, he could only let his actions show that he was always on my side. "Thank you." I nodded at him and walked out. People in the research institute all turned to look at me. Since my identity was exposed, my colleagues had been especially sympathetic. In their eyes, everything I had achieved was the result of my own hard work. However, my brother, Jeffrey Shaw, had publicly declared on the company's website that all my achievements were thanks to the Shaw family's name. As such, I had no right to blame them, nor did I deserve any sympathy. "El, perhaps you shouldn't go back." "Yeah, I have an extra room at my place. There's no need to go back and suffer, especially if you're leaving soon anyway." Everyone was trying their best to console me, offering help in various ways. However, I only shook my head gently. "It's precisely because I'm leaving that I should go home." I needed to repay what I owed. Jeffrey's words, though harsh, weren't wrong. I had taken over his biological sister's life for over 20 years. This was my fault, my debt to bear. "El." Seeing my determination, they tried to persuade me further. I forced a smile and hugged each of them. "It's okay. Remember, I'm as tough as they come. Just like our experiments—no matter how difficult, don't we always pull through in the end? Trust me." I raised my hand in a gesture of encouragement, then stood up and headed home. The Shaw residence wasn't far from here, as it was investments from Jeffrey and my fiancé, Ivor Rhett, that funded the research institute. To be closer to me, they even built two villas nearby, adjacent to each other. These were my two homes. But now, there was no place for me in either villa. When I arrived, the household staff were openly hostile, too. "Mr. Shaw has said that you are no longer part of the Shaw family. How do you still have the gall to show up here?" "Someone steals 20 years of someone else's life and still has the audacity to stick around." Chapter 2 Countless scornful looks fell upon me, and my body stiffened. The words I had strung together were lodged fast in my throat. All I wanted was to retrieve my belongings. All I wanted was to say goodbye. "What are you doing here?" Before I had time to recover, Ivor emerged from the villa holding a stuffed toy. It was our token of love from when we were 18. On the day of our engagement, it went missing. I thought it was gone forever. "Ives." A glimmer of hope surged in my heart as I reached out my hand. But in the next moment, the stuffed toy flew from his hand, drawing a beautiful arc in the air before landing precisely in the trash bin. "Can I help?" Ivor's face was stern. Hastily, I withdrew my outstretched hand, feeling hard to breathe. When we were 18, he had said, "Even if I lost my life, I'd never lose this toy." Now, he was throwing it away with his own hands. Did that mean his life no longer included me? "Eleanor, we've already discussed this. The person I got engaged to was the real Ms. Shaw. You merely took her place in life. Did you think I was marrying you? Do I need to spell it out? The person I'm marrying is her. Don't you get it? How do you still have the nerve to come here and cause trouble?" His deep voice seemed to confirm my worst fears. His words tore through me; it was as though the man who once promised to love me forever had never existed. "I've only come to collect my belongings," I murmured, forcing down the lump in my throat. It was then that a chorus of sneers escaped the Shaw residence. "Have you finally made up your mind to come back? You threw a tantrum just because of a little something we said. Eleanor, what right do you have to be upset? Over the years, it was Rhianne who bore all the hardships for you." Jeffrey stormed out of the villa, his anger palpable. I immediately lowered my head. "I'm sorry," I squeaked. I truly felt sorry. I hadn't orchestrated the baby-switching incident, but I did reap the benefits. Rhianne appeared last and immediately spoke up. "That's okay, as long as you're back. I've been so worried these past few days! It's Ives and Jeff's fault; I even told them to look for you." Over the past few days, she had been scrambling to learn how to play the role of a proper heiress. Anyhow, years of malnutrition had left her looking out of place. That burden should have been mine to bear. "It was my own fault. They were right not to look for me." Out of guilt, I lowered my head even more. Rhianne grabbed my arm, flustered. She began to explain, "El, don't listen to them. This will always be your home. I'm the one who disrupted your life." Tears started streaming down her face, leaving me momentarily stunned. Without warning, Ivor shoved me aside. "How many times do I have to tell you? Your presence only reminds Rhianne of painful memories. Did we not give you enough money? Can't you just stay away forever?" There was once a time when he worried about me like this. There was once a time when he disliked Rhianne just as much. Back then, I was the cherished daughter of the Shaw family. On the other hand, Rhianne was merely Ivor's intern assistant. Jeffrey hated her, fearing her proximity to Ivor would damage our relationship. Meanwhile, Ivor thought she was incompetent and clumsy. When did things start to change? Perhaps it was the day Ivor first teased her lightheartedly after she made a mistake. Later, to improve relations between Rhianne and Jeffrey, Ivor often brought her to Shaw family dinners. Ultimately, Jeffrey was completely won over by her kindness. These were only minor things, ones I never noticed. I had never targeted Rhianne, for I thought I was their treasure. I thought no one could overshadow me. But then came the engagement, and I fell from grace. In contrast, she rose to take my place as the esteemed Ms. Shaw. Fate certainly had a cruel sense of humor. Just then, Jeffrey spoke. "Eleanor, unlike Ivor, I'm not that heartless. I only have one request—you can come back, but don't you dare bully Rhianne. Do you copy?" Chapter 3 When my collar was furiously yanked, I met Jeffrey's eyes and nodded solemnly. "I understand." I had no intention of competing with Rhianne in the first place. And even if I wanted to, could I possibly win? I was but an imposter. Who would stand by me? "Alright, you both are being too harsh. How could you be so authoritarian with El? I'm not made of paper—I'll be fine," Rhianne chipped in. The situation was about to settle down when she stepped in again, affectionately wrapping her arms around me. "El, let's go have fun together. Just ignore these annoying men!" She was acting rather spoiled. Jeffrey ruffled her hair dotingly. Even Ivor, who was usually expressionless, had a warm smile. They were the epitome of a happily ever after. "It's okay. It's only what I deserve." I subtly distanced myself from Rhianne, but she didn't seem to catch on. Every time I pulled away, she pulled me back. "Eleanor." All of a sudden, Jeffrey growled at me. Perhaps my actions were upsetting his precious darling. He shot me a glare before unceremoniously dragging me into the study. Knowingly, Ivor followed close behind. They dismissed Rhianne. It was evident that they were going to warn me to behave. This time, I didn't cause a scene like I did during the engagement fiasco. Even my aching, bitter heart had grown numb. "Mr. Shaw, Mr. Rhett, please rest assured. I only returned to retrieve my belongings. I won't compete with Rhianne for anything." I made a point to use my most courteous tone, but Jeffrey still scanned me with distrust. "Your room has the best lighting in the house, so I let Rhianne move in. Your belongings have been relocated to a guest room." His words were a direct order. I responded with a muted "Okay". "And my home as well," Ivor added coldly. "I hope you know your place. Since you're back, go make some soup. Rhianne likes what you cook. She treated you well all those years—you're not going to refuse, are you?" Making soup was the only skill I had mastered over the past 20-odd years, all thanks to the two men standing before me. Now, they wanted me to make it for someone else. Had this happened in the past, I would have put up a fight. But now, I merely nodded calmly. "I'm on it." I wasn't sure how I made it to the kitchen, but the act of staying busy helped me forget many things. Things like unhappiness and exhaustion. Having received wind, Rhianne showed up in the kitchen shortly after. "El, thank you for cooking for me." "It's nothing." I didn't look up at her but rather remained focused on my work. "What are you making? Can I help?" Like a curious child, Rhianne wandered around, her movements full of naïve energy. She tried to touch the pot lid, which was unquestionably scalding hot. I panicked and tried to stop her. But she was faster. She burned herself and instinctively flung the lid aside, spilling hot soup onto me. The lid, as if it had a will of its own, landed directly on my leg. A loud crash echoed as I collided with the ground, unable to utter a sound from the pain. "What happened?" Jeffrey was the first to rush in, visibly anxious. In his haste, he stepped on my hand while dashing straight to Rhianne's side. "Eleanor, I warned you already. What kind of tantrum are you throwing now? Don't forget your place," he berated through gritted teeth. Before I could pull back my red and swollen hand, Ivor trod right over the same spot. "Eleanor, is this the upbringing you received?" Three pairs of eyes bore into me as I blew gently on my throbbing hand and staggered to my feet. "Jeff, Ives, this has nothing to do with El. I wanted to help, but I didn't realize the lid would be so hot. Don't blame her. She didn't do it on purpose." They always said that children from poor families had no choice but to grow up quickly. Whenever they scolded me, they would talk about how Rhianne endured countless hardships in my place. But now that something actually happened, they seemed to have forgotten something. Surely, someone who had supposedly suffered so much would know better than to touch a scalding lid! Chapter 4 "Stop trying to deny it, Eleanor. I know exactly what you're thinking. You must be jealous of Rhianne. I never thought you'd become so cunning! You say everything's fine, but your actions clearly show you wish nothing but harm upon her. I feel ashamed to have ever called you my sister." After Jeffrey spat out those nasty words, he raised a hand over his mouth. A hint of unease flashed across his face. He knew his words would hurt me, knew I wouldn't be able to handle them. Yet, he said them anyway. "Jeff, don't say that about her. It's all my fault. It's been a long time since I've done any chores—I must have just forgotten." Rhianne tried to smooth things over, but Ivor only glanced at me with dissatisfaction. "Rhianne, you're too kind. That's why this woman keeps bullying you over and over again. Look at your hand! It's so red. Come on, let's get some ointment on it." Though Jeffrey didn't criticize me further, his expression made it clear he blamed me too. "Clean up the kitchen." Before he walked out the door, Ivor tossed me a glance. This time, I had no expectations and, therefore, no disappointment. Still, the pain was unbearable. It felt like my knees were about to give out. "Miss, do you need any help?" The enormous kitchen was in a state of chaos. The passing household staff only whispered among themselves, unwilling to lend a hand. Only one young girl stood behind me, cautiously offering her support. "It's okay. I'll manage." I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain in my calf. The girl blinked apologetically and pointed at the blisters forming on my skin. "I think you should do something about those burns, miss. Scars won't look good on a girl." Her voice was soft, and her hands were quick. Within minutes, the kitchen was spotless. "Thank you." I hadn't realized until just now how much I was hurting. If it weren't for the girl, I might have collapsed unnoticed. "You don't need to thank me, miss. Don't feel bad; I believe in you. You have such a kind heart, and that's why others bully you. Let me help you get some ointment." For the first time since returning to this house, I felt a shred of kindness. It was a strange sensation, like my years of effort had finally yielded a small reward. Later that evening, I lay in bed researching after tending to my wounds. My thoughts were interrupted by laughter that came from outside the door. They were about to head out. Following Rhianne's minor burn earlier that day, they had planned a trip abroad to cheer her up. "Are we not inviting El?" Before they left, I overheard Rhianne's concerned question. Ivor, in his typical dismissive tone, paid her a few compliments and casually replied, "There's no need. She's old enough. Besides, she's traveled to so many places since she was a kid. It's not like she needs to fight you for one reward. Let's just go ourselves. She'd probably just cause you trouble if she did come." His tone carried the same arrogant confidence it always had. Whenever I got bullied when I was younger, he would pull me close and tell others, "She's mine. No one gets to mess with her." As the light from my laptop faded and reignited, the darkness hid my tears. As it turned out, love could never disappear—it just found someone else to hold onto. Chapter 5 In the blink of an eye, it was the day of my departure, which also happened to be my birthday. Every year, Jeffrey would throw a grand banquet for me, inviting people from all over in my honor. Ivor, in particular, would always prepare the most unique, extravagant gifts. And none of them were repeated. For many years, I always looked forward to this day of the year. This time, however, I had my head hung low. "Miss, Mr. Shaw said he will be taking Ms. Rhianne out for the day, so he won't be coming back." The servant cast me a disdainful glance, silently mocking my lack of self-awareness. I turned a blind eye and went into the kitchen to cook myself a meal. Over the years, I had never once done housework. Jeffrey rarely let me into the kitchen. I could only make soup. As a result, Ivor had honed his cooking skills to cater to my picky tastes. Cooking for myself filled me with a strange mix of desolation and accomplishment. So this was how it felt to cook your own meal. I closed my eyes, trembling as tears escaped and fell into the food. "Happy birthday, Eleanor Shaw," I whispered to myself. "Keep moving forward—onward forever. Even if no one loves you, there's still light at the end of the tunnel. As Jeffrey said, you have enjoyed over 20 wonderful years of wealth and privilege. You've had it good." Just like that, I repeated words of comfort to myself as I wiped away my tears. I moved all my belongings that I had sorted out over the past two weeks in the living room. Aside from a few items of clothing in an unsellable state, I had converted all my jewelry into cash. I managed to bag 1.6 million dollars in total, a sum not enough to repay everything I'd spent over the years. However, the state had given out subsidies to everyone participating in the new program. I transferred that money to my family's account, too. If it still wasn't enough, I could only remit part of my monthly salary back home. "Eleanor, what in the world are you doing?" Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Jeffrey's return. He was headed straight for the study. I knew that I shouldn't be expecting anything, but on a day like today, I couldn't help it. I turned to him. "Jeff, hi." That familiar word felt surprisingly heavy on my tongue. Jeffrey stopped in his steps, and I noticed the bunch of keys in his hand. They were pink—my favorite color, just as I remembered. "Why do you have the keys?" My question was somewhat redundant. He shot me a look of displeasure and said, "Rhianne doesn't have a place of her own yet. This villa has just been completed and is now ready; I'm taking her to view it. Do you have a problem with that?" "Nope." I clasped my hands behind my back, digging my nails into my skin until I bled. Jeffrey looked at me and continued, "Stop playing these childish games, Eleanor. Ives and I were the ones who funded the construction of these villas. We can give it to whoever we want. You've already taken more than enough. Remember, Rhianne is my real sister. She is the rightful Ms. Shaw and deserves to live a life our family can provide. Do you hear me?" "Crystal clear." I nodded meekly. It was then that his gaze fell on the feast I had prepared. He sighed in annoyance. "I can't believe I forgot it's Rhianne's birthday today. Eat up by yourself. I'm leaving now." So he did remember. My carefully composed thoughts unraveled completely. If Jeffrey remembered, Ivor surely did, too. Yet, they couldn't care less. They only had Rhianne in their eyes. Even the house they had prepared for me now belonged to her. I had always known my place. In fact, I felt guilty toward Rhianne. But the truth was I had never wanted to fight her for anything—not this home, my brother, or Ivor. As long as she wanted it, I was willing to give it all up. I only had one small wish—to share a meal together. But now, it seemed even that was merely a dream. It was about time for me to leave. Only then would they all be happy. Chapter 6 "Ms. Shaw, are none of your family seeing you off?" The staff member who came to pick me up glanced curiously at the villa behind me. The scoop about the legitimate and imposter daughters had become the talk of the town, and the man seemed to recognize me. He assumed the online rumors were exaggerated, but he now realized I had fallen so low. "No." Without saying anything else, I loaded my suitcase into the boot and climbed into the car. The sky erupted with breathtaking fireworks, their brilliant colors blending with drone displays. It was a mesmerizing sight, and I couldn't tear my eyes away. "Happy Birthday, Rhianne," the drones spelled out the words in neat rows, and the car fell into silence. Today was also Rhianne's birthday. We were born on the same day and mistakenly switched at birth. With this knowledge, they still chose to give me nothing. "Ms. Shaw, isn't it your birthday too?" asked the driver in a stupor as it dawned on him. I lifted my phone and snapped a photo of the scene before me. "It doesn't matter. Let's go." As the car merged into traffic, the sounds of celebration grew more and more distant. Two days later, Jeffrey and Rhianne returned to the villa, having exhausted themselves. Jeffrey sensed something amiss. In the past, I would have greeted him at the door. But this time, there was nothing—just an unnervingly quiet house. "Eleanor?" Ivor seemed to also notice something odd. He scanned the villa with a stiffened expression. Their initial assumption was that I was upset and throwing a tantrum. Rhianne, in particular, felt genuinely remorseful. "Ives, Jeff, is El mad at me? I told you it was her birthday too. But neither of you was willing to come back and wish her. How could you? She grew up with the two of you! This is all my fault—I shouldn't have shown up in the first place." Tears welled up in her eyes. She looked broken-hearted, as though she were the one who had been abandoned. "Rhianne, stop talking nonsense. None of this is your fault. She's just too sensitive. You've gone so many years without celebrating your birthday—what does it matter if she skips one? In fact, I'd love to see what kind of tantrum she's throwing this time." That was the first time Jeffrey had lost his temper in the villa. The household staff were trembling with fear, yet no one could explain my whereabouts. On the day of my departure, I deliberately chose a time during their break to leave. That was why no one had set eyes on me in the past two days. No one realized I had already left this place for good. "What's all this about?" Jeffrey frowned at the items I left in the living room. They were hard to miss. He knew full well that those were all the gifts he and Ivor had given me over the years. "What is she trying to do? Is she crazy?" Ivor stopped before a pair of plaster figurines. They were crafted in our likeness, once my most treasured possession. But there they were now, sat in the living room gathering dust. Annoyed, Ivor whipped out his phone to call me. "Get Eleanor from her room right now." An unsettling feeling gnawed at Jeffrey. For some reason, he felt this time was different, as if I were intending to sever all ties with them. They all felt a hint of panic, yet stubbornly refused to admit it. They were masking their guilt under the guise of indifference. Half an hour of searching later, there was still no sign of me. They also discovered that I had blocked all three of their numbers. Jeffrey was growing anxious. He had always believed I was in the wrong for what happened to Rhianne. In his eyes, his neglect and cold treatment were his way of avenging his real sister. Nevertheless, he never thought of abandoning me, nor did he expect me to disappear from their lives. "Mr. Shaw." A maid in the living room spoke up after finding a note and a bank card I had left behind.