### Chapter 6 If Nicole managed to secure a spot at the prestigious Royal Creek Institute, she'd be stepping into her sophomore year just like her tormentor, Norah. The very idea of sharing a classroom with Nicole sent a wave of nausea through Norah. “Don’t fret; I’ll ensure Mom and Dad don’t worry. I can get into Royal Creek Institute on my own,” Nicole replied nonchalantly, her gaze steady, betraying no hint of uncertainty. “What?” Norah faltered, disbelief etched on her face. “How do you expect to accomplish that?” Here was a girl from the outskirts, declaring her ambition to enter the elite halls of Royal Creek? Surely, she was only spinning tales. “You don’t need to concern yourself with that.” A hint of annoyance colored Nicole’s tone. Her smile faded, replaced by a look of determination as she turned and ascended the staircase, leaving Norah simmering with indignation behind her. “I can’t wait to see how a country girl like you will pull this off.” The sun peeked over the horizon the following morning, ushering in the weekend. Nicole slipped out early for her habitual morning run, a ritual she had maintained for years. After pounding the pavement, she found a secluded spot and delved into honing her skills, understanding that persistent practice was crucial to maintaining her edge. It was almost seven when she returned home. As she stepped through the door, she found Norah, Gloria, and Daniel waiting like hawks. “Where have you been? Mom and Dad were worried sick when they noticed you were missing!” Norah jumped in, her voice accusatory. Nicole blinked, casting a perplexed look in Norah’s direction. “I just went for a morning run. Is there a problem?” Gloria visibly relaxed, her concern easing. “Ah, that makes sense. Exercise is always beneficial.” But Norah wasn’t about to let that fly easily. “No matter what I did, I always informed Mom and Dad beforehand to keep them from worrying. You need to think about how Mom feels as well.” Norah had skillfully woven the narrative back to her as if it were a thread in an intricate tapestry. “You all were still asleep when I left for my morning jog. Besides, I informed the butler,” Nicole stated coolly, her eyes glinting with challenge as she pondered what further accusations Norah could conjure up. “But—” “That’s a trivial matter. There’s no need to blow it out of proportion. Let’s just sit down and have breakfast,” Daniel interjected, sensing the tension. The shift in Norah’s demeanor was palpable. In the past, her playful jabs usually elicited laughter, and her father never rebuffed her in such a manner. Yet everything had morphed since Nicole’s return. A fresh wave of hurt washed over Norah as she almost whimpered, “Does Dad think I’m a nag? I’ve always done this. Have I somehow gone astray?” With her charming face crumpling, tears shimmered in Norah’s eyes, prompting Daniel to reconsider his words, wondering if he had been overly harsh. But Nicole, fatigue lining her features, had grown impatient with Norah’s theatrics. “You did the right thing, but I’m not a carbon copy of you.” Daniel and Gloria exchanged glances, the weight of truth dawning upon them: they needed to embrace the differences between Nicole and Norah. “Nicole’s absolutely right. Mom doesn’t expect you to be a facsimile of anyone, so long as you find happiness in being yourself,” Gloria affirmed, tenderly adjusting Nicole’s hair, her primary desire being her daughters’ joy. Yet in Norah’s perspective, everything felt skewed. Once, she had bent over backwards to captivate Gloria and Daniel’s attention, terrified her fortunate life wouldn't last, that she would plunge back into a life of struggle. Now, her deepest fears materialized: their real daughter was back, and their favoritism was glaring. What would become of her? Were all her efforts in vain? Ensnared by despair, Norah cast aside any pretense of being the dutiful big sister. “Mom, Dad, enjoy your breakfast. I’m heading upstairs.” “Norah…” Gloria reached out, but Daniel gestured for her to afford Nicole some breathing room. Gloria, concerned her younger daughter felt excluded, turned her attention to Nicole. “You’re dripping with sweat—go change, then come back down for breakfast.” “Alright.” Nicole nodded, not wanting to burden her parents further, and briskly made her way upstairs. Watching both daughters depart, Daniel sighed and said, “Do you now understand why I advised you to send Norah away earlier?” No one was flawless. Faced with their biological daughter, whom they had desperately missed, and the adopted one who had been their joy for years, it was only natural that there would be favoritism. Mr. Riddle Sr. aimed to shield both sides from the turbulence of emotion, unwilling to shatter the enduring bond with Norah. “Now I see,” Gloria replied, sorrow settling in her eyes. The longer Norah lingered, the heavier the atmosphere grew. After lunch, Gloria suggested shopping to replenish Nicole’s sparse wardrobe, sensing her daughter’s reluctance to voice her needs. She didn’t want Nicole to feel disadvantaged in any way. Norah tagged along, her spirits lifted as they stepped into the vibrant mall. The moment they entered, she exacerbated her excitement, grabbing clothes and bags, as if the morning’s events had been wiped from her memory. “Mom, what do you think of this dress?” she beamed, her earlier bitterness forgotten. “It looks wonderful! Nicole, why don’t you choose something for yourself?” Gloria encouraged, attempting to be mindful of any perceived favoritism, desperate to keep the peace. Understanding the precarious tightrope her mother was walking, Nicole suggested, “You go with Norah. I’d like to browse the store on my own.” With a preference for simplicity and elegance, she found the boutique’s flamboyant offerings unappealing. “Mom, I think I’ll head somewhere else,” Nicole finally decided, trying to maintain her own sense of style amidst the chaos surrounding her.