Sterilized

A month after my mothers funeral, my father brought his mistress home.

I lost itscreamed, cried, and hurled a heavy crystal glass at her and her daughter. The mistress played the delicate damsel, clutching her head and leaning on my father, assuring him she was fine.

That enraged him. For the first time, he shouted at me to go to my room.

Blazing with fury, I didnt obeyI stormed out.

His face purpled, hand on his chest. If you leave, dont come back!

But I did, penniless, burning to make him regret the affair, losing me, and above all, my mother.

Outside our mansion, reality was brutal. A high school dropout, I landed menial jobsscrubbing floors, delivering takeout, maid workearning barely $3,000 a month, nowhere near enough for a decent place. I shared a cramped, damp basement with strangers.

One night, rushing a delivery, I ran a red light. The last thing I saw was a semi?trucks grille.

I died unclaimed in a morgue, while my father threw a lavish party for his newborn sons first month. He had his perfect family. I died alone in the dark.

Then I opened my eyesback to the day his mistress and her daughter first entered our home.

This time, I didnt scream or cry.

I slipped something into my fathers tea. A little something to make sure hed never have another child.

CRASH! The crystal glass found its mark, shattering against the mistresss forehead. She let out a soft cry, clutching the bleeding gash as she crumpled gracefully into my fathers arms.

Ava, are you out of your mind? he roared, his face contorted with fury. Have you forgotten every shred of decency I ever taught you?

I stood there, stunned for a moment, the ghost of a semi-truck's horn still ringing in my ears. It took me a second to realize it had worked. I was back. I was reborn.

The mistress, Veronica, clung to his arm, her voice a syrupy whisper. Richard, darling, don't be so hard on her. She just lost her mother. It's only natural she's upset.

My fathers anger melted into concern for her. He wrapped an arm around Veronica, his glare fixed on me. You will apologize to your Aunt Veronica this instant!

Tears welled in Veronicas eyes as she waved a dismissive hand. No, no, its not necessary. I know a girl like Ava looks down on someone like me. Please, dont fight because of me. Ill just go.

She turned, making a show of grabbing her suitcase to leave.

That was the cue for her daughter, Jessica. She burst into tears. Mommy, didn't you say we gave up our apartment? Does that mean we're homeless again?

That did it. Any hesitation my father had vanished. His expression hardened.

He pointed to the master bedroom, my mothers bedroom. Youre not going anywhere. From now on, Veronica, you are the lady of this house.

Then he pointed at me. And you, Ava, will go to your room and stay there until youve learned some respect!

The mother and daughter kept their heads down, their shoulders shaking with silent sobs, but I could see the triumphant glint in their eyes.

The conniving bitch.

She was the one who had an affair with a married man. She was the one moving in before the flowers on my mothers grave had even started to wilt. And she had the audacity to play the victim.

My hand instinctively clenched, ready to grab another glass. But I caught sight of my fathers face, flushed with a dangerous rage.

In my last life, my pride couldn't handle him yelling at me. Id run out with nothing, leaving all my designer clothes and jewelry for Jessica to claim as her own. And what did it get me? Dead on the asphalt for a three-dollar delivery fee.

Not this time. I would not make the same mistake twice.

I relaxed my fist and dug my nails into my thigh, hard. The sting brought tears to my eyes.

Dad, I whispered, my voice trembling. Are you getting rid of me?

My father, who had been seconds from exploding, blinked. His anger softened slightly. What are you talking about? Youre my only daughter. How could I ever get rid of you?

I pouted, pointing a finger at Jessica. Then what about her? Is she here to be your new daughter? Is she going to live in our house?

Shes Veronicas daughter, he said automatically. If it bothers you, she can call me Mr. Blackwood.

At the thought of their new luxurious life slipping away, Veronica and Jessicas faces tightened.

Jessica put on her most pitiful expression. Mr. Blackwood, does does your daughter not like me?

Veronica jumped in immediately. Richard, perhaps this is too much for you. If Ava really doesnt want us here, we wont force it. Her voice dropped to a devoted murmur. As long as I can be with you, anywhere is home.

My father melted, completely captivated by her declaration of love.

He took a deep breath. Ava, from now on, Veronica is your mother. And Jessica is your sister. You will treat them with respect.

My fists clenched again, my nails digging into my palms. My real mothers memorial flowers were still fresh. How dare he?

Dad, it hasn't even been two months since Mom You two were married for so long. She loved you so much. Is this woman in such a hurry?

The mention of my mother brought a flicker of guilt to his eyes. He finally relented. Youre right. I wasnt thinking clearly. Veronica, perhaps you and Jessica could stay at the downtown apartment for a few days?

Veronicas eyes shot daggers at me. Then, she pressed a hand to her injured forehead, her voice suddenly weak. Richard, you know Ill do whatever you think is best

She didn't even finish the sentence before her eyes rolled back and she collapsed. Jessica shrieked in terror.

Mom! Whats wrong? Mom, dont scare me, you know your health is fragile!

My father, ever the hero, swept Veronica into his arms, yelling, Doctor! Somebody get the doctor!

I sat on the sofa and watched the drama unfold with a cold smile. So, shed found a way to stay. Fine.

I had plenty of ways to kick her out again.

The family doctor says your little stunt gave Veronica a concussion. Now go up there and apologize properly!

Upstairs, Veronica was propped up in bed, a pristine white bandage wrapped around her head, already playing the peacemaker.

Richard, dont blame the child. Im sure she didnt mean it, did you, Ava?

She looked at me, her eyes full of a sweet, venomous challenge. The old me would have exploded.

But the new me was better at this game than she was. I let my own eyes well up with tears.

Im so sorry, Daddy. I was just so upset, I threw a glass. I never imagined Aunt Veronica would lunge right into its path!

My father was so taken aback by the absurdity of my apology that his anger fizzled out into a short laugh. He patted my head. Ive spoiled this one rotten. Veronica, dont you mind her.

Veronicas face darkened for a split second before she forced another radiant smile. It was fine. As long as they were in the house, she was confident she could win him over completely.

Later that evening, when it was time to choose rooms, Jessicas eyes immediately fell on my suite on the second floor. It was the largest bedroom besides the master, with the best light, a walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom.

Veronica was quick to feign humility. Jessica, thats Avas room. You couldn't possibly. Turning to my father, she added, Richard, Jessica isnt used to such large spaces. The first-floor guest room is more than enough. We dont want to be any trouble.

Jessicas face crumpled, tears threatening to spill over. I saw my fathers resolve begin to waver.

I stepped in. Dad, I think Aunt Veronica is right. What if Jessica has nightmares in a room that big? Besides, our guest room is lovely. Once its fixed up, itll feel just like home for my new little sister.

The tight line of my fathers brow relaxed. Youre right. I didn't consider that. If youre not comfortable, you can stay in the guest room for now.

The smile on Veronicas face finally cracked.

But mine was just beginning to bloom.

Back in my room, I pulled up the feed from the micro-camera Id installed in the guest room earlier. Jessica was in the middle of a full-blown tantrum.

Mom! You promised Id be a princess here! Why does she still get to walk all over me?

Veronicas face was a stony mask. What do you know? This is called strategy. Shes just a spoiled brat. You think she stands a chance against me? Your Uncle Richard doesnt have a son. Just wait until Im pregnant with his heir. Well see how smug little Ava is then.

With that, Veronica swept out of the room, on her way to bring my father a cup of tea in his study.

And I had already dosed the entire kettle.

To my absolute shock, three months later, Veronica was pregnant.

The news hit me like a physical blow. I frantically messaged the online seller whod sold me the drug. What the hell happened?

The reply came from a flamboyant, theatrical voice over the encrypted chat. Darling, thats simply impossible! This isnt your garden-variety sterilization drug. A man who takes this for an extended period doesn't just become sterile, he becomes

The rest of the message made me laugh. And it confirmed one thing with absolute certainty.

There was no way my father could get anyone pregnant.

So whose baby was it?

My father, however, was ecstatic. A son, in his old age! He was over the moon.

He immediately had the master suite redecorated to Veronicas tastes and insisted that Jessica move into my room.

Veronica says Jessica is scared to sleep alone. She can keep you company.

Veronica caressed her still-flat stomach, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips. Ava, you dont mind, do you?

I smiled back, just as sweetly. Of course not. Once you have my new baby brother, well finally be a real family.

My father beamed, seeing us getting along so well. He declared we were all going out for a celebratory dinner.

When I went back to my room, I found Jessica standing in front of my full-length mirror, teetering in a pair of my burgundy stilettos.

She saw me and grinned. These are gorgeous. You dont mind if I borrow them, do you, sis?

They were the last gift my mother ever gave me, for my eighteenth birthday. Id never even worn them myself.

My patience snapped. Take them off. Now.

Jessica scoffed. So, the nice girl act is over now that Daddys not around?

With a vicious smirk, she kicked her foot back, slamming the delicate heel into the mirror. The stiletto snapped with a sickening crack as the glass spiderwebbed and shattered.

I froze. A moment later, hurried footsteps pounded up the stairs.

Veronica appeared in the doorway, clinging to my father's arm. She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as her eyes reddened. Jessica, darling! Your leg, its bleeding! Are you hurt?

Jessica clutched her calf, where a shard of glass had nicked her, and started sobbing. Im so sorry, Ava! I shouldnt have touched your shoes! Please, dont blame Mom for this!

The broken shoe lay amidst the shards of glass, painting a perfect picture: me, in a fit of rage, smashing the shoe against the mirror.

My fathers brow furrowed, his voice dripping with disappointment. Ava. And here I was, thinking youd finally grown up. Youre all sweetness to our faces, and this is what you do behind our backs.

I opened my mouth to explain. It was her, she

Enough! he boomed. You always have an excuse! The truth is you cant stand to see this family happy!

I fell silent.

He pulled out his phone and made a call, then gestured to my closet. Pack your things. Youre an adult now. You can live on your own. His voice was cold, final. Ive arranged an apartment for you. Dont come back unless youre invited. Veronica needs a peaceful environment for her pregnancy.

I nodded slowly. Fine. Ill go. But Im taking one thing with me.

With that, I shoved Jessica aside, grabbed the shoe from her other foot, and wrenched it off. She shrieked as her hand pressed down on the broken glass, glaring at me with pure hatred.

I didnt even look at her. I just wiped the shoe clean with a look of disgust.

You win, I said to them. You got me out of the house.

My father started to lecture me again, but I looked him straight in the eye, my voice thick with emotion. This was the last gift Mom ever gave me. Im not letting them have it.

He froze. I walked past them without another word and went downstairs.

The driver was already waiting. I got in the car and closed my eyes.

It didn't matter. I had already sold or replaced everything valuable in the house with fakes. My last life taught me one thing: the only thing you can truly count on is cash.

As for Veronica and her daughter? Their time would come.

The apartment my father arranged was near my schoolan elite prep school where tuition was more important than grades. The next day, I walked onto campus and saw Jessica, holding court in the middle of a circle of fawning students. She was wearing my clothes and carrying one of my swapped-out fake designer bags.

Well, well, look what we have here, one of the girls sneered. If it isn't the former princess of the Blackwood family. Kicked out of your own house and you still show your face here?

The group erupted in laughter.

Jessica glided over to me, wrapping her arm around mine in a show of false intimacy. Ava, dont listen to them. Even after my baby brother is born, youll always be a Blackwood.

I pulled my arm away. We? Is your last name Blackwood now?

Her expression faltered. Ava, she said, her voice dripping with hurt, are you still mad at me? It wasnt my fault that Uncle Richard asked you to leave.

A few of the fair-weather friends chimed in. Dont apologize to her, Jessica. Shes just a stuck-up snob!

Yeah, acting so high and mighty. Lets see how she acts when shes cut out of the will.

I said nothing, just stared down at my textbook. Id seen the worst of human nature in my last life. Their petty taunts were nothing to me.

Jessica basked in their sycophantic praise, announcing loudly, Well, when my baby brother has his one-month celebration, youre all invited!

I gripped my pen, a cold smile touching my lips.

Good, I thought. I hope every single one of them is there to watch the show.

Ten months flew by. The day of my "brother's" party arrived. My father called me personally, ordering me to come home.

Alright, thats enough sulking. Hes your brother. What will people think if his own sister doesnt show up?

I agreed instantly. I grabbed the file from my desk and slipped it into my backpack.

When I arrived in my plain school uniform, my father, who was greeting guests, frowned in disapproval.

Ava, for heavens sake, don't you have any sense of occasion? You couldn't find a single decent dress to wear?

My gaze drifted to Jessica, who was preening in a couture gown. I tilted my chin towards her. Werent all my clothes given to the new young lady of the house?

My father fell silent, instead beckoning an assistant to take me to get changed.

Just then, Veronica approached, holding the baby. Ava, youre here! Would you like to hold your little brother?

Before I could even react, she was thrusting the baby into my arms. I reached out, but it was too late. I wasn't ready.

The swaddled infant slipped through my grasp and fell to the polished marble floor.

A piercing, agonized wail echoed through the grand hall.

I stared at her in disbelief. The woman was truly ruthless, willing to use her own son as a pawn in her sick game.

Every eye in the room turned to us. Veronica let out a heart-wrenching cry. Ava! I know you dont like him, but how could you drop him on purpose!

My fathers face went black with rage. He didnt wait for an explanation. His hand flew through the air and a sharp, stinging slap landed across my cheek.

My head snapped to the side, my skin burning. It took a moment to register what had just happened. My father had hit me. For the first time in my entire life.

An unspeakable mix of betrayal and fury exploded in my chest.

He clutched his heart, his voice a disappointed roar. I was a fool to ever trust you. You ungrateful monster, how could you harm your own brother!

Veronica was sobbing, cradling the crying infant. Hes just a baby! How can you hate him this much? Are you that afraid hell take your inheritance?

The atmosphere in the room shifted. I could feel their stares: mocking, disdainful, morbidly curious.

That Blackwood girl is more vicious than she looks. Dropping a newborn like that!

My father was trembling with rage. Do you think Im a doddering old fool? Im telling you right now, you wont see a single penny of my fortune!

A collective gasp went through the crowd.

I saw the undisguised joy in Veronica and Jessica's eyes. It was happening. The entire Blackwood fortune would soon be theirs.

I touched my stinging cheek and let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh.

But I didn't break down. I didn't scream or cry.

I simply reached into my bag and pulled out the paternity test.

Dad, maybe you should look at this gift before you make any final decisions.