Raya Morphon had just transferred to the prestigious new high school in S-City after receiving a scholarship to her old school. Determined to make her poor father proud, who was raising her after her mother's death, Rania didn't expect her dream and determination to crumble after the most influential boy in the school, Gregory Faerber, stood in her way. Rania walked home from school to find several people gathered in their compound, including the uncles and aunts she hadn't seen in years. Her heart skipped a beat. "What's going on here?" she asked, her heart pounding, but instead of receiving an answer, she received a slap from her aunt that hit her directly. "We congratulate you on the forfeit you won, you dirty whore. My brother just died because of you, and you dare show up here?" "What... My father died? I left him safe and sound before I went, and I didn't do anything wrong." "Oh yeah? Look at this!" Her aunt handed her the phone, and what she saw paralyzed her. "Raya Morphon, San-city high school student, is porn actress of the year." That was the headline of the viral video of her in the middle of a pornographic scene. She was trembling all over, tears streaming from her eyes. She didn't want to imagine her father's shock after seeing this. "Where is my father?" "You're not even allowed to see him, even after his death. You're a disgrace to the Morphon family, and you must leave the premises as I speak. Don't even dare show up at his funeral." Rania was chased out of her father's house, all because of Gregory. Barely an hour ago, she told him she was pregnant by him; she didn't expect him to go viral with the video he recorded. Now that she had nowhere else to go, would she have an abortion? Would she go to the author of her misfortune to take charge of her pregnancy?
Chapter 1 One
The first rays of sunshine were slowly seeping into the little house. Livia was fast asleep, but the touch of the sun on her face woke her up. She stretched for a long time, yawning, before jumping to her feet. Glancing at her phone, she realized it was already 6am. No time to lose. There were chores waiting for her. She didn't have the luxury of staying in bed; every day was a struggle for survival.
She went to the small window in her room and looked, as she did every morning, at the gigantic house that stood across the street. Through the glass, she saw figures inside, sitting at the dining room table, quietly eating their breakfast. Her heart sank. She saw herself in their place, savoring a morning without worry, without having to worry about what was going to happen next.
- Eat while you can, but don't forget that one day I'll be back to take back what's mine, she thought, clenching her fists. The memory of her parents and the house they'd lost still haunted her. But one day, she would get back what was rightfully hers. She was certain of it.
She lost herself in thought, until a vibration interrupted her calm. Her telephone. She picked it up without looking to see who was calling.
- Paulo, I'll be with you in a moment. I've just woken up, leave me alone for a while.
- Looks like Queen Livia doesn't remember what day it is today. But hey, hello to you too and... happy birthday!" he replied, mockingly.
Livia rolled her eyes.
- Nonsense. I told you I never celebrated my birthday. I didn't even know it was today.
- In that case, you should thank me, because I think I'm the first one to wish you that," he insisted, still cheerful.
- Thanks anyway, even if I didn't ask you to do it," she replied, a slight smile grazing her lips in spite of herself.
- I'll do it as long as you're here with me. Listen, you can't hold a grudge against life. It's your birthday, we've got to celebrate! he said enthusiastically.
Livia closed her eyes for a moment. She'd never been one for celebrating birthdays. Not when she felt that everything had been taken away from her, that life had robbed her of what she thought she was entitled to.
- I'll never celebrate my birthday while my opponents enjoy my father's money, while I have to work like a slave to support myself," she said in a cold voice, her words full of resentment.
Paulo remained silent for a moment. Then, in a calmer voice, he replied:
- You and I both know there's no way your uncle will let this go. He'll never give you your inheritance. So forget it.
- Can you imagine?" she replied bitterly. I understand that you're very poor, that you're not used to these sacrifices, but you don't know what it's like. It's easy to talk when you've got nothing to lose.
- I know you're suffering, Livia. But you can't go on like this. Life isn't fair, but you can't control everything. You've got to move on. For yourself. For your future. I'll be there for you, whatever happens, you know that," he said, his tone full of sincerity.
She dropped onto her bed, a heavy silence settling between them. She didn't want to hear this, but part of her knew he was right. Life wouldn't stop, and she had to move on.
- Thank you, Paulo," she finally murmured, calmer. I'll give it a try. But I can't promise anything.
- Okay, okay, miss, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. Today's your birthday, so you'd better get here as soon as possible, because I've got a present for you," says Paolo, his tone lighter but with a hint of teasing.
- Okay, Paolo, I'll come, but I'm not going to hear you sing "Happy Birthday", you'll get a kick in the belly, Livia replied, smiling in spite of herself.
- Understood, I wouldn't want you to punch me in the stomach, so I won't sing, I'll just give you your present silently.
- Good boy, then let me get ready, I'll join you in a few minutes," she said, amused.
She hung up, then stared at the phone on the small table for a moment, her eyes turning to the big house across the street. The house, the very house that belonged to her, the inheritance her father had left her before he died. But her uncle, greedy and cruel, had taken possession of everything, driving her out of the family home from the age of five. Since then, Livia had lived in poverty, alone, struggling every day to survive.
She remembered the days when she wandered from house to house, begging for a little bread or water. Her father's house, full of riches and treasures, had become a symbol of pain and injustice. She had often watched the others, through the windows of her little hut, seeing them eating hearty meals, living normal lives, while she contented herself with dreaming of a better life.
She'd never been to school, never known the warmth of a real family. When she fell ill, it was to her uncle that she turned, but he left no room for pity. He forced her to work even harder, to do household chores in exchange for a little money for her care. It was the only way she could survive.
But deep down, Livia knew it would all end one day. She was growing up, and with age came understanding. She swore to herself that one day, she would do everything in her power to recover her father's legacy and restore his name.
After these thoughts, she stood up, determined. She headed for the small kitchen, quickly prepared something to eat, then headed for the bathroom. A cold bath to wake up, refresh and prepare for what lay ahead. Once she was ready, she put on her jacket and left her cabin. cab and climbed aboard, her gaze fixed on the future.
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