2
“Jason, so glad you could make it!”
Ashley went right up to him, all smiles.
Jason gave a polite nod. “Ashley, can you
confirm that you’re the one who saved us a
month ago?”
The Sterlings zeroed in on her.
L
Ashley looked right at Jason, all serious.
“During the fire at the Sterling’s a month ago,
my sister and I were near the park and I
rescued you!”
“The fire was huge! My hair even got singed!”
She touched her chest like she was reliving
the trauma.
Seeing her fake it, I almost felt sorry for her.
The Sterlings are major players in the city.
Ashley wanted to be Mrs. Jason Sterling Jr,
so she got my parents and Chad to let her
take the credit.
But I was not going to allow her to have her
way!
“Oh, please.”
I chuckled.
“You’re going to ruin her big day, I swear
you’re going to regret it!”
Chad heard me and whispered a threat.
I laughed a little harder. “Big day? You mean
く
stealing someone else’s glory?”
Chad’s face twisted. “Lia, you’re pushing it!”
Mom grabbed my arm, whispering, “Lia,
Ashley’s been here for us since you left. You
should be thankful.”
“You were gone for twenty years. The
Sterling’s are out of your league! We’re doing
this for you!”
Mom’s face was sincere, and it almost made
me cry.
They lost me first! How was any of this my
fault?
Ashley’s had it so hard?
She’s been living the high life, with private
school, luxury cars.
Thankful for what?
Thankful that she steals everything I like?
Thankful that her lies got me killed?
My eyes stung, and I shook my head at Mom.
If they don’t love you, the reasons always
<
After my foster mom died, I looked for my
family, hoping for love!
How ridiculous I had been!
“Ashley, you said you saved Jason a year ago
but do you have any proof?”
The Butler from the Sterlings asked Ashley.
Before Ashley could respond, Mom pushed
me forward. “A month ago, Lia was there
when Ashley saved the Sterlings. She can
vouch for her!”
Everyone turned to me. Ashley looked serious.
“Yes, when the fire was to huge and I wanted
to rush to save you but she kept trying to
stop me. She was crying!”
My stomach dropped. The words were exactly
the same as the first time.
“Ms. Miller, is this true?”
The Butler looked straight at me.
My dad stepped forward. “Lia, the Sterlings
have been looking for who saved them! Tell
<
I laughed softly, looking around the room.
“The one who saved them…wasn’t Ashley!”
