When the GF9 Test Subject Became His Obsession novel Chapter 1

Evervale City, the Reed Family Estate.

"Ms. Serena, it's time to change. Mr. and Mrs. Reed will be home soon!" Margaret Harper's voice echoed through the darkened room. She stood at the door, hesitant to switch on the light. The room felt heavy, like a forgotten space, with no windows and no air conditioning. It was stifling.

The girl on the bed didn't stir at first, her attention absorbed by the tablet in her hands. The flickering screen cast soft shadows on her delicate face, hiding any hint of emotion. Margaret was about to repeat herself when Serena finally sat up, her movements slow and deliberate. She flicked on the light.

Margaret stepped inside, and the musty, oppressive air hit her instantly, making her breath catch in her throat. The room had once been a storage space, forgotten and discarded, just like the girl who now sat in it.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Margaret forced a tight smile. "Today is your birthday. Your classmates are all waiting for you outside."

Serena's gaze flicked over to Margaret, her voice a little hoarse. "The dress."

Margaret hurriedly handed over the dress, holding it with both hands. Within moments, her palms were slick with sweat, but Serena's demeanor remained cool and unaffected. Her features, bright and sharp in the warm light, gave nothing away.

Serena took the dress and glanced at it for a mere three seconds before tossing it aside. "It smells."

Margaret froze. She didn't need to ask. It carried the scent of Celeste Reed, Serena's foster sister.

A pang of awkwardness swept over her. Mrs. Reed was often generous, but for some inexplicable reason, she had shown no kindness to Serena. Serena had been back for two months now, yet her mother hadn't even bought her a new outfit. Not a single piece of clothing, and she was the biological daughter.

"I'll get another one, right away!" Margaret blurted, flustered.

Serena's face remained unreadable, her eyes shadowed. Margaret rushed to fetch a new dress, still in its packaging, almost relieved to have a reason to leave the room.

Serena eyed the dress as Margaret handed it to her. "You bought this?"

A slight blush colored Margaret's cheeks. The dress, cheap compared to what the Reed family usually bought, was nothing special. It couldn't possibly match the elegant, expensive pieces Celeste had.

"If you don't like it—"

"It's fine," Serena interrupted, her voice steady. She opened the packaging, the subtle scent of fresh fabric filling the air. The dress wasn't much, but it was new, and for the first time in her life, someone had bought her something new. The dress fit well, hugging her frame in a way that made her look almost ethereal.

Margaret carefully styled Serena's hair, braiding two strands on either side and pulling them back, securing them with a ribbon. Her hair cascaded down in gentle waves, soft and natural, creating the perfect contrast to the elegance of the dress. She looked like a princess from the pages of a magazine—sweet, graceful, and undeniably beautiful.

But why wasn't she cherished? Why wasn't someone as lovely as Serena treated with the care she deserved?

"Ms. Serena," Margaret said softly, a note of concern in her voice, "today marks the end of your trial period. After today, you'll be officially recognized as a member of the Reed family. Mr. and Mrs. Reed will treat you the same as they do Celeste!"

Margaret had heard of many things, but a trial period for a biological daughter? That sounded absurd.

Serena didn't respond. She simply stared at Margaret, her eyes dark and emotionless, like a still pool of water.

Margaret swallowed, realizing she'd spoken out of turn.

Downstairs, in the grand living room, Celeste and her friends were already gathered, eagerly unboxing a cake that had just been delivered. The celebration was in full swing, but Serena was nowhere to be seen.

Celeste had invited only her close friends, all from the senior class. Serena didn't know any of them well. In fact, she had almost no friends in Evervale City. Celeste had intentionally made this party about her—the long-lost sister who had returned after all these years.

One of Celeste's friends glanced at her curiously. "Celeste, last year, your parents got you that gorgeous limited edition gown. What did they get for Serena?"

Celeste smiled coolly. "She's a true daughter of the Reed family. You can bet what they gave her is as exquisite as what I received."

Of course, it was exactly the same dress—the one she'd worn multiple times already, a hand-me-down. The stain on the front was glaring. To Serena, it would likely pass as an expensive design flaw, given how little she knew about high fashion.

Celeste's lips curled into a smug grin. "Since it's Serena's first birthday celebration, Lilian, use your phone to record a video of her as a keepsake."

The smirk on Celeste's face was full of dark intentions. She wanted to prove something tonight—to show her friends who the precious one to the Reed family was.

As if on cue, Serena entered the room, and Celeste's smile faltered.

Richard quickly surveyed the scene. "What happened here?"

Celeste sobbed, her voice full of fake distress. "Mom, I just wanted to throw a nice party for Serena! I never expected—never expected this!"

Zachary Reed, Serena's brother, groggy from the fall, slowly climbed to his feet. "Dad, Mom, Serena pushed me down the stairs! She's trying to kill me and steal my inheritance! You have to throw her out!"

Lilian, ever eager to please, immediately chimed in. "I saw it too, Mr. Reed! Serena pushed Zachary!" She shot a glance at the others, knowing they'd stay silent.

"I told you we shouldn't have taken her in!" Angela shouted. "Look what she's done to our family!"

Margaret rushed in, her face pale at the sight of the commotion. "Ms. Serena, say something! You didn't do anything!"

Serena finally looked up at Margaret, her voice cool and calm. “Yes. I pushed him."

Margaret was struck dumb.

Angela pounced, "Look! She admitted it! She even dared to harm her own brother! Honey, we can't keep someone like this!"

Serena looked at her coldly. "So, I pushed him from upstairs, then magically floated down to stand here." She gestured at the stairs, stained with red paint, then at her spotless shoes, completely unaffected by the chaos.

The irony was too glaring to ignore.

"If you don't believe me, check the video," Serena said, pointing at Lilian, her tone dripping with disdain.

Lilian froze, her face going pale. She quickly fumbled with her phone, wiping the records. "What video? You're lying!" But it seemed too late.

Serena simply smiled, her expression cold and knowing.

Angela stood there, livid but speechless.