That night was full of nightmares. I dreamt of my unfortunate childhood. I was scolded harshly, locked up, starved, and condemned. The birthday parties that changed dates every year were awkward and exhausting. I was surrounded by adults who ignored my existence. But when their eyes looked at me, it was full of loathing. Then I saw Richard, Victoria, and Anna smiling wickedly. "Stella, this is your husband. Say 'hi'." They brought a faceless man to me. Victoria smiled sweetly, "You are a good girl, right? You will be a good wife as well. You will bring prosperity to our family by marrying into the Pilton family. As long as you become a Pilton, we will accept you. You will finally have some use." "You can't escape from your fate. This is your ending. You will be forever locked up in the Pilton gates. Serving your womanizer husband until your death." Richard said coldly. "Sister, don't worry, I'll help you escape. You are so pitiful. Mother and father don't love you. The only way

.....After the date, I completely forgot the matter of the Mckenzies.I was only reminded of it again when I came to school the next day and the discussion and gossip were all about Anna performing at the joint event and attending class in the music department."...."Are the Mckenzies insane? They actually put Anna here when she could be further cultivated in that prestigious music school. Did they interrupt her studies just to keep watch on me?While the others were discussing Anna, the girls who were curious about Anna at the event did not utter a single thing about her to me. I don't know what happen to the girls but they never opened it up to me. They avoided all the discussion about the music prodigy who enrolled in the next building. Nor the attention Mckenzie has in the whole campus.They did not ask me questions. I was grateful that they did not bother me about it. Because honestly, I don't know how to start and tell them.However, since I am known as a Mckenzie it was not

After the incident with Anna, I gained a lot of stares. Fortunately, my classmates and the girls had a tacit understanding to not mention or bother me about it. No one came to ask me even though I could see that they were dying out of curiosity. Before the class ended, I messaged Kane that I am going with the girls.He replied quickly.[Kane: Alright. I also need to go since my father suddenly returned home. I just received the news. I might not sleep at the Golden Mansion tonight.]His father went home suddenly? Was Uncle Tristan okay now?I typed a reply.[Stella: Okay. Be careful on your way and send my regards to Uncle Tristan for me.][Kane: He would be delighted. Have fun with them. I'll call someone later to take you home. Send me a message when you are done.]I smiled. Kane was so sweet and caring. We exchanged sweet messages for a while and send some heart gifs before saying goodbye.If I haven't promised a date with the girls I would have followed Kane and greeted Uncle Tr

We opened the package together and found exquisite fine brushes. They were even placed in a luxurious box.The girls who knew the value of each paintbrush gasped in shock. But they did not dare say any word of praise. After all, it came from Anna and they were considering my feelings.Looking at their bright eyes they also wanted to examine it so I passed them the brush."Go on. Take a look." They immediately study the brushes.There was still another box inside. There was a note attached to it.[I visited grandmother's mansion with the fam. They suddenly gave it to me. I think it is more suited to you than me. -Anna]Something from my grandmother?Anna knew that I liked my grandmother and my grandmother favored me. In the whole Mckenzie family, the only one who showed me affection and was biased towards me was my grandmother. Seeing that I treasured Elizabeth throughout my entire childhood, Anna must have thought that I would like this especially since it came from my grandmother.

[Stella's POV]"What a beautiful child. Is this my granddaughter?" An elderly woman who has a graceful and sweet smile appeared before me.It was a stranger I had never met before. So I subconsciously hid behind my mother's skirt.Victoria was annoyed by my timid action. She pushed me forward so the elderly woman could take a good look at me.Being pushed forward made me expose. I immediately got scared. I get teary-eyed as soon as I gazed up.The elderly woman softened her expression. "Don't be scared."She then took a beautiful fluffy bunny from the maid. "Here. I heard that you turned three this year. I am sure girls at your age like these fluffy toys, right?"My eyes were immediately drawn to the beautiful fluffy bunny. The elderly woman laughed. "How adorable. It is a wonder how my stiff son and his stern wife are able to birth such an adorable daughter?"Victoria behind me stiffened. But she chose not to answer.Richard, my father who rarely speaks to me, let out a smile. "She