The Real Heiress Has No Kidneys

The Bennets offered 100 million for their biological daughter.

I was that daughter, swapped at birth. But I was already dead.

A mad scientist dug me up for the money. He warned me: my body was patched together, and even with blood, Id last 30 days at most.

Dont blow your cover until we get the cash!

So I played the part.

When the fake heiress mocked me as a fool, I nodded eagerly.

When my brother sped to scare me, I clutched my face to keep my eyes from popping out.

At school, I even adopted a human to eat the lunches I couldnt touch.

I lasted until the scientist got the final payment.

Then my mother found me, demanding I donate a kidney to my father.

I shook my head. She screamed Id do it whether I wanted to or not.

But I had no kidneys left. No liver either. Theyd been sold for cash before I died.

The intestines, the uterusrats had eaten those in the sewer.

Now, all that remained was a heart that no longer beat.

And it felt like that, too, was breaking.

Now listen up, my little revenant, you are Aspen Bennet, Aspen Bennet.

No skipping, no biting your nails, and for the love of Lucifer, do not detach your head to chase mice, got it?!

God help me, just let me get this money in peace

I nodded dutifully at the eccentric scientist before me.

He claimed hed patched me together, resurrected me, and that I was the long-lost Bennet heiress. To secure the hundred-million-dollar reward the Bennets had put out, I absolutely couldn't reveal I was dead.

The problem was, after my resurrection, I was a bit short on brain matter. All my memories from before were gone, and sometimes even the scientists words took a while to sink in.

Right before we went inside, he clutched my shoulders, doing one last check:

Whats your name?

Aspen Bennet.

Alright. Besides not blowing your cover, what else were you supposed to do?

I stared blankly at his face, my shriveled brain slowly whirring. Seconds ticked by. Seeing his growing despair, I lowered my head, a little embarrassed.

The scientist sighed in resignation, tapping my skull. Remember, you must tell your father you want to go to school.

I nodded.

Look, your body can only survive on blood now. There arent enough people in the Bennet household, and draining them will get you caught, he whispered, leaning closer. At school, pick out young guys. Theyre full of vitality, a little loss wont be noticed. Ill also sneak around to check on you until I get paid.

Under the scientists guidance, I met my family without a hitch.

He bowed low, his tongue like a silver serpent, engaging them in rapid-fire conversation. His words were too fast for my brain to process, so I settled for observing the three people on the sofa.

My brother, Ethan Bennet, scowled, his face etched with disgust, unwilling to even glance my way.

My mothers eyes were sharp, scrutinizing, like a vulture eyeing carrion.

My sister, Maya Bennet, however, smiled sweetly at me.

To return the gesture, I tried to pull my stiff facial muscles into a smile.

But her face instantly went white, her eyes wide as if shed seen a ghost.

I didnt understand. Was my smile that terrifying? The scientist had even given me special training on facial muscle movements. I tried a few more smiles, but she only cringed closer to Mother.

Just as I pondered whether I should stitch my lips shut, the scientist got his first installment and left. He gave me one last look, then abandoned me in this opulent cage.

As everyones gaze swiveled to me, I nervously fiddled with the hem of my dress. My name is Aspen Bennet. Hello.

Silence hung heavy for a few seconds. My father was the first to speak.

He sat upright at the head of the table, sizing me up. Good to have you back. How have you been these past years out there?

I paused, looking down at my crisscrossing suture lines and gray skin. By human standards, it definitely wasnt good.

So I looked up, answering earnestly, Cant you tell? I feel very unwell.

Father choked on his words. Mother quickly smoothed things over. Its nothing. Now that youre back, youll recover just fine.

Father remained silent, clearly displeased with my blunt words.

Finally, Maya broke the awkwardness. She smiled, leaning closer, her tone innocent. Aspen, did you not finish your makeup today? It looks like its flaking off. Did you buy some cheap makeup from a street vendor just to come home?

At her words, everyones eyes fixated on my face. Only then did they notice the thick, wall-paint-like layer of foundation C applied by the scientist to cover my cadaveric spots.

As they stared, my brain stuttered. This this is my my

From sheer nerves, my jaw joint felt a bit loose.

My brother scoffed, slowly enunciating four words: Attention-seeking trash.

Seeing me silent with my head down, Maya continued her attack in a sweet voice. Dont panic, Aspen. Its normal not to have experience with makeup at first. Oh, and seeing how youre dressed, have you ever been to school? What did you do at home? You didnt get married in some hick town, did you?

Her questions came too fast. I hadnt even processed the last one before the next wave hit. What do normal humans do at home? Id only climbed out of the dirt two days ago; Id been sleeping in a coffin!

Seeing my blank stare, Mayas smile widened. She covered her mouth, whispering to Mother, Mom, do you think Aspen is well, a bit slow? She doesnt seem to understand anything.

At that, my eyes lit up. I looked at Maya, genuinely grateful. Youre so smart! How did you know?

I stepped closer, praising her sincerely. I really dont understand anything. Youre amazing, you can say so much all by yourself. Your tongue is so nimble!

Even though I was praising her, her lips twisted downward, her eyes narrowing as if she wanted to devour me.

I felt a pang of confusion. Maya, are you upset? Then I apologize. Im sorry.

Mayas face was ashen. Aspen, stop playing games!

Enough! Father finally spoke, his voice laced with annoyance and impatience. Whats all this racket? Aspen, go with the butler to the room on the second floor and settle in.

Watching Father turn to leave, something suddenly flickered in my mind.

Right, the scientists instructions!

I quickly tapped my head and declared loudly, I want to go to school.

Seeing no reaction, I repeated, I need to go to school. Can I?

Maya scoffed, and Ethan stared at me as if I were refuse. You, a simpleton who barely knows her ABCs, want to go make a fool of yourself?

Father frowned. The money the Bennet family gives you will last you a lifetime. Dont go out there and embarrass me.

I shook my head, my stiff neck unwavering. No, I have to go.

Father suppressed his anger. Why?

I faltered, racking my brain for the reason the scientist had given me, then answered precisely, Because I need to find men.

The moment the words left my mouth, the living room fell into a deathly silence.

Ethan clicked his tongue, his face full of scorn. Looks dumb, but deep down she knows how to reel in a rich kid.

Father took a deep breath, his gaze on me like I was some incurable, filthy thing. But he couldnt be bothered to argue further, waving his hand in agreement.

Mission accomplished! I happily followed the butler upstairs.

The room was small, shaded, damp, and gloomy C absolutely perfect! This environment would perfectly slow down the decay of my flesh.

I excitedly spun around. No flies, no carrion beetles. Excellent, no worries about being nibbled on.

The butler entered, carrying my dinner. Seeing me staring blankly at a corner, he said coldly, Miss Bennet, Madam has instructed that since youve just returned and havent learned your manners, you neednt come downstairs for meals. Dinner will be brought to your room.

How thoughtful! I exclaimed sincerely.

But looking at the elegant stir-fry on the plate, I looked up at the butler. The food is lovely, but I dont eat at night. You can take this away, and you dont need to send it up anymore. Ive brought my own.

The butlers face darkened. Miss Bennet, you should know your place. You are not like Miss Maya. Why resort to a hunger strike to spite yourself?

I stared at his face, utterly bewildered. Why was he angry? I genuinely didnt need to eat. If I put it in my stomach, it wouldnt digest and would just start to rot.

After much thought, I realized Id forgotten to make an expression. The scientist said, a smile always works.

So I forced my lips into a wide, unnatural grin, then chirped, Thank you for your concern, but I know my body best. You can take it away~

My frozen smile was met with the butler recoiling slightly, then gritting his teeth. Fine. If Miss Bennet doesnt need it, we wont send it up again. Dont you dare regret it!

Watching his hasty retreat, I let my stretched smile drop, rubbing my aching facial muscles.

Humans are so hard to understand. Never mind, I thought. No need for internal conflict for a corpse.

The next day, the chauffeur dropped me off at the gates of the elite high school.

Maya had given me a sugary reminder before she left, telling me to remember my place. I understood perfectly C my place was to be a pseudo-human blending into school to feed. So in class, I mimicked everything: my desk-mate napped during breaks, so did I; he sighed during exams, so did I.

My desk-mate got 28 on the math test; I got 23.

Our homeroom teacher called my desk-mate (his name was Darcy) and me out into the hallway.

I nervously rubbed my ashen fingers. Such low scores C would they find out I had no brainwaves?

The teachers finger tapped the test papers with a loud thwack, spittle flying. Aspen Bennet, Darcy Vance! Are you even human?! Can normal people score this low with their eyes closed?!

My heart lurched. Theyve seen through me!

Darcy scratched his head, looking utterly unbothered. Sir, if I dont know it, I dont know it. Worst case, Ill go home and learn auto repair with my dad.

The teacher clutched his chest, furious, then glared at me. What about you?! If you dont work hard now, are you going to live on thin air later?!

Under his furious gaze, I opened my mouth, answering honestly, Sir, I can indeed live on thin air.

The teacher nearly fainted, pointing at Darcy. Get out of here! Aspen, you stay!

Darcy winked at me as he slipped away, as if to say, Youre toast.

The teacher berated me for an entire break. By the time I returned to my seat, I felt like what little vitality this corpse possessed had been completely drained.

To regain some energy, I poked Darcy, who was slumped on his desk. Desk-mate, can I take a little sip?

Darcys eyes were closed, half his face buried in his arms. What do you want?

I leaned my head close to his neck, inhaling the fresh, pulsating scent of blood, and swallowed. Blood.

Darcy scoffed, Creep, then dramatically turned his head away and went back to sleep.

I looked at his unguarded nape and carefully leaned in. The scientist had modified my canines for easier feeding. While Darcy slept soundly, I gently pierced his skin and took a small sip.

Sweet, warm blood flowed into my parched throat, but I still felt so hungry. A tiny bit of blood wasnt enough to sustain a whole days expenditure. At noon, I had no choice but to go to the cafeteria.