She Took My Identity, My Future, and My Name

“I guessed it a long time ago,” I said calmly.

Lucia froze for a moment.

My composure clearly unsettled her. Her triumphant expression faltered, then twisted with irritation.

She forced a smile. “Oh? Then I guess this won’t shock you either.”

She leaned forward, voice like poison.

“Austin and I have been together for a long time. Your precious boyfriend? He told me—in bed—that he loves me to death. Says I’m fun, wild, unforgettable.”

“As for you? You wouldn’t even let him hold your hand. Always cold. Always boring. A lifeless block of wood.”

She sneered. “All you know is how to study. What good is that? If he didn’t need you to switch identities with me, he would’ve dumped you ages ago.”

I still said nothing.

But under the table, my hand trembled. My nails had already dug into my palm so deep, they drew blood.

Lucia stood up and stretched leisurely. “Keep pretending to be calm. It won’t last.”

She flashed a wicked smile. “Actually, I came today with a gift.”

My eyes narrowed slightly.

“I used to hang around with some pretty nasty people. Offended a few along the way. Wouldn’t you know it? Some of them got arrested too. And when they found out that ‘Lucia’ was locked up here, they pulled some strings.”

Her grin widened.

“They arranged to be transferred into your cell.”

My heart stopped.

I wasn’t afraid of bland food, early mornings, or routine. I had lived a strict life for years. What I feared… was violence.

I had been beaten before for no reason. Hurt by people I didn’t provoke. Humiliated without cause.

And now, another group was coming—to take their revenge.

My face must have paled, because Lucia's satisfaction deepened.

She smirked. “I hope you survive until your sentence ends.”

Then she flipped her hair. “Anyway, I need to get going. There’s a party tonight.”

“Some rich family wants to set me up with their son. They say I’m beautiful, smart, and a top scholar—what can I say?”

She gave me one last pitying glance.

“Oh, Alice… life in prison must be so peaceful. I’m out there dealing with all this attention.”

With that, she turned and strutted out.

I returned to my cell with a heavy heart.

And sure enough, the next few days were filled with “special attention.” Threats. Traps. Fights I never started.

But I endured it.

Because I knew—this time—I wouldn’t stay in prison long.

Exactly one week later, the guards called me for another visit.

When I stepped into the reception room, my father and Austin were already there, faces pale and urgent.

They grabbed my arms the moment I entered.

“Quick!” my father hissed. “You have to switch identities with Lucia right now!”

“I’ve contacted a reporter—we’ll issue a statement, and we’ll all testify for you. You’re Alice! You’re the real top scorer in the college entrance exam!”

“Let Lucia take your place in prison. You need to get out, fast!”

I looked at them—and laughed.

Laughed until my eyes stung.

“That’s strange,” I said slowly. “I’m the criminal Lucia, remember? Why would the excellent student Alice—top scorer, model daughter—go to jail for me?”