The Glass Pawn

The day my dad brought his real daughter home, the whole family heard her thoughts:
In my last life, Mom and Dad were all tricked and killed by Noras schemes. This time, I have to save this family!
I glanced at my wall, covered in martial arts awards, then at her, a girl who looked like a strong breeze could knock her over.
Me, the national kickboxing champion, the MMA golden belt holder, the MVP of the professional fighting league.
When would I even have the time to scheme against someone?
Schemes?
Please. I could kill a man with one punch.

1.
The day my father brought Yena Howard to our door, I was in our home gym, dripping sweat in a sports bra and shorts.
The girl in the mirror had lean, powerful muscle lines and healthy, sun-kissed skin.
Id just set down a dumbbell when I heard a muffled sob from downstairs.
I went down to find a girl sitting between my parents on the sofa.
She was a vision in white, her long, dark hair falling straight over her fragile shoulders. She was carefully cradling a cup of tea my mother had handed her.
Her posture, her aurashe was the spitting image of my mother, Eleanor Wilde, twenty years younger.
Nora, youre here. My mother looked up, her gaze flickering with a complex emotion. This is Yena. Your father brought her home. She says shes our biological daughter. The nurse was busy and mixed up the bracelets, so both families took home the wrong baby. Your biological parents they passed away in a car accident a few years ago.
I raised an eyebrow, but before I could speak, a clear, delicate voice drilled into my head.
Im seeing Nora again. Shes the one who destroyed our family. Sniffle it was all my fault. Mom and Dad spoiled me so much to make up for my lost years that Nora got jealous. She colluded with some lowlife to bankrupt the company, and in the end, Mom and Dad jumped from a building together. I have to change everything this time. Come on, Yena, you can do it!
My head whipped toward Yena. What was she talking about? Me, destroy my family?
She was still looking down, demurely sipping her tea. Her lips hadn't moved.
At the same time, I saw my brother, Leo, coming down the stairs. He froze on the landing, his shock undisguised as his eyes darted between Yena and me.
My parents were staring at the girl with wide, stunned eyes.
I got it instantly.
We could all hear her.
A small smirk played on my lips. Life really was stranger than fiction.
Oh? I flopped onto the armchair opposite them, my posture relaxed. Proof?
Yena looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. She glanced at me, then at my mother, her voice as faint as a mosquitos buzz. I I have the DNA report She pulled a file from a worn, faded bag at her side.
My fathers voice was grim. We checked it. The report is authentic. We even ran a new test with your mothers blood sample, just in case. It confirms Yena is our daughter.
My mother took the report, her eyes scanning it quickly. Her own eyes reddened, and she pulled Yena into a fierce hug. My daughter! Youve suffered so much!
Leo walked over, giving me a complicated look before his gaze settled on Yena. His usual lazy, joking demeanor was gone, replaced by a gentle tone. Dont be afraid. Youre home now.
Thats my brother he looks so young. I havent seen him in so long Hes looking at me so gently. He had such a tragic end in my last life. Nora secretly drugged him and ruined his health. This time, I have to protect him!
Leo stiffened, his head turning to look at my wall of trophies. Drugged him? She could probably kill three of him with one punch. Why would she need drugs?
I was a little speechless myself, which made me seriously doubt the validity of her reincarnated thoughts.
Initially, Id felt a pang of guilt for Yena. While the switch wasnt my fault, her worn clothes told me she hadnt had an easy life. I was fully prepared to give everything back to her, even move out if she wanted. But the moment she arrived, she started slinging these baseless accusations from some supposed past life. It seemed this frail, innocent girl wasn't as harmless as she looked.
Eleanors gaze also fell on me. Besides her obsession with training, this child she had raised was outstanding in every wayacademics, character, social graces.
How could such a brilliant girl with such clear eyes be the same malicious person from Yenas thoughts? It was impossible to believe.
She hesitated, then said, Nora, dont you worry. Weve raised you for twenty years, and this family can certainly afford to support two daughters. From now on, you and Yena are both our children.
Thats right, sister. Yena ran over and took my hand.
Mom is too soft-hearted. But I have to try. Maybe I can change her this time around?
My lip twitched. You know, I began, I think you should know that we can hear your
Before I could finish, my parents and Leo looked at me in horror as my vision went black, and I collapsed.

2.
I woke up in my own bed. Leo was sitting by my side, and the moment I opened my eyes, he handed me a glass of warm water.
How are you feeling? he asked, his voice laced with concern. Mom and I tried to test it. Every time we mention her inner voice in front of her, something weird happens and we get cut off. I dont know what her deal is. Nora, we know youre not that kind of person, and don't even get me started on the 'lowlife' part.
He paused, glancing at me carefully. Honestly, in all the years Ive known you, Ive never seen you give any guy the time of day.
Well, I guess my complete lack of a love life was my alibi.
Leo, I said, taking the water, whats the plan now?
He sighed, rubbing his temples. Dad feels guilty. Moms heart breaks for her. The fact is, shes our biological sister. As for those bizarre thoughts shes probably just desperate for attention. Dont take it to heart. Since we cant prove any of it, well have to assume for now that its just nonsense brought on by trauma. Mom and Dad want her to stay and get settled. And He looked at me, his expression softening. Youre the sister I grew up with. That will never change.
Won't it? But with guilt and blood ties twisting together, and Yena constantly whispering poison in their minds, how long could never last?
When we went downstairs, the atmosphere was tense. Yena was nestled against my mother like a delicate white flower.
Her eyes were still red, making her look like a frightened bunny. Sister, are you okay? Im so sorry, its all my fault Her voice was a weak, tearful whisper.
What happened to her? She fainted right when I was holding her hand. I hope Mom and Dad dont misunderstand. No, I cant think like that. It was just a coincidence.
My mother quickly took her hand. Yena, dont say that. It has nothing to do with you. She looked at me, a pleading look in her eyes, as if begging me to be magnanimous.
My father, Marcus Wilde, cleared his throat. Its good that youre awake, Nora. Yena will be living with us from now on. You two try to get along.
Impressive. In the short time I was unconscious, shed already won over my parents and subtly turned them against me.
I just shrugged and sat down on the sofa.
Just as Yena was about to say something else, the doorbell rang. My supposed fianc, Preston Hayes, had arrived. He was in a suit, clearly having rushed over from his office after hearing the news. His eyes fell on me first, then scanned the room.
Yenas eyes lit up instantly. She looked down, twisting the hem of her dress, the picture of a shy girl who wanted to approach but didnt dare.
Prestons here! Hes so handsome today! He looked at me! In my last life, Preston chose Nora out of obligation, but then he realized we were the ones who were truly in love. Mom and Dad even approved of us being together. It was wonderful.
Yenas ears turned pink. My parents exchanged a look. If this was a possible future, it was better to let the two of them get acquainted. Better to be safe than sorry when it came to their childrens happiness.
Prestons brow furrowed slightly as he stared at Yena in shock.
Great. Another one joins the mind-reading club.
He quickly recovered, greeting my parents before turning to Yena with a polite, practiced warmth. Miss Howard, welcome home. Finally, he came to me. Nora, are you alright?
Why wouldnt I be? I said flatly.
Leo broke the awkward silence. Preston, perfect timing. Were taking Yena shopping in a few days. She just got here and needs everything. You should come with us.
Prestons gaze swept over Yenas worn dress, which was completely out of place in our lavish home. A flicker of pity crossed his face, and he nodded. Of course.
Yes, he agreed! I have to be on my best behavior. I hope we can be together openly this time around.

3.
For the next few days, I barely left the house.
An international MMA tournament was coming up next month, and I had been preparing for it for a year. In this final stretch, I poured all my energy into high-intensity training.
After getting nowhere with me, Yena seemed to give up on her quest for sisterly bonding and focused all her attention on my parents and Leo.
At first, I saw them interact with a degree of caution, but they couldn't resist Yenas daily charm offensive. Soon, the four of them were inseparable, their bond growing stronger by the day. The huge mansion was often empty except for me and the staff.
Leo took her to a few high-society parties. When he got back, hed scratch his head and say, You know, Yenas actually pretty great. All my friends said shes so sweet and well-behaved. A hint of pride had already crept into his voice.
I tried to spend some time with my parents, but Yenas inner voice would immediately pipe up: Oh no, Noras alone with Mom and Dad. I cant let her. I have to watch her so she doesnt get a chance to hurt them. And then she would magically appear, wedging herself between us, and my parents eyes would fill with suspicion.
And that was the thing. Yenas predictions were coming true.
She thought that my mothers favorite rose bush in the garden would inexplicably wither the next day, and sure enough, the gardener reported it had wilted.
She mentally warned my father that an antique brush washer in his study had a hairline crack and to be careful. A few days later, my father was admiring it when it broke in two with a gentle tap.
She even fretted internally before one of my brothers business dinners: I hope Leo doesnt drink the wine that Mr. Henderson offers him tonight. An opponent drugged it. In my last life, he drank it, made a fool of himself, and lost a huge deal.
That night, Leo was on high alert. He noticed something off about Henderson's assistants eyes, made an excuse to refuse the drink, and later discovered it had indeed been tampered with.
One by one, everything she predicted came trueexcept for the parts about me.
The way my family looked at Yena transformed into pure adoration and affection. I even started to see suspicion in my mothers eyes when she looked at me.
It was clear. They didn't trust me anymore.
When they were all leaving to buy Yena a new wardrobe, I declined, saying I needed to rest. Yena lowered her head and started her predictions again. This is just like last time. She got jealous because I stole Mom and Dad's attention, and now she's going to come after me. I don't mind if she hurts me, but please, don't let her hurt Mom and Dad
I turned and walked away, ignoring the sounds of them comforting her behind me.
Leo noticed my growing distance and sought me out when he returned.
You saw, didnt you? he said, studying my face.
Saw what?
Dont get the wrong idea. Yena didnt ask for any of those gifts. We bought them for her. Shes such a good kid. Shes never been out with us before, and she missed out on twenty years of presents. Its not her fault. Dont take it out on her. As he spoke, the affection for Yena in his eyes deepened.
I felt a wave of nausea. What did I do? I havent gone near her in days. Have you lost your mind? You all actually believe those thoughts of hers?
But theyve all come true! I just dont want you to become the person she described, he said, his voice dropping, his confidence wavering.
Yena appeared out of nowhere, her inner voice arriving with her. Leo is trying to explain things to Nora for me. Hes so sweet. He cares about me more and more. It looks like Nora is really angry. Did I do something wrong? Its all my fault. Nora is the most important, after all.
Leo seemed to draw strength from her presence. Just stay away from her. Shes not like you, so tough and dominant all the time. Besides, you owe her
Tough? Owe her? Did this idiot forget who protected his chubby ass when he was getting bullied as a kid?
Leo, lost in the thrill of finally being a protector, raised his voice, only to be met with my fist. Blood gushed from his nose as he hit the floor with a thud and didn't move.
I rolled my eyes. He seemed to have forgotten who he was messing with.
Ignoring the panicked cries of Leo! Leo, what happened?! behind me, I went back to my room.
The person I was closest to in this family now believed her. It was time for me to go.

4.
I came out with my bags packed to find my parents sitting side-by-side on the main sofa, their faces grim. Yena was next to them, sobbing softly, tears streaming down her pale cheeks.
Even Preston was there, whispering words of comfort to her.
The moment I appeared, all eyes snapped to me. There was a brief flicker of confusion at my luggage, but it was quickly replaced by disappointment and anger.
What now?
Nora, my father began, his voice simmering with rage, do you have anything to say for yourself?
I stopped in my tracks. About what? Leo started it.
Still playing dumb! My mothers voice trembled as she pointed at the still-sobbing Yena. You poisoned Yenas water! If your father hadnt found out, do you have any idea what would have happened?
My heart sank. What had she done now?
When my eyes met Yenas, she flinched as if shed been struck, and her tears flowed even faster. Sister I-Im sorry she choked out. I know I shouldnt have come back and competed for attention but but I really wanted to see Mom and Dad. I love them so much
I understood immediately. Shed framed me. A cheap, yet brutally effective, tactic. The strange thing was, her inner voice never seemed to pop up when it could expose her.
I never touched her water, and I certainly didnt poison it, I said coldly, my voice steady.
Youre still denying it! My father slammed his hand on the coffee table and shot to his feet. The maid saw you hovering around the kitchen! Who else would do something like this to Yena? Nora, I was so wrong about you! I thought you were just stubborn, but I never imagined you were so petty, so vile!
The maid saw me? What a convenient witness.
Preston stood up and looked at me, his eyes filled with a quiet disappointment. Nora, even if you didnt do it, you should still apologize to Yena. His tone made it clear hed already decided I was guilty.
Nora? Yena? It seemed her little prediction about them getting together was coming true.
Since you all believe that, I cut him off, my gaze sweeping over all of them, then anything I say is pointless. If theres no room for me here, Ill leave.
I straightened my back, refusing to look at any of them again, and walked toward the front door.
Wait, Preston said, catching up to me with Yena in tow.
His face was set with determination. I came here to break off our engagement. Its true. Ive fallen in love with Yena.
He looked at me with pity. Dont blame me, Nora. Youve enjoyed Yenas life as an heiress for twenty years. Youre strong. She needs me more than you do.
Seriously? Was he delusional? Our families had a simple business arrangement. I would never be interested in a pretty boy like him who I could flatten with one punch. Of course, Preston couldnt hear my thoughts. He mistook my speechless disbelief for heartbreak.
He went to Yena and took her hand, the two of them gazing at each other lovingly.
Nora, I promise, as long as youre good to Yena, Ill still think of you as a sis
He turned back to me, the pity on his face freezing. I was already gone.
It seemed things weren't going according to his script.
Seeing Preston staring blankly in my direction, Yena grew anxious.
Oh no, is she playing hard to get? But Preston is all I have. I was alone for so many years, and hes the only one whos ever been this kind to me. But if Nora wants him I I guess I could let her have him.
Preston snapped out of his daze and pulled Yena into a hug. Its okay, Yena. Youre just too kind.
He was right. Just as Yena thought, she must be playing hard to get. After all, besides her family, he was the only man who had ever gotten close to her. Preston relaxed completely, gently stroking her hair.
After I left, I used the prize money from my competitions to buy a small house.
Meanwhile, back at the Wilde mansion, Yena was in her room, on the phone. Mom, you were so right. It worked. Noras gone now. Haha, I have everything that was hers.
She paused, a cold smile twisting her lips. Okay, its time for the next step.

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