Reborn Once More, I Got There First

Summary

To earn merit, the city’s wealthiest Sterling family adopted me. A year later, my new mother bore Benjamin. Everyone predicted my downfall, but Benjamin treated me as kin. At age five, we both qualified for the National Junior Dance Finals. Backstage, our instructor Mr. Davis told Benjamin his crown was crooked and led him away to fix his makeup. In the crowd, Benjamin was snatched by traffickers. For three years, ransom calls tormented my parents. The kidnappers lied, claiming I’d handed him over out of jealousy. Believing them, my parents locked me in the basement and beat me to death.

When I opened my eyes, I was five again. The stage music thundered. Mr. Davis crouched before us, smiling gently. “Benjamin, come. Let’s fix your lipstick. Your crown is tilted.” He reached for my brother. Trembling, I threw my arms around Benjamin, clinging with all my strength. “Don’t touch him! You’ll steal my brother!”