My Brother Chose the Fake Heir Over Me

The day my brother, Gordon, was recognized by the wealthy William family and taken back, he knelt, his eyes red-rimmed, begging his parents:

Audrey is my only family. If she doesnt come with me, I wont go back.

In the end, his parents had no choice but to bring me back to the William household with him.

When we first arrived, Scarlett, the fake heir who had lived in their place for over a decade, constantly targeted both Gordon and me.

Gordon initially always stood by me, protecting me. But later, he gradually fell for Scarlett.

You should be more cheerful, like Scarlett. Why don't you ever even smile?

Later still, he even forgot my birthday.

I didn't make a fuss, quietly baking a cake for myself.

But as soon as I finished, he gave my birthday cake to Scarlett.

Scarletts cake got ruined on the way. Just give her this one.

I was so upset I didnt speak a word all night.

Seeing my mood, he looked annoyed, Are you giving me attitude just because of a cake? Why didnt you just say no earlier if you didnt want to?

Scarlett pouted:

I told you before that Audrey is petty, but you wouldnt believe me. I really dont know why you brought this burden back.

This time, Gordon didnt argue.

Turns out, even he now thought I was a burden.

The cake I had painstakingly made for four hours was completely ruined, all messed up with forks.

My name, which I had carefully spelled out with dried blueberries, was scooped out whole, smeared together with the cream-covered Happy Birthday card.

Scarlett took a bite and threw it directly into the trash can.

What is this disgusting thing? Its awful, so much worse than what our Michelin chef makes!

Youre just picky.

Gordon complained, but his eyes were full of indulgence. If you cant eat it, just throw it away. Ill have Kate make you another one.

Okay, then it has to say in cream, Gordon will be Scarletts dog for life!

Who told you to steal Mom and Dads love the moment you came back, and always go against me for this burden!

Gordon, who used to be completely at odds with Scarlett and couldnt stand anyone calling me a burden, had no reaction this time.

He just smiled, ruffled Scarletts head, and said helplessly:

Alright, alright, you win, its all my fault, okay?

They were intimate, as if no one else was around, making me feel like an outsider.

In truth, being an outsider wasn't wrong.

Gordon was Anthony and Vivians biological son, who had been separated from them.

Scarlett, though swapped at birth, had grown up in luxury in the William home, already forming deep bonds with Anthony and Vivian.

The day Gordon was reunited with his birth parents, they couldnt bear to send Scarlett away.

From beginning to end, they were a family. I was the only extra one.

I woke up this morning and saw Gordon's Instagram post about him and Scarlett at the amusement park.

I knew then that he had forgotten my birthday again.

But even though I no longer wished for him to celebrate my birthday with me, why couldn't I even keep a cake?

The tears still couldnt be held back, falling one by one to the floor.

Gordon frowned, instinctively reaching out to wipe my tears as he used to. What are you crying about?

Scarlett, however, suddenly let out a mocking laugh:

He just ate your cake, is that really worth all this drama? Youve been giving him attitude all evening!

I guess all your usual good behavior was just an act.

Gordon, you spoil her too much, thats why shes become so demanding.

Gordons hand paused, then he pulled it back, his expression fading.

This isnt your old home. You eat and live at the William familys expense, its just a cake. Dont be so petty.

Seeing the impatience in his eyes, my heart went cold.

The day Gordon was taken back by the William family, I didn't sleep all night.

I was happy for him, but also vaguely afraid of being left behind.

Noticing my emotions, he held me, promising again and again:

I will never abandon Audrey. From now on, my home is your home.

But now, he said, This isnt your old home.

In his heart, I didnt know when, but I had already become a burden.

I understand.

I nodded vaguely, hearing my own voice tremble:

Gordon, I think Ill move out after all.

Scarlett rolled her eyes:

You make it sound like living in the William house is a hardship for you. No princess life, but acting like a spoiled princess!

Now youre trying to get attention this way.

Gordons face darkened. What are you throwing a tantrum for?

I said softly, Im not throwing a tantrum. I just think dorm life would be better for my studies.

But Gordons tightly furrowed brow didnt loosen:

I know you. Why now? Why not before? Youre just mad about that cake, arent you?

Fine. If you really want a cake, Ill have the kitchen whip one up for you in a bit.

After saying that, he didnt bother with me anymore, instead laughing as he used a tissue to wipe a bit of cream from the corner of Scarletts mouth.

Still acting like a kid, getting cake all over your face.

In Mom and Dads eyes, Im their baby who never grows up. Got a problem with that?

Alright, alright, youre their baby who never grows up.

I couldn't stand it anymore and silently went upstairs.

After applying for dorm accommodation with my teacher, I looked at the carefully arranged room, a little lost in thought.

The expensive and exquisite teddy bear on the bed, the valuable orchids on the window frame, the delicate bookshelf on the top shelf within reach, the soothing night light on the bedside table

Each item was something Gordon had carefully arranged for me when I first arrived at the William home.

Even the room's layout had been specially renovated to match my old room at home, fearing I wouldn't get used to it.

He had said:

This will be our home from now on. Our family was poor before, and I couldn't even afford to buy you a proper bookshelf.

Now that we have the means, I want to give you the best. I wont let you suffer any more hardships.

How happy I was then.

We moved into a big house wed never dared to dream of;

No longer worried daily about utility bills and daily expenses;

No longer afraid that the roof would leak on a rainy day, or that the house would be flooded when we woke up.

Gordon also wouldn't have to work tirelessly day and night, scrambling to save up for my tuition.

I thought everything was finally going to get better.

But I never imagined that all of this would ultimately cost me him.

A sudden knock on the door.

When I opened it, a beautifully wrapped cake box suddenly appeared before me.

Gordon peeked out from behind it. Happy Birthday, Audrey!

Meeting my still red eyes, a flicker of guilt crossed his face:

Sorry, I just remembered its your birthday today.

For a moment, I thought I saw the brother who once had eyes only for me.

I held the cake that had been placed in my arms, like a traveler almost frozen stiff in the harsh winter suddenly encountering a warm fire.

I followed him into the room, my heart wavering uncontrollably.

But that flicker of hope shattered again the moment I opened the cake box and saw it packed with mangoes.

My lips trembled as I whispered, Gordon, did you forget? Im allergic to mangoes.

Gordons brows instantly furrowed at my words.

For a long time afterward, I couldn't forget the way he looked at me then.

It was the look someone gives something troublesome.

Gordon "tsk"-ed, annoyed, You shouldve mentioned if you couldnt eat something, otherwise its a waste.

With that, he picked out all the mangoes from the cake one by one and pushed the remaining cake back toward me.

Scarlett specifically asked Kate to make this cake to apologize to you.

She saw you liked orchids and specially emphasized an orchid design, thinking youd like it.

Her words can be harsh sometimes, but shes actually soft-hearted. You should at least eat a little, or shell be sad.

My throat tightened. I didnt even notice my fingernails digging into my flesh, drawing blood, as I murmured,

But Im allergic to mangoes.

Gordon said impatiently, Thats why I picked them out, right? Just eating a little wont hurt.

Just then, Scarlett suddenly pushed the door open:

Audrey isnt going to dislike the cake I had Kate make, is she? It takes this long to coax someone, shes too high-maintenance!

Before I could say anything, Gordon spoke first:

Its your gesture of goodwill, shell like it whether she wants to or not.

Good! Once youre done coaxing her, come downstairs! I wasnt happy with the designs on the first few cakes Kate made, come help me finish them!

Gordon laughed, scolding, Are you treating me like a trash can?

No way! I think of you as my best brother, okay?

Gordons body stiffened. You only call me brother when you need something. I really owe you.

He said that, but his joy was practically overflowing.

It turned out he really was just out of patience with me.

If it were Scarlett, he wouldnt think it was a waste, and just her calling him brother could make him so happy.

Now, it seemed, no matter what I did, it only annoyed him.

The next day, I quietly moved out of the William home and into the school dorms.

I squeezed out only a little time for sleep each day. All my waking hours were spent either furiously studying or working multiple part-time jobs.

This feeling of being swamped kept me from thinking about anything else.

Until one day Gordon called me. As soon as I answered, I was met with a barrage of questions and accusations:

Audrey, why havent you come home yet?

You used to be so sensible, and now youre staying out all night!

I said softly, I told you before, Im living at school.

Who gave you permission? Are you all grown up now, starting your late rebellion? Get back here now!

I remained silent.

He waited for a moment and, getting no answer, laughed in anger:

Fine, then dont ever come back! Id like to see how tough you can be!

For the next while, I diligently attended classes, studied, and worked.

As the SAT approached, I started to feel like things were finally falling into place.

Three days before the SAT, Gordon suddenly called me.

His voice was hoarse on the phone, tinged with a rare weariness:

Audrey, Im in the hospital right now.

You havent been home in a long time. I want to see you.

I instinctively gripped my phone tighter.

Since his heart had gradually drifted towards Scarlett, this was the first time he had softened his tone and tried to make peace with me.

Thinking of the early admission notification I had just received, and the money I had saved up during this timeenough for me to live independently.

I hesitated for a long time before finally saying, Okay.

This might be our last meeting, and I didnt want to leave with any regrets.

I wanted to tell him I got into a northern school.

That I wouldnt be a burden to him anymore, and I wouldnt bother him again.

But I never expected that when I rushed to the hospital and pushed open the door, Id be greeted by a heavy slap across the face.

A strange woman, Brenda, lunged at me like a madwoman, punching and kicking me, tearing at my hair.

It was you who deliberately put a needle in her pencil case, making her cut her hand!

The SAT is in two days! If she hadnt found it in time and wasnt seriously injured, my daughters life would have been ruined by you!

Youre only eighteen, how can you be so vicious!

I struggled free from her, bewildered. It wasnt me, I dont even know your daughter!

Audrey, youre still trying to argue! I saw you put a needle in her pencil case myself!

Scarlett suddenly stepped out from behind Brenda, pointing at me confidently.

My face instantly went cold:

Why would I put a needle in her pencil case? You have no evidence, how dare you accuse me without proof?

Who said theres no evidence?

The moment I heard Gordons voice, my blood ran cold.

He held up his phone and played a video.

Due to the camera angle, the footage showed me discreetly walking to a classmates desk and seemingly putting something into their pencil case.

I suddenly remembered that was me helping a teacher from the next class give a prize to their top-performing student.

It was a pen, not a needle.

But my explanation only earned me a retort from Brenda:

Scarlett saw it with her own eyes! We have witnesses and evidence, and you still wont admit it!

I turned to Gordon, gritting my teeth as I asked him, Did you see it with your own eyes too?

Gordon avoided my gaze, remaining silent for a long time, then his voice came out hoarse:

Audrey, youre usually so jealous and always targeting Scarlett, but I never expected you to harm a classmate. Im very disappointed in you.

I looked at him, unable to believe it.

That sentence, without a doubt, confirmed that I had maliciously assaulted someone.

How can a school teach a monster like you! Im going to expose you to your school and let everyone know what kind of person you are!

Brenda stormed out, slamming the door.

I looked at Gordon, trembling uncontrollably. Why?

He clenched his fists, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and whispered:

Audrey, Scarlett didnt mean for it to get this big. She didnt expect a joke to cause so much trouble.

If Mom and Dad knew, they would be so disappointed in her. Shes used to being proud, and this is the first time Ive seen her cry so sadly and fearfully.

By the end, his voice was even tinged with tenderness.

I stared at him intently, word for word:

So you deliberately pretended to be weak to get me to come all this way, just so I could take the blame for Scarlett?

His breath hitched, and he spoke with difficulty:

Ive already secured a fallback plan for you, nothing bad will happen to you.

The last bit of hope in my heart shattered.

I dont know how I got back to school that day.

I only remember that when I arrived, along the way, I was met with disgusted looks and harsh whispers from my classmates:

It was her who deliberately put a needle in a classmates pencil case. Its so dangerous to be in the same school as someone like that!

Cant they just lock people like her up and not let them out? Its terrifying.

Before I even reached my classroom, I was called to the principals office.

The principal personally pushed a document in front of me:

The victims family has made a huge fuss about this, forcing us to respond. Your early admission has been revoked.

Furthermore, the school has unanimously decided to expel you.

I stood frozen, my entire body cold.

I couldnt understand why, despite trying so hard, I couldnt hold onto the things that mattered to me.

But ever since I returned to the William family with Gordon, it felt like I had been constantly losing things.

Losing Gordon, losing my home, losing my early admission.

In the end, even my school enrollment was gone.

All I wanted was to leave quietly, but even that was so difficult.

A message popped up on my phone.

Gordon sent me transfer documents and two plane tickets:

Theres a school affiliated with the Williams in Seattle. Ive already arranged for them to accept your transfer.

Its too late for the SAT, but with your grades, even if you study for another year, you can still get into a great school.

After the SAT is over, Ill go with you.

So, Gordon had thought of all the consequences, he knew the situation I might face.

He still went ahead and ruined me to this extent for Scarlett.

I stumbled out, clutching the documents, and stood at the school gate for a long time until the security guard shooed me away.

After the SAT, I was dragging my suitcase, about to board a train.

Gordons message popped up: Im already waiting for you at the airport. Where are you?

I sent him one last message: Im not going to Seattle with you. Were done.

As soon as the message was sent, Gordons phone started ringing off the hook.

I didnt answer. I just blocked all his contacts.

I turned and got on the train.

Gordon, goodbye forever.