Oops I Accidentally Ended Her Fake Perfect Life novel Chapter 8

**Across the Fallen Golden Kingdom Distant Fires by Damon S. Creed**

I assured them that I understood their intentions, but the truth was, their actions had left me genuinely wounded. The weight of my feelings lingered heavily in the air, and as I looked into the expectant eyes of my biological mother, I found myself at a loss for words. The silence stretched between us, thick and palpable.

Fortunately, she didn’t seem to expect an immediate act of forgiveness from me. That was a relief. Instead, she took the time to exchange contact information with my adoptive mother, making a concerted effort to delve into my past—a past that was both complex and painful. Before long, they developed a bond that surprised me; they became close friends, sharing stories and laughter, creating a new family dynamic that I was still trying to navigate.

My biological father, too, began to show a newfound concern for my well-being. He would ask me about my friendships, inquiring about my classmates and how I was faring in my studies. It was a stark contrast to the silence that had once defined our relationship. To make amends for the turmoil stirred by the chaotic banquet, my biological parents organized a recognition ceremony in my honor, a gesture that felt both overwhelming and comforting.

During that banquet, Orion stood up in front of everyone and publicly apologized to me. He introduced me to his circle of friends, a gesture that felt like an olive branch extended in my direction. When I had first returned to the Sullivan family, he had been hesitant to approach me, almost as if he feared my reaction. Instead, he opted for a subtler approach, sending me small, thoughtful gifts each day, a silent way of expressing his remorse.

One afternoon, in a moment of casual conversation, I mentioned some study materials I needed for my classes. To my surprise, Orion went above and beyond, enlisting several of his friends to help gather them for me. Another time, I had idly admired an antique piece displayed in the family home. He didn’t hesitate to spend a considerable amount of money to acquire it, just so I could hold it and explore its intricacies.

Gradually, my walls began to crumble. I started to accept him, realizing that he hadn’t truly done anything to cause me deep pain. I immersed myself in my high school studies, and as the days turned into weeks, time seemed to blur past. It was true what they said—time has a remarkable ability to heal wounds.

I had settled into this new family dynamic, feeling a sense of belonging that I had longed for. I had both my biological parents and my adoptive ones, which meant I was fortunate enough to have four parents in total.

Upon graduating high school, I received the exciting news of my acceptance into the best university in the area. My biological parents had envisioned a future for me in finance, hoping I would join them in managing their business. However, perhaps due to my lifelong unease with the world around me, I found myself drawn to the field of criminal investigations.

So, I made the bold decision to major in criminology, aspiring to become a detective. It was during my first year of college that Ophelia was released from prison. The years had transformed her into someone almost unrecognizable. A long scar marred her once-smooth face, and the softness of her skin had been replaced by a harsh, weathered texture.

When my biological parents arrived to see her, she rushed towards them, tears streaming down her face. “Dad, Mom,” she cried, her voice thick with emotion. “I know I was wrong. I want to come home.” Her words were laced with desperation. “I’ve endured so much these past three years. I miss you terribly.”

“Please, let me come home. I promise I’ll get along with Evelyn from now on.”

At that moment, I wasn’t present, but my biological parents stood firm in their decision to keep her from returning to the Sullivan estate. They understood that allowing her back would feel like a betrayal to me, their true daughter. They spent what felt like an eternity in the study, deliberating on the best course of action.

On New Year’s Eve, I found myself gathered around the table with my biological parents, adoptive parents, and Orion. Orion had taken on a leadership role in the family business in recent years, and he had matured significantly, becoming more composed and responsible. However, the demands of his work kept him perpetually busy, often traveling for business. Our parents were constantly urging him to go on blind dates, but to dodge their matchmaking efforts, he practically lived in the office, wishing he could sleep there every night.

Despite my busy schedule as a detective, I, too, found little time for family. When cases arose, I often stayed awake for days on end, causing my biological and adoptive parents to worry incessantly. They always made it a point to prepare delicious meals for me, ensuring I was well-fed amidst the chaos of my work.

My adoptive parents had reached retirement age, and in recent years, they had traveled the world, fulfilling dreams they had long held. After seeing enough of the globe, they decided to open a small shop near my workplace. My biological parents watched with envy, planning to follow suit once Orion was fully capable of managing the business on his own.

Now, as we all sat together around the table, the warmth of family filled the air. “Evelyn, come here! Look at what I brought you!” Orion exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement.

We gathered at the table, laughter mingling with the aroma of the signature dishes prepared by both my biological and adoptive parents, filling the atmosphere with joy. The clinking of glasses and the sound of cheerful banter created a symphony of happiness around us.

As the clock began its countdown, the anticipation in the room grew. Suddenly, dazzling fireworks erupted into the night sky, heralding the dawn of a new year.