The Science Freak Heiress

Reborn as the true heiress to a powerful family, my mind is haunted by splinters of a past I cant quite grasp.

In these fractured memories, I was the class science freak, an outcast.

Once, when a classmate wouldn't leave me alone, I gave him a so-called smart drug just to get him off my back. His IQ skyrocketed to 300.

It didn't last. The next day, he was abducted by a shadowy corporation, his skull cracked open for research.

There are darker visions, too. A father, obsessed with having a son, forcing my mother into another pregnancy.

She died giving birth to my brother. Drowned in grief, I tried to stitch her back together, to graft her life force onto my fathers.

The grotesque chimera I created lost control. In its rage, it swatted me out of existence with a single, monstrous blow.

Now, I am the long-lost daughter, and the blood-soaked memories of that other life cling to me like a nightmare.

Melody, the fragile girl who took my place, sniffled, her eyes welling with tears.

You can have my room, sister.

I shrugged. The lab is fine.

At that, she burst into tears, ready to flee the mansion. You dont have to be so cruel! Ill leave, Ill just leave!

My father, Richard, instantly pulled her behind him, a human shield. Melody has a fragile heart, Nova. Try to be considerate. Dont fight her over a room.

A fragile heart? I thought. An interesting hypothesis. Perhaps I could help her with that.

I was already mentally mixing a formula, a subtle concoction that would slowly, literally, turn her heart to glass. But what I saw as a scientific problem, my new mother, Isabelle, saw as stubbornness.

She rushed to Melodys side. Why cant you just let her have it! she snapped. We gave you life, nothing more! We didnt raise you. Dont you dare think you can replace Melody in our hearts.

I froze, a flash of irritation piercing my calm. In that other life, my father hadnt cared for me, but my mother my mother had loved me.

This time, it seemed, her affection belonged to someone else, too.

I watched them, a perfect family portrait. Richard with his arm around Melody, Isabelle clasping her hand, my brother, Spencer, handing her a tissue to blot her tears.

They looked so complete. My fingers twitched, itching for the scalpel in my pocket. Maybe I should just sew you all together.

But the memory of my last attempt was a bitter lesson. Brute force was messy. Finesse was required.

I took a deep breath, trying a different approach. Father, from a biological standpoint, Melody shares no genetic material with you.

He frowned. What are you trying to say?

Youre defending her so passionately. Are you sleeping with her? Planning on making her my new stepmother?

Richard slammed his hand on the table. What the hell are you talking about!

Isabelles voice was sharp. Apologize to Melody this instant!

I turned to her. And youre so protective of her, Mother. Are you planning on sharing him? Ive noticed you have trouble getting around. Melody looks strong enough to help you service him.

My mother, confined to her wheelchair, turned a sickly shade of green. Are you out of your goddamn mind?

Spencer shot to his feet. How can you say that about Melody! Were a family!

I looked him straight in the eye. Youre not related to her by blood, either. Are you in love with her? Planning to marry her? It seems like a neat solution. She wouldnt have to leave, and we could all keep living together.

Spencer trembled with rage. You youre impossible!

Melody was now sobbing, gasping for air. You dont have to spread such disgusting rumors about me! What do you gain by humiliating me? I was already going to give everything back to you! She clutched her chest, a vision of tragic beauty.

Richard hugged her tighter. Shh, Melody, dont cry. Dads here.

Isabelle glared at me. Look what youve done to your sister!

Spencer pointed a shaking finger at me. Apologize!

This was all so tedious. Family drama was a chaotic variable I couldnt control, unlike experimental data, where one was always one, and two was always two. My attempt at a logical solution had somehow become slander.

In the end, because I refused to apologize, they gave me a storage room filled with new, unassembled lab equipment to serve as my temporary bedroom.

Youll make do with this for now, Richard said coldly. When you decide to apologize, Ill have the maid prepare a proper room for you.

I said nothing, happily moving my things in. The equipment was top-of-the-line, just a little dusty.

It took me a while to set everything up.

While I was at it, I synthesized the potion for Melodys fragile heart. It was colorless and odorless. The reagents I had on hand weren't ideal, so it would take seven days to fully activate.

Finally, I went downstairs for dinner.

The dining table was a picture of domestic bliss. Melody sat between Richard and Isabelle. Spencer was placing choice cuts of steak on her plate.

I was at the far end of the table, alone.

Pour Melody some juice, Isabelle commanded.

Richard picked up the pitcher and glanced at me. You do it.

I took the pitcher.

And added my little concoction.

When I handed the glass to Melody, she wiped the rim with a napkin, a look of disgust on her face.

I smiled.

Seeing my apparent obedience, Richard cleared his throat. Since youre making an effort to behave, he announced, Ill arrange a welcome banquet tomorrow to officially introduce you to society.

Before I could respond, Melodys smile froze.

Tears plopped into her bowl of soup. My heart it hurts so much. I feel like its going to shatter. She pressed a hand to her chest. Am I being too sensitive? Its just the thought of everyone knowing Im not your real daughter its agony.

She clutched her chest, her face pale.

Your heart hurts because its slowly turning to glass, I thought. Not because of some trivial social drama. The potion was working faster than expected.

But my parents saw only her tears and panicked.

Isabelle wrapped an arm around her. Dont cry, sweetie, we wont do it! No announcement!

Richard nodded emphatically. Shes right, no announcement. Well just tell everyone youre a scholarship student were sponsoring.

Spencer turned to glare at me. You hear that? Dont get any ideas about telling people who you are. If Melody gets hurt because of you, I swear I will make you regret it.

I sliced into my filet mignon, looking up at him. Fine by me. Being a charity case sounds great. Will you actually be funding me?

My parents exchanged a look.

Richard coughed. As compensation for not announcing your identity, well give you the same allowance as Melody.

Isabelle added, Fifty thousand dollars a month. You should thank your father.

Thanks, I mumbled, my mind elsewhere as I continued cutting my steak. This was pathetic. Even in my last life, my allowance started at two hundred thousand. How else was I supposed to fund my experiments?

I needed to find a way to get more capital.

As if on cue, Melody wiped her tears, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She let out a sharp whistle.

Come here, baby!

A massive, muscular bulldog charged into the room, its jaws aiming straight for my leg.

I raised the scalpel Id been using for my steak.

A blur of flashing steel.

In seconds, the dogs internal organs were arranged on the floor in neat, anatomical order. Its skeleton was perfectly stripped of flesh, and its hide was laid out flat beside it.

I wiped the blade clean. Why would you keep such a vicious animal in the house? Ive taken care of it for you. It makes for a pretty good specimen, dont you think?

Dead silence.

Melodys eyes were wide, her mouth agape. She looked down, then doubled over and vomited.

Richard clapped a hand over his mouth and ran for the bathroom.

Isabelle threw up all over her wheelchair.

Spencers legs gave out, and he collapsed, retching onto the Persian rug.

I placed my scalpel on my plate and stood up. Im full. Im going to go pack for school.

By the time I came back downstairs, they had recovered. Spencer was dangling his car keys, smiling dotingly at Melody.

Melody, those legs and feet were made for ballet, not for walking to school. Come on, Ill drive you.

Melody giggled sweetly. As she reached the door, she glanced back at me. Sorry, sister. Theres no room in the car.

The door clicked shut.

I slammed the frog Id planned to dissect at school onto the ground in frustration. Why couldnt they just give me a ride? I despise walking. I hate all forms of physical exertion!

When I finally arrived at school, I saw Melody surrounded by a crowd of admirers, gliding toward her classroom. Id forgotten she was the schools queen bee, immensely popular.

I was just a nerd in glasses, a ghost in the hallways.

I pushed my glasses up my nose as I passed her classroom.

Well, look what we have here, Melody called out, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. Its my familys little charity case!

She immediately turned to the girls around her. You know, this morning she dissected my dog. Right in front of me, she whispered conspiratorially. No expression on her face, just slice after slice. It was terrifying. She has to be mentally ill, right?

Melody sighed dramatically. I cant imagine anyone would actually want to sit next to her.

I stared at her, unable to argue. I was a science freak.

Sighing, I turned to leave, but she grabbed my wrist. Her grip was surprisingly strong.

Where are you going? You want everyone to think Im bullying you? That I wont let you in the classroom?

I yanked my hand free. Did you even look at my transfer exam scores?

Melody blinked, confused. I pressed on.

Your classes are mostly for arts and humanities majors. Im in the advanced science track. I adjusted my glasses again. I may be a science freak, but Im a very smart science freak. Dont drag me into your angsty high school drama.

Her face went pale.

I turned and walked to the advanced science classroom. Pushing the door open, I found a room of students hunched over their desks, scribbling furiously. No one looked up.

I found an empty seat in the back and, after setting up my textbooks, discreetly began cross-referencing my latest experimental data.

This was perfect. I just wanted to be left alone to be a freak. Data doesnt bully. Data doesnt play games.

I had no intention of attending the schools talent show. It was a waste of time I could have spent ignoring my professors and focusing on my own projects. But Isabelle insisted I go watch Melody dance.

I was dragged along against my will.

The auditorium was dazzling, the stage lights brilliant. Melodys ballet performance was breathtaking, earning a thunderous applause.

I glanced at my mother. Her usually stern face was soft with pride and nostalgia. She had once been a prima ballerina herself. Nerve damage from childbirth had put her in the wheelchair.

Then, Isabelle turned and looked at me.

Her expression soured. Disgust. Loathing. And a flicker of something that looked like hatred.

Because Melody was living her dream.

And I was merely the sinner who had crippled her.

This was pointless. I stood up to leave.

And now, please welcome a very special performer! the hosts voice boomed through the speakers.

A spotlight hit me.

Melody, still catching her breath at the side of the stage, was clutching her heart. She took a microphone from a stagehand and smiled. Mother always says to be fair, so I couldnt be the only one to perform. I signed you up too, sister.

She tilted her head. You wouldnt say no, would you?

Every eye in the auditorium was on me.

Isabelle frowned. Well, youre signed up. Go on, give it a try. You are my daughter, after all. You must have some talent.

Melody, pressing a hand to her chest like a tragic heroine, smiled. Break a leg, sister.

I watched her clutching her heart. That organ was crystallizing, and she was still finding time to plot against me. I wasnt going to engage, but if you insist on poking the bear

Fine. Don't blame me for what happens next.

Alright, I said with a smile.

I walked onto the stage. The music started.

I had no idea how to dance.

I was stiff, clumsy, a marionette with tangled strings.

The audience fell silent. Then came the whispers. A few people snickered.

My mother covered her face with her hands.

In the wings, Melody covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

When it was over, I stood on the stage, my face a blank mask.

The host tried to salvage the moment. Ha, that was very creative.

Isabelle was frowning at me. You may be my child, but you certainly didnt inherit my gift. She looked at Melody with pure adoration. It must have been fate that sent Melody to take your place.

Melody nestled against her. Oh, Mother, Ill dance for you forever.

I stood beside them and scoffed. Watching someone else dance cant be as satisfying as dancing yourself.

Isabelle looked up. What do you mean by that?

I pointed at Melodys legs. I mean, I can graft Melodys legs onto you.

Both of them stared at me, stunned.

Wh-what?

I said, I can give you her legs. I pulled out a small case containing two frogs Id prepared, one green with yellow legs, one yellow with green legs. I am proficient in lower-body grafting procedures. I can attach Melodys legs to your torso, allowing you to walk again. My technique is so precise, youll even be able to dance with them.

Isabelles breathing grew ragged.

Melody stumbled back. No! I wont do it!

Isabelles gaze fixed on her, hot and intense. Arent you my devoted daughter? Didnt you say youd do anything for me?

Melodys face was ashen.

My mothers eyes turned to ice. To think Ive spoiled you for all these years, and youre not willing to make one small sacrifice for me! In that case, you might as well go back to the gutter where you belong!

In the end, terrified of losing her mothers affection, Melody reluctantly agreed.

After the surgery, I smiled down at my mother. How does it feel to stand again?

Its wonderful! I want to start practicing, to dance again immediately!

Good.

I turned to Melody. Is the wheelchair comfortable?

She said nothing, her glare sharp enough to kill.

I just smiled. Dont be upset. You can always take up wheelchair dancing.

When Richard and Spencer found out, they had a massive fight with Isabelle. But Melody, crying, said that no sacrifice was too great for her beloved mother, father, and brother.

The incident only made the three of them dote on her even more.

Especially after Richard was diagnosed with a sudden, terminal illness.

Melody, from her wheelchair, was a constant presence at his side, catering to his every need. She became famous throughout the city for her filial piety.

I, meanwhile, was buried in work, shuttling between my home lab and the one at school, with no time for such sentimental displays.

After finally cracking a difficult experimental problem, I stepped outside for a bit of sun. The hospital was nearby, so I decided to drop in.

I didnt expect to overhear my father dictating his final wishes to his lawyer.

Ive decided on the distribution of assets. Spencer will take over my pharmaceutical company. Melody has taken such good care of me, shell receive a hundred-million-dollar trust fund. He paused. As for the one we found leave her a million.

A million?

I blinked. That wasnt enough to fund a minor experiment. This wouldnt do at all.

It seemed I needed a new plan.

When I got home, Spencer and Melody were already there, standing at the door of my lab. Spencer was holding a vial of my latest formula.

Well, look at you, working so hard, he sneered. Hoping to take over Dads company?

Melody rolled up beside him in her wheelchair. Youre so ambitious, sister. Not like me. All I want is to live under the protection of my loving family.

As she finished, she clutched her chest, her brow furrowing in pain.

Spencer immediately rushed to her side. Whats wrong, Melody?

Its nothing, just a little stabbing pain in my chest.

I let out a cold laugh. A classic symptom of cardiac vitrification.

Spencer slapped me across the face. What are you laughing at? Youre the one who upset her, and you have the nerve to laugh! I knew you were a conniving bitch from the start. We were lucky you got switched at birth. Otherwise, youd be fighting Melody for affection and me for the inheritance.

He stepped closer, his voice low and menacing. But youre too late. Even if you have the genius to make the company bigger and better, youve run out of time. Dads on his way out, and hes leaving the company to me. This family, this fortune, it will all belong to me and Melody. Ill protect her, and you wont get a single cent of research funding from me.

I frowned. That was unacceptable. A life without research was a life not worth living.

Just then, Melody wheeled herself into the lab and spotted the vials on my workbench. Whats this? she asked, picking one up.

Spencer leaned in. Something new you cooked up? Lets have a look.

I held out my hand. Give it back.

Spencer dodged me. You want it back? Bark like a dog, and Ill give it to you.

Melody giggled. Yeah, go on, lets hear it.

I looked at them.

Forget it. The data was all in my head. They could have the physical sample.

I turned to leave, but they dragged me to the industrial freezer and locked me inside.

Its nice and cool in here. You should be comfortable, Melodys voice called through the door. Go on, sister. Beg us. If you beg, well let you out. Come on, give us a little bark.

I sat down inside the freezer. The thermometer read -20 degrees Celsius. To prevent reagent degradation, Id spent more time in this freezer over the years than in my own bedroom. This temperature was nothing.

But for daring to do this to me, they would face my retribution.

I dont know how much time passed before the door opened.

My mother stood there. What are you doing in here? Come out, you must be frozen.

I stepped out. Im fine.

Mom, Im going to the hospital.

Now?

Yes.

In the hospital room, my father lay against the pillows, his face a ghastly grey. The last will and testament sat on his bedside table.

Spencer saw me first. Well, well, the great scientist decided to grace us with her presence? The will is finalized tomorrow. Youre a little late.

Melody, from her wheelchair, clutched her chest, a triumphant smile on her face. The inheritance is all settled, sister. How many lab rats can you buy with a million dollars?

Richard didnt even want to look at me. You finally show up? Too late. He met my gaze. I gave you life, nothing more. Ill ensure you dont starve, but you wont get a penny more from me.

I looked at him, disappointed. It seemed that no matter which life I lived, my father was incapable of loving me.

But it didnt matter. I knew that for men like him, love was just a trinket, a little something they bestowed upon those who served their interests. Power and profit were the only things that truly moved them.

I spoke.

Dad, I havent been here because Ive been developing a cure for you.

I can heal you. But its going to require a little sacrifice from Spencer and Melody.