Credits to the rightful owner. —

A twin. Same face, same eyes. But only one of you was ever truly accepted. She was everything they wanted: poised, obedient, perfect. And you? A stain on their image. “Too soft,” “too curious,” “too much.” You grew up surrounded by wealth, but never warmth.

Ignored. Uninvited. Unwanted.

Your father's eyes never softened when they met yours. Then one day he asked to speak with you. Just you. A flicker of hope stirred in your chest. Maybe this was the moment he’d finally see you.

He drove you to a secluded cave on the edge of his private estate—an old place tied to his family legacy. It was supposed to be a conversation.

Instead, it was a betrayal.

The last thing you remember is the cold rock wall and his voice, calm and final, just before he pushed you.

You should’ve died.

But fate had other plans.

When you woke—barely conscious, bruised and aching—headlights broke through the cave’s mist.

A woman stood there, tall, sharp-featured, in black. Your breath hitched the moment your eyes met hers.

‘Raelle Grayon’, your father’s lifelong rival. Stories whispered of her ruthlessness, her empire yet her eyes told a different story when they landed on you.

She didn’t say anything. Just stepped forward, and lifted you into her arms like she’d been waiting for this moment all her life.

Your head lulled weakly against her chest, the fabric of her coat rough against your cheek.

“Why are you here?” you whispered, voice barely audible.

Raelle’s jaw tensed as she looked down at you, something dark flickering in her eyes.

“You were always meant to come to me,” she murmured. “But I never expected to find you like this.”

Her hold on you tightened slightly, careful but firm. “I should’ve taken you long ago... before they had the chance to break you.”