Nothing had changed from how she remembered her previous life.
After freshening up, Evelyn and Alice headed downstairs for breakfast.
Evelyn had a boiled egg and coffee, while Alice had toast and milk.
Before, Evelyn never thought much about it. But now, the scene felt ironic.
“Evelyn, do you think Mom is picking favorites? She’s not. It’s just that I … ” Alice’s voice trembled, eyes shimmering like she was about to cry.
Evelyn just felt grossed out.
She cut in, nodding. “Yeah. You’re sick. Got it.”
Alice froze mid-sentence. She couldn’t argue with those words, but they hit like an insult.
She had fallen into a frozen river as a kid and had been weak ever since, always on meds. Yvonne doted on her, even cooking different food just for her.
“So you know your sister is sick!” Yvonne shouted as she marched out of the kitchen, hands on her hips. “She wouldn’t be sick if she hadn’t jumped in to save you!”
Evelyn sneered. “Mom, she was the one who pushed me in.”
She was just in her early 20s, but her mocking smile rattled Yvonne.
Still, Yvonne bounced back fast, raising her voice to shut Evelyn down. “Don’t twist things! It was just a dumb prank. She slipped!”
That one sentence was meant to erase Alice’s part in it.
But Evelyn was certain Alice had done it on purpose.
Back then, Evelyn had broken one of Alice’s toys by accident, and Alice had been so furious she’d wanted her dead. If someone hadn’t shown up right then, Alice never would’ve faked that dramatic rescue.
She was just eight, but the hatred she carried was already terrifying.
In her previous life, Evelyn had fallen for Yvonne’s years of manipulation. She’d truly believed it had all been a mistake and spent forever trying to make it up to Alice, always backing down.
I’ll never back down again.
Evelyn chuckled. “Exactly. Can’t you see I always give in to her? She’s sick, so she gets her way.”
It was a line she’d used before, but something about her tone this time made Yvonne and Alice uneasy.
It was as if Evelyn weren’t the same girl anymore.
Before they could figure it out, Zaid came downstairs. He looked gloomy as he scanned them sharply.
He was pissed about the missing cash.
Evelyn already knew. She glanced up briefly, then went back to eating like nothing happened.
Alice, meanwhile, looked downright happy. She even ate like she was in a better mood.
“Hubby, have some coffee,” Yvonne said sweetly, handing him a mug with a bright smile.
Zaid accepted it, then turned to his daughters with a serious tone. “Don’t go anywhere after breakfast. I need to talk to you both.”
“Alright, but be quick. I’ve got class soon,” Evelyn said, still eating her egg. “I’m done. What is it?”
She sounded calm, which made Alice think she had no clue what was coming. That made Alice smirk inwardly.
But on the surface, she put on a worried face. “Dad, what do you need to talk about?”
“I lost 20 dollars.”
Alice immediately looked shocked and reached for Evelyn’s sleeve. “Evelyn, did you hear that? Dad’s money is gone!”
What a perfect setup. In her previous life, those exact words had made Zaid start suspecting Evelyn. He searched her bed, and sure enough, his money was there.
Evelyn thought Alice deserved an award.
Seriously, she could’ve been a movie star.
With a raised brow, Evelyn asked, “I’m not deaf. Why are you acting all jumpy about it? Guilty much?”
“I didn’t do anything!” Alice denied it right away, her eyes filling with tears. “How could you think it was me?”
Honestly, Alice’s acting was so good that Evelyn almost felt guilty.
She squinted and smiled. “Oh, my bad. I guess I got it wrong. I didn’t take it either. Are you saying Mom did it?”
Yvonne exploded. “What nonsense are you talking about?!”
She turned to Zaid and complained tearfully, “Hubby, Evelyn is breaking my heart.”
Already stressed about the missing cash, Zaid’s face tightened when he heard that. His voice turned cold. “Evelyn, apologize to your mom!”
Apologize? That was never gonna happen.
Evelyn looked at his eyes. “I’m just telling the truth. There are only four of us living here. The money has gone. Alice and I didn’t take it, so who does that leave?”
“How do we know you’re not making that up?” Yvonne clutched her chest like she was heartbroken.
Alice quickly chimed in, “Dad, I’m sure Mom didn’t take it. If you think it was me or Evelyn, search us. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Damn it! I nearly walked right into Evelyn’s trap. That bitch! Trying to pin it on me?
If they check, she has no way to explain!
Evelyn just shrugged, looking unconcerned. “Go ahead. Just hurry up. I’ve got class.”
Zaid looked grim and started going through their school bags.
Nothing in either one.
Next, he headed for the bedrooms.
They lived in a small two-floor unit provided by his work, with three bedrooms and one living room. Zaid and Yvonne shared a room, one was for guests, and the last one was for Evelyn and Alice.
The place wasn’t big, so it didn’t take long to check.
Everyone followed him upstairs.
Seeing Evelyn’s calm face, Alice sneered inside.
Let’s see how long that calm little act of yours lasts.
After Zaid searched the bookshelves and wardrobes, only the beds were left.
Evelyn’s bed was by the door, so he checked that one first.
Under the blanket, an envelope was tucked away.
Alice gasped. “Evelyn! How could you steal from Dad?”
She turned to Zaid with fake concern. “Please don’t be mad at her. It’s her first time. She must’ve had her reasons.”
She made it sound like she was defending Evelyn, but she was setting her up.
First time? Reasons? That just makes things worse.
Yvonne’s face was full of disappointment. “We’ve treated you so well, but you still steal. Why?”
Zaid’s anger boiled over. “A thief in our family? What a disgrace!” His forehead veins popped, and he raised his hand.
But Evelyn saw it coming and dodged it. She lifted her chin, eyes sharp and calm. “You all say I stole it. Where’s the proof?”
Feeling victorious, Alice grabbed the envelope and waved it in the air. “The proof is right here! Dad and Mom are gonna be heartbroken. Just confess it!”
Two slips of paper fluttered out of the envelope.
They were prayer charms.
Evelyn raised an eyebrow. “Is this the proof you’re talking about?”