Mists Clear, Old Woes Fade

I got the supercar dirty while I was mucking out the chicken coop.

The familys young prince was already in a foul mood over his rebellious adopted sister and her new boyfriend. He didnt dare take it out on her, so he threw the car keys at my head instead.

If you dont break up with that punk, you can get the hell out of this house!

The girls eyes filled with tears. Then who do you want as your sister? Her? She pointed a dramatic finger at me, still rubbing my head.

The prince didnt even glance my way. Works for me, he sneered.

I was about to protest when strange, glowing text floated in front of my eyes:

LOL, does the chicken poop girl actually believe him? Hes just saying it because hes mad.

He already regrets it. If she hesitates for even a second, hell take it back.

But if she actually becomes the Morton familys adopted daughter, shed be set for life. Money, luxury, everything

I snapped to attention and beamed. Hello, brother!

1.

The moment the words left my mouth, the expressions on everyones faces soured.

The boy, Spencer, looked me up and down, his gaze finally landing on the chicken droppings caked on my boots. His face twisted. You really want to be my sister?

I nodded, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. Are you going to take it back?

His jaw tightened, and he pressed his lips into a thin, silent line.

Spencer! The girl, Tina, stomped her foot, her voice thick with tears. You promised I would be your only sister!

The air crackled with tension for a few seconds.

Then, Spencers voice turned cold. Sorry. I was just joking.

My heart sank.

The floating text reappeared:

OMG, Ive seen shameless people, but this is a new low. Practically begging to be a strangers sister.

She should take a good look at herself in a puddle. A wild hick reeking of chicken shit, trying to compare herself to our sweet, perfect heroine?

Besides, the role of sister is sacred to him. He would never let some dirty girl take that spot.

I rubbed the growing bruise on my head.

I lowered my gaze and mumbled, Then can you at least give me some more money?

2.

Spencer gave me twenty crisp hundred-dollar bills.

By the time I left, the brother and sister had already made up. Tina was clinging to his arm, a triumphant smirk on her face as she glanced at me. Thats not even enough for me to buy a new backpack. Maybe we should give her some more?

A flood of text filled my vision: Our heroine is so kind! Aaaah!

I carefully rolled the bills into a tight cylinder, tucked them deep into my pocket, and shook my head. No thats not necessary.

I was asking for compensation, not trying to blackmail them.

I rolled up my sleeves and meticulously wiped the bird droppings off the supercars gleaming finish. Thankfully, it came off without leaving a trace.

The whole time, Tina covered her mouth with an exaggerated gasp, her big, bright eyes wide. It stinks so much, Spencer! Is that what chicken poop smells like?

Spencer shot her a look but, for once, didnt respond.

He stayed silent until I had polished his entire car.

Just as he was about to leave, he frowned, his handsome brows furrowing, and pressed another roll of cash into my hand.

That money was a lifesaver.

I divided it into three parts.

One for my high school tuition, one for living expenses, and the last part I sent to the hospital.

When the money ran out, I started collecting empty bottles. Id start after school and work late into the night.

The next time I saw Spencer, he was drinking alone on a dark street corner. Under the dim streetlight, his silhouette was lonely, his deep-set eyes filled with a quiet desolation.

The floating text, silent for so long, flickered back to life.

He must have seen the heroine kissing the other guy. His heart is probably shattered.

Our girl is just going through a rebellious phase! Its not like she doesnt love him! Aaaah!

If only she could realize how important he is to her. Shes only so reckless because she knows hell always forgive her!

He knows what the problem is, but he cant bring himself to discipline her, can he?!

I quietly placed a carton of milk at Spencers feet.

My eyes darted to the expensive watch on his wrist.

I summoned my courage. Brother.

Spencer lifted his eyelids, his dark pupils heavy as they fixed on me. What did you call me?

My voice trembled with nerves. If you take me in, I can help you manage your relationship with your sister.

He stared at me, his face a blank mask. You? And how would you do that?

This was my one shot.

I widened my eyes, trying to convey all my sincerity. Im a really good cook, I can get the dishes sparkling clean, and I-Im great at housework

His lips curved into a smirk that wasn't quite a smile. I gradually lowered my head, my voice trailing off into a mumble. I could just be a servant, if you want. Im not expensive, you could consider it

My voice faded, dissolving into the dusty night air.

After a long moment, I heard a soft chuckle.

Spencer was actually laughing. The curve of his eyes under the streetlight was devastatingly handsome. My family doesnt have a history of hiring child labor.

I let out a disappointed oh and was about to slink away when he called out. But I could certainly use a more obedient sister right now.

I couldnt believe what I was hearing. Whats your name?

Alice.

The air seemed to freeze for a second.

Spencers brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

Alice??? Isnt that the name of the scheming supporting female character who has the same name as the heroines original name?

I thought she was just a random extra, but shes actually that disgusting character No wonder shes throwing herself at him.

Shes the one who constantly tries to seduce the male lead, making our heroine throw tantrums. But her little tricks never work and only end up pushing the main couple closer together

I heard that in the end, he marries her off to an old man fifty years her senior who has a psycho son.

I stood there, perfectly still.

My hands were tucked in my pockets, nervously rubbing the last two bills I had left.

Compared to a tomorrow where I might not eat

Who I might marry in the distant future didnt seem so important.

After a long pause, Spencer ruffled my hair. From now on, your name is Holly. Its easier to remember.

3.

The Mortons were good people.

They werent angry that their son had inexplicably brought home a strange girl. They even gave me a guest room to stay in.

But they didnt immediately agree to adopt me, saying they wanted to observe for a while.

Tina threw the household into chaos.

She cried, screamed, and went on a hunger strike. It took Spencer four hours of coaxing before she finally agreed to go to sleep.

Seeing the exhaustion etched on his brow as he left her room, I felt a wave of despair.

I thought for sure I was about to be kicked out. I packed my meager belongings and sat by the front door all night.

I was finally woken up by Spencers annoyed voice. Trying to run away?

His gaze landed on my face and paused. You actually look pretty when youve gained a little weight. Much better than when you were all skin and bones.

He casually pinched my cheek. Relax and stay. My parents really like you.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

That night, for the first time in a week, I slept soundly.

I didn't have to collect bottles anymore. I didn't have to worry about tuition or food.

I poured all my energy into my studies and quickly ranked in the top ten of my grade.

With me as a constant comparison, Tina felt the pressure for the first time. She stopped skipping evening study sessions and even ignored the love letters from her boyfriend, burying her head in her books every day.

The day she finally broke up with him, Spencer did something unheard of: he came to pick me up from school himself.

Good job, sis.

His usually stoic face was alive with a rare, bright energy. He had a cigarette dangling from his lips and a smirk in his eyes that told me everything.

That was the first time he ever called me sister.

I smiled back at him.

My genuine, heartfelt smile seemed to catch him off guard for a moment.

I smoothed down my skirt and said obediently, I know what to do next, brother.

I started finding creative ways to cling to Spencer in front of Tina.

Spencer was a picky eater, so I spent hours researching recipes hed like, delivering his lunch to his office every day, rain or shine.

It got his employees talking. The bosss new sister is so much more thoughtful than the other one.

She gets good grades, shes obedient, and she actually knows how to take care of her brother.

Spencer would neither confirm nor deny it, just ruffle my hair and give me a knowing smile.

The gossip quickly reached Tinas ears.

Just as I expected.

After her initial burst of anger, she slowly started to rein in her temper and began showing concern for Spencer too.

One time, while Spencer was washing fruit for Tina, I deliberately snuck up behind him, covered his eyes, and whispered, Brother

The long lashes under my palms fluttered.

He turned, taking my hands in his. His expression was a little strange. Holly, dont you know about personal space?

Just then, Tina walked into the kitchen and saw us.

Her eyes turned red, and she ran off in a huff.

From then on, Tina not only started sticking to Spencer like glue, but she also saw me as her sworn enemy.

After our final exams, she deliberately pestered her parents into sending me abroad.

Spencer is mine. You cant steal him, so stay away from him, she warned me coldly.

I didnt say anything, just gave her a look of profound gratitude.

My exam scores were excellent; I could apply to even better universities overseas.

I didnt forget my promise to Spencer during my four years of college.

Since I couldnt be there in person, Id slip a cute little trinket that looked like me into his car.

Sometimes, a passenger would joke, Your girlfriend put this here?

Spencer would just raise an eyebrow. Something like that. Shes clingy. Cant live without me.

Whenever I came home for a visit, I would ignore Tinas thunderous expression and use the excuse of a nightmare to beg him to stay with me for a little while.

In my junior year, I was being harassed by some rich brat, and it was Spencer who stepped in to solve the problem.

He was always a willing participant in our little play, and every time, it successfully provoked Tina. He played the part of the perfect, doting brother so well.

Sometimes, I even felt he was a little too good at it.

He once bought out every single camellia in the city and had them delivered to me, just because Id casually mentioned I liked them.

Hed call me and ask nonchalantly if I missed him, and when I said yes, hed book a flight and cross an ocean just to see me.

Gradually, everyone in Spencers circle came to know about the new sister he cherished.

His friends would look me over with playful smiles. Well now, his sister is a real beauty.

How old are you? Ever had a boyfriend?

I looked at them honestly. I have.

Oh really? Who was he? Does Spencer know?

From the corner of my eye, I saw Spencer, who had been lounging lazily, sit up a little straighter, a frown creasing his forehead.

I smiled sweetly. Just some silly high school thing. I kept it a secret from my brother. I guess Im confessing now.

Pffta high school romance?

My candid, innocent attitude must have been convincing. The young heirs shook their heads in disappointment. Just holding hands doesnt count as dating, little sis. Boring.

You perverts, is that all you think about!

Spencers features relaxed as he laughed and cursed at them. My sister is the sweetest, most obedient girl in the world. Shes only ever had eyes for me. You think shed have a boyfriend behind my back?

Is that so?

Fuzzy, moonlit images flickered through my mind.

I nodded serenely and said yes.

But I couldnt stop the heat rising in my cheeks.

4.

On Tinas twenty-second birthday, the whole family went to the coast to celebrate.

On a private yacht in the harbor, Spencer was staring out at the sea, lost in thought.

I quietly walked over and draped a jacket over his shoulders.

The floating text appeared:

Here comes the famous scene!! The supporting character is about to kiss the male lead!! The heroine is going to see and burst into tears from jealousy!

This supporting girl is so annoying. Hasnt she been trying to seduce him long enough? Its so obvious he only sees her as a sister!

Watching them get close all this time must have made the heroine finally realize her own feelings for him, right?

This kiss is the turning point!! After they talk it out, its all sweet moments from here on out!

My fingers lingered on Spencers shoulder.

For so long that he noticed something was wrong. He turned, looking down and taking my hand. Why are your hands so cold?

I forced a smile.

Taking a deep breath, I stood on my toes and kissed him.

The next second.

Tinas hand connected with my cheek in a resounding slap.

5.

The night ended in chaos.

Tina was completely overwrought, confessing her love for Spencer through a flood of tears.

Spencer held her tenderly, his heart aching for her.

Just as the floating text had predicted.

My kiss was the catalyst that brought all their feelings rushing to the surface.

The main characters were finally together. It was time for the supporting character to make her exit.

The next day, I was informed of an arranged marriage.

Spencer looked at me with cold indifference, all his previous warmth gone. Holly, I only ever saw you as a sister. Your behavior has been a great disappointment.

I lowered my eyes. I know.

His face was a stony mask. Walter Lancaster. Fifty-seven years old. He has an illegitimate son. You will marry him.

I nodded. Okay.

He seemed stunned that I would agree so easily.

For the first time, Spencers composure cracked. His voice was hoarse. You can think it over.

No need. Ill marry him.

I met his gaze calmly.

Marrying an old man wasnt as bad as the rumors made it sound.

Old men were good. They had money and status, which meant my own status would rise accordingly. The only downside was the loss of love.

But after flipping through a full page detailing the Lancaster familys assets, that one downside suddenly seemed negligible.

I quickly got a handle on the Lancaster family situation.

Walter Lancaster was in poor health and spent all his time in a private hospital. The only potential complication was his illegitimate sonhis only sonwho had just returned from abroad.

But I wasnt worried about that.

Spencers expression seemed to darken even further. Holly, are you doing this to spite me?

I blinked, then let out a small laugh.

Why would he think that?

Brother, I sincerely wish you and the person you love a lifetime of happiness.

Now that Tina had confessed, this long, drawn-out performance was finally over.

I looked at him with genuine sincerity. And now, Im off to find my own happiness.

As the words fell.

The cup in Spencers hand suddenly crashed to the floor, shattering into a million pieces.

Ceramic shards flew past my ankles like raindrops.

He stared at me, his face blank, for a very long time.