After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 26

Katniss was straight-up bawling, feeling that warm, fuzzy family vibe only at Wesley's crib. She made up her mind to stop kissing up to her parents 'cause they treated her like trash. Katniss was like, "They didn't boot me out; I bounced on my own."

"Good on you for figuring it out. Those folks are bad news. They bullied you, and karma's gonna get them. You did the right thing by bailing," Saskia said, handing Katniss a cup of water.

The water slid down her throat, warming her up from the inside out.

That long-lost feeling of being wrapped in love hit her like a ton of bricks.

Daphne looked at her with a face full of heartache. She'd watched Katniss grow up, always so well-behaved. She said, "Saskia's right. In this house, no one's gonna let you suffer. If you need anything, just holler. Treat this place like your own home."

Who knew what Oliver and his clan were thinking? They treated her like an enemy, not their own daughter.

Even though Clara had been around for over a decade and was closer to them than Katniss, blood is thicker than water. Katniss was Elodie's real kid. How could they not cherish their own flesh and blood and instead favor an adopted daughter with shady motives?

Daphne remembered when Katniss first came back, she was tiny, weak, and super reserved.

At first, Katniss's mom, Elodie, was all about her, but later she started favoring Clara, thinking Katniss was too shy and not as outspoken as Clara. She'd often say stuff that put Katniss down.

in and cared for her for years.

kicked out

on an apron. "You all chat, I'll handle the

the fridge, washed it, and put it in a bowl, handing it

yourself. If you need anything, just let us know. No need to

with a smile, "Thanks,

Wesley's fate in her past life flashed through her mind. The once strong man was diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer a few years later, making even eating tough,

Wesley's cooking came

up?" Katniss asked, her

turned around with a slight smile,

this!" Katniss frowned, her tone dripping with concern and a bit of

I'll hit up the hospital for a check-up," Wesley reassured, but he was clearly hiding how

Wesley's back, Katniss felt a wave

needed to brush up on her medical skills to keep Wesley safe. Daphne handed Katniss an orange, saying gently, "Katniss, you're so thoughtful. Don't worry, in a few

munching on the sweet fruit,

opening came from the entrance. It was Daphne's mom, Anna Parker, and Katniss's cousin,

moved in today," Saskia happily introduced Katniss