The new home was a three-story villa, tucked away in a quieter area just a few kilometers from the famous Shadowridge Mountain. As Serena stepped through the door, Olivia beamed with pride.
"Serena, from now on, this is your home!"
Olivia personally carried Serena's suitcase up the stairs to the second floor.
Serena paused, hesitant, her hand gripping the railing tightly. "No trial period?"
Olivia's heart clenched, and she nearly lost control of her emotions.
"Serena, the moment you stepped through this door, you became part of the Morrow family. You are my daughter."
Serena's lips twitched slightly, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she lifted her foot and stepped onto the staircase.
Olivia's heart ached as she watched her. This wasn't how she imagined things would be, but she would make it work.
She pushed open the door to a beautifully arranged room, and with a gentle smile, she asked, "Do you like it?"
The room was bathed in soft sunlight, with a wardrobe, a vanity table, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Soft pink curtains fluttered in the breeze, filling the room with light. Serena narrowed her eyes slightly, taking in the brightness, the warmth. It had been a long time since she had seen sunlight this pure, breathed air this fresh.
"If you don't like it, Mommy will have it redecorated right away!" Olivia added eagerly, trying to gauge her reaction.
Serena remained quiet for a moment before she murmured, "I… like it."
Her face remained unreadable. Olivia found herself struggling to keep up with her, realizing for the first time just how mentally exhausting motherhood really was.
"This is the new school bag I got you…"
A pink, brand-new backpack, smelling fresh and untouched by anyone else’s hands.
"Thank you."
Olivia's heart fluttered. These words were all she needed, her enthusiasm soaring.
"I also prepared some clothes for you..."
She glanced at Serena's worn-out outfit, likely a donation from the Sullivan orphanage. It tugged at her heart.
She reached out to open the wardrobe, eager to show off her surprise, but Serena suddenly pressed her hand down.
"Later," Serena said softly.
"Alright." Olivia smiled, stepping back. "Serena, get some rest first, and Mommy will make you something to eat."
She left the room reluctantly, stealing one last glance before closing the door.
Serena stood by the wardrobe, watching her leave.
Her long hair swayed gently in the breeze, and Olivia's heart swelled with emotion. From today on, I finally have a daughter.
But as soon as the door clicked shut, Serena held her breath, a shadow crossing her face. The scent inside the wardrobe was even stronger now. She didn't waste any time. With a sharp yank, she threw open the door—just as the man inside moved.
Before he could react, she threw him over her shoulder, sending him crashing to the floor with a loud thud.
Olivia, who had barely reached the stairs, froze at the sound. She rushed back up in a panic.
"Serena, what happened?"
Serena, without hesitation, kicked the man under the bed before turning back to Olivia, her face as calm as ever. "Mom, I'm fine. I just bumped into something."
Her expression remained pale and emotionless, but to Olivia's eyes, she looked like the sweetest, most obedient little girl. So adorable, Olivia thought, that she could just pinch her chubby little cheeks.
Olivia's heart softened, but then her eyes widened. "It's all my fault. I should've helped you unpack... Wait, what did you just call me?"
Serena's expression stiffened, her gaze flickering. Under Olivia's hopeful stare, she hesitated for a long moment before finally saying, "...Mom."
Olivia's joy was overwhelming, and she lost all composure. "I'll go get you some fruit."
As Olivia rushed out, Serena let out a quiet sigh and dragged the unconscious man from under the bed. But before she could get a good look at him, Olivia knocked on the door again.
"Serena, I forgot to ask—what fruit do you like?"
Serena, irritated, kicked the man again, muttering, "I'm not picky."
"That's great! That's great!" Olivia responded cheerfully, completely oblivious to the scene in her daughter's room.
The door clicked shut once more. Serena resumed pulling the man out, but the door was opened again. In her haste, she kicked him straight in the face.
Serena quickly withdrew the needles and shoved the man back under the bed. She opened the door, smiling at Olivia, who looked concerned when she noticed Serena was sweating.
"Did you not turn on the air conditioning? Don't be afraid to use electricity. Even though your father earns little, he can still support our family of four." There was a hint of pride in her tone.
Serena nodded. "Okay."
Downstairs, dinner was already served. An eighteen-year-old boy was playing on his phone at the table. When he heard footsteps, he glanced up and scoffed audibly, just loud enough for Serena to hear.
"Serena, your father and younger brother are still in the mountains, so it'll be a while before they get back. This is your eldest brother, Thanos Morrow. He also attends Haven High School and is in the same grade as you. Thanos, this is your sister."
Thanos looked up, clearly displeased.
"Mom, the school forum just posted that Serena cheated on her exams. You always say you hate cheating kids, right? Sure, she got first place, but it's all fake. I may have ranked last, but at least I didn't cheat!"
There was an unmistakable pride in his tone, just like Olivia's. No doubt, Thanos was her biological son.
Olivia shot a nervous glance at Serena, protective instincts kicking in. "Serena is not someone who chases after vanity. She wouldn't cheat!"
Thanos sneered. "Mom, don't be fooled. Her entrance scores were as bad as mine. How could she suddenly jump to first place in just a month? She's obviously scamming you!"
Olivia snapped. "Thanos Morrow, apologize!"
Thanos lifted his chin defiantly. Apologize? Never.
"No pocket money next month!" Olivia declared.
Thanos' eyes darted around. His chin dropped a little.
"No gaming console!"
"Serena, I'm sorry!"
Thanos muttered, surprisingly sincere.
"Don't do it again," Serena said coldly.
What? Seriously? Is that a warning?

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: When the GF9 Test Subject Became His Obsession