Chapter 1 Cast Out

"Grace, now that my parents have finally brought me home, do you actually believe there's still room for you here? The truth is, there's no space for you in this family." Demi Miller's mouth twisted into a sly grin as she leaned closer and spoke in a low, menacing tone beside the pool.

When she finished, she suddenly toppled backward into the sparkling water, sending up a flurry of splashes.

Chaos broke loose as she flailed her arms and kicked wildly, as if she were on the verge of drowning.

"Somebody help! I can't get out!" Her screams rang out, her voice full of panic.

Across the pool, Grace Miller stood quietly, her expression as cold as stone. There was not a flicker of warmth or concern in her eyes as she watched Demi's frantic struggle.

Today marked the grand homecoming celebration that Luke and Ivy Miller had thrown for their long-lost daughter, Demi.

Eighteen years had slipped by since the day Demi vanished at birth. Even after endless searching, the couple had found nothing. Later, they adopted Grace.

Nobody could have guessed that Demi would resurface as an adult, suddenly making Grace's place in the family seem unnecessary.

"Demi!" Ivy yelled from inside the villa. She burst outside, Luke close behind, panic etched on both their faces.

With a sharp, accusing stare, Ivy's gaze bounced between her daughter thrashing in the water and Grace, who stood at the edge. "Grace! How could you? Why would you shove Demi into the pool?"

Luke didn't hesitate. He leaped into the pool, leaving Ivy jabbing her finger at Grace. "Leave this house! You don't belong here!"

"I didn't lay a hand on her," Grace replied with a calm indifference, her voice steady and almost detached. "Demi jumped in all by herself."

"That's a lie!" Ivy's voice shook with anger. "Why would she jump in herself? We opened our home to you, and this is how you repay our kindness?"

By then, Luke had managed to lift Demi out of the pool.

Soaked and trembling in her father's arms, Demi blinked away tears and murmured, "Please don't blame Grace. This happened because of me. Maybe I shouldn't have come home at all."

She looked like a fragile bird caught in a storm, shivering slightly.

With deep affection, Ivy pulled Demi close and whispered, "Demi, your kindness never fails to touch me."

Her tone sharpened as she faced Grace. "Go pack your belongings and leave this house right away."

Quiet uncertainty flickered across Luke's face. He dropped his voice and tried to reason. "When we took Grace in, we made a promise to the orphanage director to treat her well. Maybe there's some misunderstanding..."

Snapping before he could finish, Ivy retorted, "What is there to misunderstand? It was our own daughter who nearly drowned. No one was around! Are you honestly saying Grace had nothing to do with it?"

Left with no argument, Luke let out a defeated sigh. He nodded and gave in. "Alright, we'll arrange for Grace to leave."

After a moment, he dialed Ella Fowler, the woman who ran the orphanage.

Their decision to adopt Grace came at a time when they needed it most. Thanks to the adoption, they received financial support of three hundred thousand dollars, which arrived just in time to save them from hardship.

With Demi's reappearance, Grace no longer fit into the family's plans. Perhaps it was best for everyone if she was sent away.

Grace watched the scene from a distance, her expression cool and unreadable.

Tall and elegant, she stood apart, her face stunning but aloof. Yet, not a flicker of pain or resentment shone in her gaze-there was only a strange, unshakable peace.

After hanging up, Luke fidgeted awkwardly. "Grace, Ms. Fowler will be here soon. Take everything we bought for you-and here's a grand."

"I don't want it," Grace interrupted flatly.

Nestled in Ivy's arms, Demi's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. In a tone laced with innocence, she chimed in, "Grace, do you still feel bad that I've come home? All I want is to be close to my parents and be the daughter they deserve..."

"You poor thing, it's Grace who owes you an apology. She's the one who took your spot all these years," Ivy said, her voice full of sympathy.

Grace cast a steady, unreadable look at both Ivy and Luke. "You both know the truth. I never laid a hand on her."

Their faces tightened at her accusation, but blood ties always took precedence. It was clear which side they would choose.

"There's nothing left to discuss. What's done is done," Luke replied, frowning.

Ready to lash out, Ivy barely had time to speak before voices echoed from the front of the house.

A middle-aged woman crossed into view, speaking with careful respect. "Mr. Miller, I've come to take Grace with me."

The statement caught Luke off guard for a second. He managed a nod. "Go on, Grace. Ms. Fowler will take care of you."

Making her way to Grace, Ella's eyes brimmed with warmth. "Come, sweetheart. None of this is your fault, and I'll do everything I can to help you find a real home."

With gentle encouragement, she reached for Grace's hand. "Do you remember Julia Holden from your last visit to the orphanage? She's very fond of you. After hearing about what happened, she wants you to join her family."

A small flicker of emotion crossed Grace's eyes. Wasn't Julia the one who always wore a kind smile?

Kindness radiated from Ella as she continued, "Julia's family is already on their way. If you want, you can start fresh with her family."

Pausing, she added with quiet hope, "I believe you'll fit in much better there."

Only four more chances remained for Ella to help Grace find a place where she belonged. This was the last hope she could offer. If this didn't work out...

For a while, Grace stood quietly. Then, with a nod, she replied, "Alright."

Relief spread across Ella's face, her smile gentle and sincere.