Her Slander Backfired

I was born with a unique gift: a slander-rebound system.

Any lie told about me boomerangs back onto the liar.

In high school, a classmate spread a rumor that I was a slut whod slept with a bunch of old men.

That same day, he was picked up by a dozen older gentlemen and was soon hustling for them.

In college, my boyfriends childhood friend claimed I was the star of a viral porn clip.

That night, the face in every porn clip across the internet was replaced with hers.

After that, no one dared to breathe a word against me.

Until I was brought back to the Ashworths, the wealthy family I was born into. Cecilia, the girl who had taken my place, wrapped her arm around mine with a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Anna, darling, I heard a rumor that you well, that you had a baby out of wedlock. With a murderer, of all people."

"Now that you're home, why didn't you bring the child with you? We're all family here. We won't look down on you!"

The moment she finished, my father's face turned to stone.

"You have a bastard?"

"Anna Ashworth! How old are you? How could you bring such shame upon yourself!"

Seeing my fathers rage, a smirk flickered across Cecilias lips before she quickly covered her mouth in mock horror.

"Oh my goodness Anna, you didn't tell Father?"

"I'm so sorry, Anna, it's all my fault I shouldn't have said anything."

She turned to my father, her voice pleading. "Father, please don't blame her. She's been all alone out there for so many years she must have had her reasons."

"Don't you worry," she said, turning back to me, her eyes filled with false sincerity. "From now on, I'll help you keep this a secret. I won't let anyone gossip!"

Just then, an elegantly dressed woman burst out of the mansion and threw her arms around me.

"Anna! My daughter I finally found you!"

She sobbed into my shoulder, only realizing after a long moment that the air around us was thick with a strange silence.

"What is it? Why are you all staring at Anna like that? What were you talking about?"

"It's nothing, Mother. Anna must be tired from the long trip. Let's go inside," Cecilia chirped, shooting a meaningful glance at our father, playing the part of my protector perfectly.

I spoke, my voice calm.

"She said I was an unwed mother who had a baby with a murderer."

My mothers face went white. "What! Anna, you"

"I didn't. She's lying."

"Anna!" Cecilia's voice shot up, tears instantly welling in her eyes. "I was only trying to help! How can you say I'm lying?"

She took a choked step back. "Do you really want me to expose all your dirty secrets in front of everyone?"

She bit her lip, glancing at our parents as if she couldn't bear to say more.

"What else is there?!" Father's veins bulged on his forehead. "Cecilia, speak! I want the whole truth, now!"

Cecilia looked as if shed made a difficult decision, bowing deeply to me.

"I'm sorry, Anna I know you wanted to hide it, but our parents have a right to know the truth."

She took a deep, theatrical breath.

"When I heard you were coming home, I tried to find out about your interests but instead, I accidentally discovered"

She paused, as if the words were too foul to speak.

"Anna since high school, she's been selling her body"

A collective gasp went through the onlookers.

Father trembled with rage. "You wretched creature! How could the Ashworth family produce something so vile!"

Mother stumbled back, her eyes wide with disbelief.

But I just looked at Cecilia with a faint, knowing smile.

"Are you sure about that? Lying has consequences, you know."

"Of course it's true! You"

"Retch!"

Before she could finish, a violent wave of nausea hit her. She clutched her stomach, which seemed to bulge slightly.

I blinked, a slow smile spreading across my face.

See? I told you there would be consequences.

"Cecilia! What's wrong? Why are you being sick?"

My parents rushed to her side, their voices frantic with worry.

I stood my ground, tilting my head.

"Oh, Cecilia. The way you're retching it's almost like you have morning sickness."

The air froze for a few seconds.

"What are you talking about!" Cecilia shrieked, as if mortally wounded. "I don't even have a boyfriend! How could I be pregnant?"

"You can't just accuse me of your own your own filthy behavior"

Seeing her tear-streaked face, my parents hearts melted.

My father glared at me. "Anna Ashworth, how dare you spread such disgusting rumors about your sister! You have no class!"

My mothers face was a mask of disappointment. "Anna, that was cruel! Cecilia has never been with a man. Its impossible for her to be pregnant."

I blinked, my expression all innocence. "It was just a thought."

"But since she's so sick maybe she should see a doctor!"

"No!" Cecilia blurted out, then quickly covered her mouth with a cough, her eyes darting around nervously. "I just ate something bad. I'll be fine after a little rest."

She feigned weakness, collapsing against our mother. My parents immediately helped her into the mansion. I watched them go, a thoughtful glint in my eye.

Cecilias reaction was off.

It was almost as if she already knew she was pregnant.

My gossip-loving soul ignited. I followed them into the mansion and joined the vigil by her bed.

"Cecilia, I'm just so worried about you. I took the liberty of calling a doctor. He'll be here any minute."

"If something really is wrong, it's best to find out early. For Mom and Dad's peace of mind, you know?"

Hearing my considerate words, my parents beamed with approval.

But the color drained from Cecilias face. She burrowed into our mothers arms, whining, "Mother I don't want to see a doctor"

Mother patted her back, about to speak

"That won't be necessary."

A low voice came from the doorway. My brother, Simon, strode in. He gave me a head-to-toe scan, his disgust unconcealed.

"You're Anna?"

"Let me make one thing clear. You may be my blood, but Cecilia is my only sister."

"You have no right to interfere in her affairs."

He walked straight to Cecilias bed and gently wiped her tears. "If you don't want to see a doctor, you don't have to. Big brother is here for you."

At that, Cecilia threw herself into Simons arms, sobbing. "I knew you were the best to me, Simon!"

I watched them, a spark of inspiration hitting me. "You two are so close!" I said with childlike innocence. "Even though you aren't related by blood, you're so intimate!"

The mood in the room shifted instantly.

Simon dropped his arms as if he'd been burned, his ears turning red. His eyes blazed with fury. "What the hell are you talking about!"

Cecilia started crying again, looking at me with wounded eyes. "Anna, how could you say that about me and Simon?"

"Are you just trying to change the subject? To stop Mom and Dad from asking about your illegitimate child, you decided to spread rumors about me?"

She bit her lip, looking crushed. "You know I found out you had been taken advantage of, and I was going to ask our parents to stand up for you I can't believe you'd treat me like this"

Mother immediately grew tense. "Taken advantage of? Anna, who hurt you?"

I sat down, amused. "I have no idea. Cecilia, who hurt me?"

"Anna, don't be afraid. It wasn't your fault" Tears of sympathy welled in her eyes. "I found out that a few months ago, you were dragged into an alley by seven or eight thugs"

"They they did things to you"

She sighed, reaching for my hand. "That first time it wasn't your fault. But Anna, how could you be so foolish? Why did you keep seeing them?"

"The neighbors in the alley all said every few days they saw those men leaving your apartment half-naked"

She trailed off, lowering her head as if she couldn't bear to continue.

"You shameless hussy!" Father roared, his face a mask of rage.

Mother clutched her chest, pointing a trembling finger at me. "Anna tell me it's not true"

"Anna Ashworth, you are a disgrace!" Simon yelled. "The Ashworth family has no room for someone like you. Get out of this house, now!"

I looked at their twisted faces and felt a surge of absurdity.

Forget that none of this ever happened. Even if it had, shouldn't their first reaction as my family be concern that I had been hurt?

"Anna, even though even though you've been sleeping around, I believe you can change," Cecilia pleaded. "If you just admit you were wrong and cut ties with those men Mom and Dad will forgive you."

I let out a soft laugh, my gaze calm.

"I don't know any thugs. Why would I admit to something I didn't do?"

"Besides Cecilia, didn't I just tell you? Lying has consequences."

"Anna, why do you keep saying that?" Cecilia squeezed out a few more tears and pulled out her phone, holding the screen up for everyone to see. "If I'm a liar, then how do you explain these?"

On the screen was a photo of me, dressed provocatively, lounging between several men. As if that wasn't enough, she swiped to a picture of me holding a baby.

My parents' faces were thunderous.

"Those photos are fake," I said, looking Cecilia in the eye. "And I'll say it again: lying has consequences."

"I'm not lying! I"

"Fine," I cut her off calmly. "Just don't regret it."

With my rebound system, I never lose. She had spoken the words; now she could suffer the consequences.

My nonchalance only fueled their rage.

"It's good that you admit it, Anna," Cecilia said, a triumphant smirk on her face as she pretended to comfort everyone. "Father, Mother, don't be angry Anna was just confused for a moment"

Mother hugged her gratefully. "Cecilia, you're always so understanding."

"You're not feeling well, so we'll let you get some rest. If you're still sick tomorrow, I'll take you to the doctor."

They left, shooting me looks of pure disgust.

I didn't care. I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face.

The next morning, I woke up to a piercing scream.

"Cecilia! You what happened to you?!"

"Who did this?! Who the hell did this!!"

Cecilias sobs echoed through the mansion.

I stretched and wandered over to enjoy the show.

In Cecilia's room, seven or eight half-naked men were being held down by security guards. She was huddled in the corner of the bed, her eyes swollen, her body covered in red marks, trembling uncontrollably.

"You animals! Who gave you the nerve to touch my daughter!" Father kicked the nearest man, his eyes blazing.

"Touch her? She was begging for it!" the man shot back with a sleazy grin. "Hey, little vixen, why don't you explain it to your parents?"

"You're the one who invited us over last night. We're old friends. Why are you playing innocent now?"

He pulled out his phone and shoved the chat history in everyone's face.

"Hey boys, come keep me company tonight."

"I miss you. I'm waiting at home. It'll be more exciting."

My parents stumbled back as if struck by lightning. Simon stared at the screen, his face a picture of disbelief.

"It's fake! That's fake!" Cecilia wailed. "I don't know them! I didn't send that!"

"Why are you lying about me? I don't even know you"

"Lying? We're not the ones lying! The chat history is right here!" the man retorted.

Cecilias face was chalk white. Her lips parted, but no words came out.

I leaned against the doorframe, a cold smile on my face.

Now she knows what it feels like to be slandered.

"It was you!" Cecilias head snapped up, her eyes locking on me. "Anna Ashworth! You hired these thugs to ruin me!"

I sighed dramatically. "Me again?"

"Yes! You!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face. "Anna, what did I ever do to you? Why would you hire these men to hurt me?"

"These men they were your clients!"

A cold laugh escaped my lips. "So you're saying I have an improper relationship with these men?"

"Fine, Cecilia. Show me the proof. I'd love to see it."

"I will!" She shot me a venomous look, as if she'd been waiting for this. "You asked for it, Anna!"