As a daughter of the Longstaff family, Kate had to be perfect in every way—smart, beautiful, and successful. She grew up believing it was in her blood to be the best. But just before making a decision that would shape her entire future, a homeless man revealed that her whole life had been a lie.
As the first rays of sunlight slipped into her room, Kate’s eyes fluttered open. Her morning began like it did every day—with purpose, precision, and order.
She quickly got out of bed and made it perfectly, smoothing each corner and fluffing each pillow until it looked flawless.
In her pristine room, every item was in its rightful place, from her books aligned on the shelf to the shoes organized by color and size.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Today, she opted for a tailored navy-blue blazer and skirt with a crisp white blouse.
She pinned back her hair, making sure not a strand was out of place. She looked at herself in the mirror, assessing her reflection critically.
Her parents would approve. Today, of all days, she needed to look her best.
When she entered the kitchen, her parents, Julia and Charles, were already seated, their backs straight and their expressions as calm and composed as ever.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
They were already halfway through their breakfast, everything laid out in precise order—scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee.
The Longstaff family didn’t do anything halfway. They lived by schedules, routines, and perfection.
As Kate joined them, her mother, Julia, cast a quick glance at her.
“Kate, after breakfast, check for stains on your clothes and adjust your makeup,” Julia said smoothly, her eyes barely lifting from her plate. “It’s a bit… bold for today.”
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“Yes, Mother,” Kate replied, not daring to argue. She picked up her fork, though her stomach was tight with nerves.
Today, she would be meeting with the board of directors.
She could feel the pressure of her family’s expectations weighing on her, as if their gazes were on her every step. Everything she did would reflect on the Longstaff family.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Katherine,” her father, Charles, spoke up, his tone controlled and steady.
“Today is not only important for your future but for the entire family. I expect you to make us proud, not to embarrass the Longstaff name in front of the board.”
Kate nodded, her throat tight.
Her parents expected her to be perfect at all times, and for the most part, she’d managed. But today was different.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She couldn’t shake the feeling of dread building up in her chest, a feeling she couldn’t ignore.
Charles noticed her hesitation, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Is something wrong, Kate? You’ve barely touched your breakfast,” he commented, his voice cool.
She looked down at her plate, pushing the food around a little.
“Dad… I… I’ve been thinking. Maybe I should reschedule my interview. I don’t feel ready…”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Nonsense,” Charles replied firmly, his voice growing colder.
“Everything has been planned down to the last detail. You’re an adult now, and it’s time you learn the responsibilities of this family. One day, you’ll run this company. You need to start preparing now.”
Kate felt her heart sink. The path her parents had laid out for her felt like a wall closing in on all sides. She took a shaky breath.
“But… what if I don’t want to do this?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, and yet, in the silent dining room, it felt loud and bold.
Her father’s hand slammed against the table, making the plates rattle.
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“Don’t start this again,” he snapped, his face stern.
“I don’t want to hear it. We’re a family, Kate. You were born into this family, and you will do what’s best for it. If you can’t accept that, you can pack your things and leave.”
Kate flinched at his words, feeling a sting of shame mixed with anger. She wanted so badly to say something, to speak up for herself, but she knew how it would end.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She’d learned long ago that challenging her parents led nowhere.
Her voice was steady but soft as she replied, “I’m sorry, Dad. I won’t mention it again.”
Kate stood outside the towering office building, her heart thumping in her chest. Her fingers were wrapped tightly around her phone, almost as if it was her lifeline, something steady to hold onto.
But today, that confidence just wasn’t there. Instead, she was overwhelmed by a wave of doubt and guilt that wouldn’t go away.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She felt torn between the person her parents wanted her to be and the person she felt she was—someone she wasn’t even sure she understood yet.
Sometimes, she thought she was just going through the motions, living a life for them, not for her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice, hoarse and filled with disbelief. “Rosa? Is that you? My dear Rosa!”
Kate turned to see a man, unkempt and dressed in shabby clothes, standing just a few feet away.
Without warning, he stepped closer and wrapped her in a hug, his rough hands clutching her tightly.
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Stunned, Kate pulled away, staring at the stranger.
“Who… who are you? I’m not Rosa! You must have me mixed up with someone else.”
“No, it’s you. I would know you anywhere, Rosa! I would recognize that birthmark on your neck. I remember the first time I saw it.”
Kate’s hand instinctively went to her neck, feeling the familiar mark there. It was small, something she rarely thought about.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But this stranger—a man she had never seen—knew about it. She felt a chill run through her as she demanded, “How do you know that? Who are you?”
