“Emma, you imposter!”

“You’ve been living here for the past eighteen years, fully aware that this place doesn’t belong to you and all the while, my precious sister suffered elsewhere!”

“And now that she’s back, I want you to pack your things—no, your garbage—and get out of this house immediately!”

Herbert Michael’s voice thundered through the room as he sat on the couch, his finger pointed accusingly at Emma.

To emphasize his point, he grabbed a shabby backpack and hurled it onto the floor. Its contents spilled out—worn-out clothes and a few other items, all cheap and unremarkable.

Emma, seated on the couch, widened her almond-shaped eyes in surprise. Beside her, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert wore matching expressions of shock.

“What are you talking about, Michael?” Mrs. Herbert finally managed, her voice laced with confusion. “What imposter? What do you mean, ‘squatting in a place that doesn’t belong to her’? Isn’t Emma your sister?”

Mr. Herbert, though silent, frowned deeply, his expression grim.

“Dad, Mom,” Michael continued, his tone firm, “Emma isn’t your biological daughter!”

Both Mr. and Mrs. Herbert froze.

“Your real daughter’s name is Jenna. She’s been lost and suffering since she was a child!”

As he spoke, Michael turned towards the door and called out, “Jenna, come in!”

And everyone immediately turned to look at the direction which Michael was facing.

A young girl in modest clothing stepped hesitantly into the room, her head slightly lowered. As she cautiously lifted her gaze, her face bore an uncanny resemblance to Mrs. Herbert’s.

Mrs. Herbert gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she levelled her gaze at Michael with wonder, “You…”

For Mr. Herbert, disbelief etched onto his face.

Michael pulled out two documents and handed them to his parents.

“These are paternity test results,” he explained. “One proves that Emma has no biological relation to mom, and the other confirms that Jenna is indeed mom’s daughter.”

Mrs. Herbert’s hands trembled as she took the documents, her eyes scanning the pages in astonishment.

“How could this happen?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “How could my child end up on the streets, suffering? Who would have done this?”

She looked at Jenna, her eyes brimming with tears, as if trying to make up for years of absence in that single moment.

“Ah,” Mr. Herbert said, placing a steadying hand on his wife’s shoulder. “Calm down. We’ll investigate how this happened later. For now, let’s focus on your health.”

Michael seized the opportunity and laid out his point “Now that Jenna is back, Emma needs to leave! She’s enjoyed the privileges of this house for eighteen years while Jenna suffered in her place!”

At the end of his words Mr. and Mrs. Herbert turned to Jenna, taking in her shabby appearance and timid demeanor. Their hearts ached.

“For Jenna’s sake, Emma must go,” Michael declared.

Mr. Herbert hesitated, his brow furrowed. “Emma has lived with us for eighteen years,” he began cautiously. “Forcing her to leave immediately might harm our family’s reputation. How about we let her stay temporarily?”

Before he could finish, Mrs. Herbert gripped his arm tightly.

“That’s unacceptable!” Michael snapped. “Keeping her here would only hurt Jenna further!”

Jenna, caught in the middle, quickly interjected, “It’s okay. I don’t mind if my sister stays…”

“No need.”

Emma’s calm voice cut through the tension. She stood, her gaze sweeping over the family, her expression unreadable.

She bent down and began gathering her scattered belongings. “Since it was a mistake, Jenna, please can you tell me where my real family is located so i can go and meet them?"

Jenna looked towards Micheal, seeking his approval, and when he nodded his head in approval, she brought out a piece of paper that had the address written on it and handed it over to Emma.

Taking it Emma bowed her head at Mr Herbert and his wife before walking towards where her bag was.

Michael sneered as she passed by him throwing two hundred pounds onto the floor. “It’s raining outside. Take this and hail a cab; I wouldn't want you to say we did not treat you well.

Emma didn’t even glance at the money. Picking up her bag, she turned to leave.

Seeing her indifference, Michael’s irritation boiled over. “Stop!”

Emma paused, looking over her shoulder. “What now?”

“Did you take anything valuable?” Michael demanded, suspicion coloring his tone. “You’ve lived in luxury for years. Surely you wouldn’t leave without a backup plan.”

Emma’s gaze turned cold. “You packed my things yourself. If there’s anything missing, it’s on you.”

Michael’s face reddened. “Search her!” he barked, turning to Jenna. “Check if she’s hiding anything!”

Jenna shrank back, pleading softly, “Brother, must we? I don’t think Emma would…”

“She’s been deceiving us for years!” Michael snapped. “Don’t be naive!”

Emma narrowed her eyes, her voice calm but firm. “You’re right, Michael. Never judge a book by its cover.”

Her words hung in the air like a quiet storm, silencing the room.