Chapter 1: Bloodline
“Prisoner 00061, take your things. Someone’s waiting for you outside. Sign the papers, and you’re free to go. As a parolee, you’ll be under three months’ supervision. Violate any laws, and you’re back inside.”
A ripple of emotion, the first in a long time, surfaced in Sierra Xander’s lifeless eyes. Clang. The iron door closed behind her, leaving the frail figure alone in the scorching summer sun. The heat was intense, but instead of recoiling, Sierra tilted her head back, welcoming the warmth. She hadn't felt the sun in so long. The golden light illuminated her pale features, emphasizing her delicate frame. Her long, curled lashes trembled slightly. Soon, sweat beaded on her skin. The heat was suffocating, yet it felt real. She was finally out.
A sleek black Maybach waited in the shade nearby. The window lowered, revealing Bradley Xander, her eldest brother, his face etched with impatience. “Sierra.”
She hadn't expected him. Oh, right. Her supervisor. He had to be here. She’d wasted his time. He was probably furious. She spoke before he could. “Sorry for keeping you waiting.” She wouldn't risk being sent back. He held her fate in his hands, and she needed to navigate these three months without incident. Apology was second nature.
Bradley had been poised for sarcasm, but her words surprised him. He hesitated, his face darkening. “You don’t need to apologize. You’re my sister—picking you up is the least I can do.”
“Thanks,” Sierra replied politely. His words sounded kind, but she didn't believe them. When she'd first returned home, she’d thought they genuinely welcomed her. She later realized no one wanted her—not even her mother. She was their real daughter, yet everyone preferred the child switched at birth.
Her mother had said, “Denny has been with us since she was a baby. It’s hard to adjust, but it’ll get better. You’re our real daughter. Behave, be obedient, and we’ll love you.”
So Sierra obeyed. She was well-behaved, careful, striving to fit in. But first place in school brought only criticism. “Don’t mention your grades around Denny. Are you trying to show off?” “Denny isn’t worse than you; she has health issues.” “You’re hurting her feelings.”
Sierra stopped mentioning her achievements. First place became meaningless; no one was happy for her. She’d believed she had to be the bigger person, the older sister. She had to yield to her younger sister. Her parents and brothers just needed time, she thought. Patience and good behavior would earn their love, just like Denny received. But her waiting only led to Denise Xander driving without a license, causing a fatal accident, and Sierra taking the fall.
“Denny’s unwell, unlicensed. She’ll get a heavy sentence. You’re the only one who can help her.” Sierra refused, but Bradley mentioned her grandmother’s expensive hospital treatment. “Your adoptive family’s struggling. Your grandmother’s treatment is costly.” He continued, “If you agree, I’ll get the best doctors for your grandmother. I’ll hire the best lawyers for you. It’ll be a few months at worst.”
He pressed further. “I’d never let anything happen to you. You’re my real sister. Trust me.”
She’d clung to hope then. She’d waited. Three years. For someone to take her home. She wouldn't believe them again.
The car's atmosphere was stifling. Bradley glanced at Sierra in the rearview mirror. She sat silently in the far corner, minimizing her presence. His brows furrowed. She wasn't like this before. She'd trailed behind them, eager for conversation. A few words would make her happy for days. Now, complete silence.
Thinking of her three years imprisoned, Bradley felt unfamiliar guilt. He tried conversation. “Dad’s on a business trip, but everyone else is home. They’re all waiting for you. Aren’t you happy?”
Happy?
Before, she would have been ecstatic. Now, nothing. She'd stopped hoping for their love. She didn’t answer. Instead, she softly asked, “Can you take me to see my grandmother?”
The only person she wanted to see was her grandmother—the only person who’d ever been good to her. Afterward, she needed to return to school. Family no longer mattered. She wanted to resume her chemistry and biology studies. Only by developing new medications could she save her grandmother—only then would she have the power to confront the Xander family.
Bradley’s face froze. “Sierra, we are your family. Everyone’s waiting for you, and you want to see an outsider?”
Sierra's eyes flickered; her gaze dropped. “Alright, I understand.”
Her "obedience" felt like punching cotton to Bradley. Irritated, he snapped, “Don’t be so stiff. I’m your brother.”
Sierra smiled faintly, but said nothing.
No, you’re not my brother. I don’t have a brother. I don’t have a family.
The Maybach pulled up to a large estate, but Sierra didn't move. She’d never been here before.
So… they had moved?
Bradley paused, realizing she hadn’t followed. He frowned impatiently. “What are you standing there for?”
Sierra snapped to attention, catching up quickly. A few steps later, Bradley remembered—they’d moved two years ago, while she was in prison. Uncomfortable, he said, “The old house wasn’t ideal. You know about Denny’s health. We thought it best to move.” He hesitated. “And… you were locked up, so we didn’t tell you.”
Sierra lowered her gaze, hiding the mockery in her eyes. Of course. It was for Denny. She’d wanted to study chemistry and biology, but they'd said Denny was unwell. She was the older sister; she had to care for Denny. So she’d been forced into literature. On her eighteenth birthday, her only wish had been for her family to take her to an amusement park—something she'd never experienced. But they stayed home because Denny wasn't feeling well. She was always left behind. She was used to it.
Bradley grew impatient. “If you have something to say, just say it. What’s with this attitude? Acting like someone wronged you.”
No wonder they didn’t like her. Compared to Denny, Sierra was dull and irritating. Losing interest, Bradley walked ahead, assuming she would follow. After all, she had always been obedient.