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.