Penny has three brothers: one is a billionaire CEO, the second is the youngest military lieutenant, and the last is a successful actor. These three successful men had only one common ground: bullying Penny, their sore-eye of a little sister. The sister they never wished to have, and the one who claimed to be their real sister, while the sister they treasured all this time was a fake. After living a life of maltreatment in her aunt's home, some people of high standing came to Penny with news of her real parentage. She thought she was finally saved from her aunt’s clutches, unaware that what awaited her was worse. At 13, Penny only wished for one thing: for her brothers to love her and treat her like family, just as much as they loved their fake sister. She worked and studied ten times harder than anybody else just to be accepted by them. In her desperation, she foolishly fell into a trap set by a malicious person, not knowing her actions would result in the downfall of her brothers and her ending up in jail with a death sentence. On her execution day, Penny had only one thought in mind: If she ever got to go back in time, her brothers could pamper their fake sister for all she cared! She wanted nothing to do with them! And much to her surprise, Penny found herself back on the day it all began: the day she was born. As promised, this time, she wouldn’t foolishly try to earn her brothers' love and affection. Never mind family! She’d just make a lot of money, live in luxury, and make a family of her own! But wait, why is it now that she didn’t want anything to do with her brothers, they kept poking their noses into her business? Weren’t they supposed to pamper their fake sister? Why won’t they leave her alone?! And how on earth was she married in this lifetime? To make matters worse, this husband she never had in her first life was suddenly volunteering to be the father of her children?!
"Penny."
Penny stopped and looked back, tilting her head curiously. Atlas stood in the mezzanine while looking in her direction.
"What is it?" she asked when he didn't say anything even after their eyes met.
"Thanks."
Her brows knitted. "For?"
"The book recommendation," was his answer, assuming Penny would already figure it out. "It might be long overdue, but thanks."
"Ah." She smiled. "No biggie."
And Penny quickly turned her back on him and went to her bedroom.
"..." Atlas stared at her retreating figure and frowned. "Did I thank her a little too late?"
Another deep exhale slipped past his lips, snapping his eyes up to her figure. "She's being indifferent again."
Penny was like hot and cold: some days she was appreciative, but most of the time, she was indifferent. She was especially nonchalant when taking credits, making one wonder if she was just not interested in the person or if she simply didn't care.