I Trashed the Heiress

The sunlight outside the window was blindingly bright. I sat on the living room sofa, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the patterns on the armrest. Today is a special day; the true heiress of the Quinn family is coming back. Having lived as a false heiress in the Quinn family for eighteen years, I always knew this day would come eventually, but I never imagined it would begin with such cruelty. For the past eighteen years, I have been known as Susan Quinn, the daughter Leonard Quinn and Fiona Hamilton cherished with all their hearts. But just yesterday, they told me I am not their biological daughter—that the true Quinn heiress, Jenny Quinn, will return tomorrow. I didn't cry or protest; I simply accepted this truth quietly. After all, the debt of being raised surpasses everything; I thought that even if I am no longer the Quinn family's daughter, I must still honor and care for them. Morning had turned the Quinn family villa into a hive of activity. The servants hurried about cleaning, Fiona was in the kitchen personally preparing Jenny Quinn's favorite snacks, and Leonard Quinn paced the living room anxiously, his face alight with expectation. I watched it all with a bitter knot in my heart, yet still stood up, intending to help. "Don't trouble yourself," Fiona said coldly as she caught sight of me, pausing her work. "If Jenny sees you here when she returns, it might upset her." I froze, shocked that the mother who had always been kind to me could say such words. "Mom, I just wanted to help..." "No need," Leonard Quinn interrupted me. "You go back to your room first. Once Jenny adjusts, we'll introduce you to each other." I clenched my fists tightly, fighting back the pain deep inside, nodded, and turned to walk upstairs. Back in my room, I lay my head on the desk, tears finally spilling down uncontrollably. Eighteen years of love—could it truly be worth nothing just because Jenny has returned? After crying for who knows how long, I heard a car horn outside, followed by Fiona Hamilton's excited voice. I know; Jenny Quinn has arrived. I took a deep breath, wiped away my tears, and stood up, intending to go downstairs to see her. After all, she is the true heiress of the Quinn Family; I should at least go greet her. But just as I reached the foot of the stairs, Jenny Quinn walked in through the door. She wore a designer dress, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, her skin pale and flawless, her delicate features making her look like a proud princess. When she saw me, a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes, quickly replaced by disdain. "So you're the one who's occupied my place for eighteen years?" Jenny Quinn walked up to me, scrutinizing me from head to toe, her tone sharp and unfriendly. I bit my lip, remaining silent. "Jenny, don't say that," Fiona Hamilton approached, taking Jenny's hand gently, her eyes filled with sympathy. "You've suffered so much all these years. I promise I will make it up to you." Jenny leaned into Fiona's embrace, pouting softly, "Mom, I know you love me, but just thinking about her stealing my identity all these years makes me feel unsettled." Leonard Quinn also came over, frowning at me. "Susan, go back to your room for now. We'll discuss this later." I watched the three of them, happily together as a family of three, and my heart ached as if pierced by needles. I turned to go back to my room, but at that moment, Jenny Quinn suddenly stretched out her foot and tripped me. I lost my balance and tumbled down the stairs. "Ah!" I screamed in agony, feeling as if every bone in my body had shattered. As my consciousness faded, I saw the corner of Jenny Quinn's lips curl into a smug smile. Although Fiona Hamilton and Leonard Quinn's faces were filled with panic, they did not rush over to help me immediately. After that, I lost consciousness.