After I was reborn, the most important person - my father the emperor - also reborn. The younger sister I was most fond of in the previous life no longer shows affection towards me. The empress I loved the most has also distanced herself from me. Then, the title of the eldest princess, the elegant and magnificent princess mansion, the favored husband, and the bold and unrestrained confidence. All of these - the father emperor's - were given to me.
1
Before Sophie Chapman returned, I was the most cherished princess.
My father doted on me, my mother indulged me, and the entire palace praised and adored me as Princess Alis.
After Sophie came back, she took everything from me.
My parents' affection shifted to her.
I grew envious of Sophie and opposed her at every turn.
In the end, I became the least favored princess.
My mother treated me with indifference, and my father grew to despise me. I was sent away to marry into a foreign land as part of a political alliance.
When that foreign land erupted into chaos, I was mutilated, my tongue cut out, my limbs severed, and I was left exposed and vulnerable on the city wall in the harsh sun for three days.
Before losing consciousness, I saw the frantic figure of my childhood friend, the heir of the Arcada King, Winslow Miller, leading troops towards me.
Then, I was reborn.
Determined to live well this time, I decided not to compete with Sophie for anything. Nor would I seek my own destruction.
I planned to marry early to avoid ending up like I did in my previous life.
2
In the Joy Palace, Sophie lay on the bed, looking extremely frail and on the verge of death.
The imperial physician said she was poisoned.
Immediately, the empress and I were summoned.
This matter was not reported to my father because he was attending court.
Sophie's small hand clutched tightly to the empress, Emberly's robe, looking terrified. She shed a few tears, appearing very aggrieved.
"Mother, am I going to die?" She cried, her trembling voice making Emberly even more tender-hearted.
"How could that be? You will be fine. The imperial physician will cure you. Don't worry about it." Emberly gently brushed the hair from Sophie's forehead, her tenderness making even me envious.
She said to Sophie, "You are my child, the light of my life. I feel so guilty for neglecting you all these years. I just want to treat you better and better."
Hearing this again, my heart couldn't help but tremble. My hands, hanging by my sides, unconsciously clenched into fists.
It was fine. Emberly never truly loved me all these years. I didn't have to be like this.
I couldn't afford to provoke Sophie and Emberly, so I would just turn a blind eye.
Sophie glanced at me, her eyes filled with a hint of coldness. "Alis, thank you for coming to see me."
As soon as she said this, Emberly's gaze fell on me, her eyes instantly turning cold.
She walked towards me and slapped me hard, leaving me stunned. "Can't you stand to see Sophie well? She is your sister. How can you bear to harm her?"
I covered my stinging cheek and said in a low voice, "I had nothing to do with her poisoning."
But Emberly wasn't willing to let it go, saying only, "Still arguing! Sophie was poisoned after eating the pastries you sent. How can you be so heartless?"
I sneered.
When did I ever send pastries to Sophie? "No matter what you say, I never sent her any pastries."
I looked coldly at Sophie lying on the bed, pretending to cough weakly, wishing I could slap her hard.
Since growing up, relying on Emberly's favor, Sophie had done quite a few bad things, especially when it came to dealing with me. She had been relentless.
Sophie went missing as a child, and when Emberly found her, she loved her more each day.
To win favor this time, Sophie did not hesitate to harm herself to frame me.
Yet, Emberly only believed her. "Mother, don't blame Alis. She must not have done it on purpose. Maybe she just misjudged someone..."
Misjudged someone? So, she was determined to pin this on me. Why should I accept that?
I said sternly, "I did not send anyone to give you pastries. Don't falsely accuse me."
"Shut up!"