Today was supposed to be the day the Stanley family welcomed back their true daughter, Susana Stanley. My foster mother started preparing early in the morning.
She worried I might feel sad, so she told me in front of the servants, "Cecilia, you will always be a daughter of the Stanley family, just like our own."
She said everything that was mine would remain mine, and I wouldn't have to give up my room to their true daughter.
Everyone in the household praised their kindness. We stood at the gate, waiting for Susana.
When she stepped out of the carriage, she was dressed simply. My foster mother's eyes reddened instantly. Holding back tears, she said, "My dear, you've suffered."
"Though you are my biological daughter, you were raised in the countryside. The capital is full of noble ladies, so you must stay indoors to avoid embarrassment," said my foster father, Matthew Stanley.
With that, he walked away.
Susana approached me timidly and called me sister.
I noticed a butterfly birthmark on her collarbone. It was glaringly red. My head ached, and fuzzy memories surged.