Chapter 7.
This latest whipping left Aria bedridden for two full days.
When her phone finally buzzed, it was a message from the agent, confirming that the paperwork for her island purchase was complete. That isolated paradise in the middle of the ocean now belonged to her!
She could barely contain her excitement as she quickly dialed the number.
The person on the other end triple–checked with her: “Miss Pierce, are you certain you want to move to the island in three days?”
She had never been more sure of anything in her life: “Yes, I’m absolutely certain.”
The agent responded, “Very well, Miss Pierce. We’ll be ready to escort you to the island in three days.”
Just as she hung up, Maxwell suddenly pushed open her door.
“What island?”
Aria put her phone away, changing the subject: “Nothing important. Did you need something, Uncle?
He didn’t press further, only saying, “Your competition entry won an award. The organizers have invited you to accept it the day after tomorrow.”
If Maxwell hadn’t mentioned it, she might have forgotten entirely. She was a talented artist and had qualified for the finals of a prestigious national competition a month ago. She never expected to actually win.
On the day of the ceremony, Serena insisted that the whole family accompany her to witness the
event.
“Aria, you’re my sister! Of course we want to be there for your moment of glory!” Serena exclaimed.
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But then her tone shifted, and she let out a dramatic sigh.
“I wish I could win awards too, but with my poor health, I never had time to learn painting.”
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Chapter 7
“But it’s okay–you winning is just like me winning!”
Aria didn’t respond, but a sense of unease settled in her stomach.
As the ceremony began, the moment finally came to announce the gold award winner.
Aria sat in the audience, her palms sweating with nervous anticipation.
This award meant everything to her–recognition of her work and validation from her peers in the
industry.
The host pulled out the winner’s card, momentarily looking confused. But within seconds, his expression returned to normal as he announced:
“Let’s congratulate our gold award winner–Serena Pierce!”
Murmurs of confusion rippled through the audience. No one recognized the name, and people whispered among themselves.
“Who’s this Serena Pierce? A newcomer to the scene?”
“No idea–I thought the gold was supposed to go to Aria Pierce for ‘Sunset‘!”
Aria sat frozen in shock. Just as she was about to stand up and demand answers from the organizers,
Mr. Pierce yanked her back down.
“I contacted the organizers an hour ago to switch names so Serena could go on stage,” he said coldly.
“Serena loves the feeling of being celebrated. From now on, all your work will be published under
her name.”
Aria turned back in disbelief. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce were beaming with pride at Serena on stage. When they glanced back at Aria, it was with dismissive looks. “Don’t be petty with your sister. It’s just an award.”
Maxwell’s gaze was fixed intently on Serena, who was radiant in the spotlight. He didn’t even notice Aria’s face draining of all color.
In that moment, her entire body went cold.
Once again, Serena had stolen her chance to shine.
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Walking Blood Be02 No. I’m Global Hairage
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Chapter 7
And who helped? Every single one of them.
Amid thunderous applause, Serena thanked everyone–everyone except Aria.
Back at the Pierce mansion, Aria went to her room and gathered all her artwork.
She also collected the stuffed animals she’d saved three months of allowance to buy, the handmade dolls she’d carved alone in her room, and her worn–out clothes and dresses.
Then she carried everything to the living room and dumped it all at Serena’s feet.
Serena jumped, startled. “Aria, what are you doing?”
Aria pointed at the pile, her voice eerily calm: “Didn’t they tell me to give you all my work? Well, here it is not just my art, but everything I own. It’s all yours.”
She glanced around at everyone, thinking bitterly to herself:
And she could have her father, mother, brother, and uncle too. Aria didn’t want any of them anymore. They could all belong to Serena!
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