Chapter 1

Tags: Real Heiress Awakening, Toxic Family, Runaway Bride, Cutting Ties, Second Chance Romance

On my wedding day, my family's adopted daughter locked me in the dressing room, slipped into my bridal gown, and walked down the aisle with my fiancé, Chase.

I pounded on the door until my fists bruised, only to hear Chase’s muffled voice from the hallway:

"Elena, the ceremony is just for show. Stella just wanted to know what it feels like to be a bride. We’ll let you out tomorrow when we go to City Hall to sign the papers."

My parents backed him up without hesitation: "You’re the older sister, Elena. You need to indulge your sister. Just stay put."

A lump rose in my throat, choking back every scream.

All these years, whenever Stella wanted something, I—the biological daughter they brought back—was forced to give it up.

When we were kids, my parents made me cut off the sweet tips of the strawberries to give to her, leaving me with the sour, white stems.

When Chase entered my life, he did the exact same thing, telling me to cater to Stella, leaving me with whatever gifts she didn't want.

Yet, I was actually a year younger than her.

Because even the title of "the younger, pampered sister" was something she demanded, and I had to surrender it.

It wasn't until the next afternoon at City Hall that they finally let me out.

Chase stood at the altar, reciting his vows before the clerk: "In sickness and in health, I promise to take care of you..."

Stella, who had insisted on tagging along, suddenly chimed in from the front row: "And me! Chase, you have to promise to take care of me and Elena!"

The city clerks chuckled, thinking it was an adorable family joke.

Chase didn't stop her. Instead, he smiled and went right along with it: "Deal. I’ll take care of you, too. I'll spoil you forever!"

Everyone laughed.

Except me.

Chase finished his vows, turning his gaze toward me.

"So, Elena Vance, do you take Chase Sterling to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Silence stretched between us. After what felt like an eternity, I reached up and ripped the veil from my hair.

"I don't."

I was done giving everything away.

Chase froze, then let out an uneasy laugh.

"Are you so nervous you’re stumbling over your words? It’s okay. Let’s do it again."

"Elena Vance, do you take Chase Sterling to be—"

Before he could finish, I threw the crumpled veil onto the floor.

"I said, I don't!"

I spun around, stepping off the platform, and headed straight for the exit.

Chase sprinted after me, grabbing my wrist in a vice grip.

"Elena! What is wrong with you? Can't we talk this through? Today is our wedding day!"

I turned to face him, cold and detached.

"Oh, so you do remember this is our wedding?"

"Since when do wedding vows get shared with someone else? Are those words you casually promise to another girl right in front of your bride?"

Chase frowned, looking at me as if I were overreacting to nothing.

"She’s your sister, Elena. She’s not some random stranger. What’s the big deal?"

"You're the older one, and you’re the biological daughter of the Vance family. Just let her have her fun."

*Let her have it.*

There it was again. That word. Always telling me to let her win.

All these years, whatever Stella wanted, I was expected to hand over on a silver platter.

Why?

I was actually a year younger than her.

Yet even the innocence of being the younger child had been stolen from me because she wanted the privileges of a fragile little sister.

My eyes burned with unshed tears.

I violently yanked my wrist from his grip and walked out into the chilly afternoon air.

Chase stared at my retreating back, sighing in frustration.

He didn't chase after me.

I knew what he was doing. He was going back to consult my parents and Stella, brainstorming ways to "deal with my temper."

Just like on my birthday last week.

It was supposed to be my celebration, yet I was handed a necklace only after Stella had rummaged through the gift boxes. The design was dated and cheap compared to what she got. And the moment she took a second glance at mine, she decided she wanted that one, too.

I was left with nothing.

And whenever I dared to whisper a single "no," my parents and Chase would immediately lecture me: *You're the sister. Why can’t you just be generous?*

For twenty-seven years, I had heard that line until it made me sick.

I was done listening.

Back in my bedroom, staring blankly into the vanity mirror, the door was suddenly shoved open without warning.

Stella leaned against the doorframe, complaining in that familiar, whining tone:

"Elena, are you throwing another tantrum at Chase?"