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477words2026-01-26 09:12

Seven days after my master forced me down the mountain, I finally followed the compass to the home I'd lost fifteen years ago.
Standing at the gate, I announced who I was, but the security guard sneered with disdain.
"What kind of lunatic are you? The Harper family's eldest daughter was found five years ago."

"Today's her engagement party to Mr.Ashton.Get lost!"
I glanced at the welcome sign by the entrance, which boldly read:
"Daniel Ashton and Emily Harper, Forever United"
I froze.
I'm standing right here—how am I engaged to someone?
Watching the scene with amusement, I recalled my master's prophecy years ago:

A cuckoo in the nest, repaying kindness with betrayal, harbinger of calamity.
…
"You're sure the Harper eldest daughter was found five years ago?"
I stood my ground, giving the guard a half-smile.

"Of course!"
He snapped impatiently.
"I've seen your type before—faking the daughter's identity for a quick fortune."
"The real Miss Harper came with the family heirloom and passed a DNA test."
" You can't just walk in and pretend to be her."
A soft, gentle voice interrupted.
"What's going on?"
I looked over to see a vaguely familiar woman in a red gown.
The moment she saw me, her face flickered with shock.
She knew me?
The guard hurried to her, bowing respectfully.
"Miss Harper, this woman claims she's the real eldest daughter."
"She won't leave!"
Emily's face darkened, and she barked," Why are you listening to her nonsense? Get her out of here!"
"This is my engagement banquet. Who'll take responsibility if it's delayed?"
The guard, startled by her fierce expression, nodded hastily.
"Yes, Miss, we'll get rid of her right away."
"Men!"
I swiftly kicked one guard away, but more swarmed, pinning me down.
Seeing Emily's panic, I shouted at the top of my lungs.
"Help!"
"Someone's impersonating the Harper heiress!"
"The fraud's attacking me!"
Emily paled, yelling frantically," Shut her up!"
At that moment, a voice came from behind her.
"Emily, what's wrong?"
As the guards hesitated, I broke free and looked at the man. I said," You're Daniel Ashton, right?"
"The Emily Harper in front of you isn't the real Harper heiress."
"She stole my identity."
"I have proof!"
Emily was really worried. She grabbed Daniel's hand and said
"Daniel, this woman's a con artist! Don't believe her!"
But my steady look made Daniel pause. Then he held Emily's hand tightly and said,
"What are the guards doing?"
"Throw this fraud out!"
"Toss her as far as you can—I'll take the blame!"
Emily blinked, then beamed with relief.
The guards, sensing Daniel's resolve, grabbed sticks, ready to beat me down and drag me out.
My expression hardened. My master taught me divination and fortune-telling, but not how to fight.
As I pondered, a stick swung at my back. I dodged too late, and it slammed my arm.