Chapter 8 I Want This Room

• "It's mine." Linara's heart tightened, sensing the impending danger.
• "I'd like to see it."
• Linara tried to restrain Seraphina, but she had already opened the door.
• The large floor-to-ceiling windows offered a beautiful view of nature, and the interior exuded luxury; everything, from the furniture to the trash can, was of the highest quality.
• "I want this room."
• Linara's fists clenched instinctively. She knew Seraphina would take everything the moment she arrived.
• "But this is my room."
• Everything here matched her tastes perfectly.
• "Didn't you say I could have any room I wanted?" Seraphina asked calmly. "So you were just being polite?"
• Linara grimaced. "Seraphina, there are other rooms. You can choose another one. I'm comfortable here."
• "How did you two get here?"
• Chloe and Oberon walked in, sensing the tension. Chloe looked bewildered. "What's going on?"
• Linara pouted, hugging Chloe's arm. "Seraphina wants me to give her this room because she doesn't like the one we arranged for her."
• Though Linara always spoke gently, her words were meant to create division.
• Unfortunately, she was destined to be disappointed.
• Seraphina didn't care if Chloe and Oberon hated her or treated her poorly. She only wanted to make Linara uncomfortable and frustrated.
• Chloe frowned slightly. "Seraphina, this is your sister's room. If you don't like it, you can choose any other room."
• Seraphina said nothing but asked, "Is this really my home?"
• "Of course."
• "Are you really my biological parents?" Seraphina continued.
• "Of course," Chloe replied without hesitation.
• "If this is my house and you are my biological parents, why can't I live in the room I want? Why do I have to compromise for a stranger? I just want to know what my life could have been like. Is that so much to ask?"
• Chloe was speechless.
• Linara's face turned red, whether from anger or shame, no one could tell.
• Oberon, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Linara, move out. This room is now Seraphina's."
• Linara looked at Oberon, tears welling up as she bit her lip. "Okay, I'll move out."
• She knew that with Seraphina's return, everything she owned would be taken away.
• For now, it was just her room, but there would be many such instances in the future.
• Why did she return? Why didn't she die outside? Linara felt a surge of anger.
• Chloe saw her daughter's distressed expression, and her heart ached.
• "Seraphina, you're a thoughtful child. Why must you take Linara's room? If you don't like the other rooms, we can get a designer to redesign one to your tastes. Wouldn't that be better?" Chloe seemed concerned but was clearly biased.
• Seraphina tilted her head innocently. "I really like this room. She promised to take care of me. Now she won't even let me have a room."
• Oberon cut in before Chloe could respond. "All right, it's settled. Linara, get out and let Seraphina move in."
• Chloe, though clearly dissatisfied, said nothing more.
• She took Linara's hand, rubbing it soothingly. "There's a great room next door. If you don't like it, I can get the best designer to make it perfect for you."
• "Okay," Linara agreed with a smile. "As long as Seraphina is happy."
• The more rational she acted, the more Chloe's heart broke.