Chapter 3

My mom, who was standing nearby, didn't look too happy. She pursed her lips. "Why thank her? All this stuff was yours to begin with.

"As long as you're happy and healthy, your dad and I will figure out a way to get you anything you want."

My dad gently tucked the blanket around her and said softly, "Your mom's right. Tina, you're so smart. The company will definitely do even better in your hands. Then Mia will just sit back and enjoy life."

Tina's eyes were locked on me, and she was probably expecting me to lose it like I used to—go all hysterical and start yelling at our parents over those cutting remarks.

But I'd given up on expecting anything from them a long time ago. I said casually, "Yeah, Tina, I'm doing this willingly. Actually, I've got some properties and shops under my name, too. I'll transfer them to you as well.

"I'm sure with your abilities, you'll make even more out of them than I ever could."

My mom walked over, her eyes full of approval, and let out a sigh. "Finally, Mia, you're starting to be sensible. I'm not trying to criticize you, but you used to be so independent and self-centered.

"Of course your dad and I love you, but you were always so strong-willed, so we had to favor Tina a bit more.

"See? Isn't this so much better? From now on, we'll be a happy, loving family."

My dad gave me an approving look.

I kept it in for as long as I could, but finally, I mustered the courage to speak up. "Mom, if I really left, would you miss me?"

Mom's smile faded instantly. "Mia, you really need to change that attitude of yours. Tina's still sick, and you're still trying to fight for affection? Why ask these pointless questions just to show you matter?"

A wave of desolation washed over me. Her answer might not have been direct, but it said everything I needed to know.

I hid the sadness in my eyes and watched as Tina was once again surrounded by everyone, all fawning over her like she was the star of the show.

My parents gazed at Tina with loving eyes, Alex doted on her, and Tina lay in bed looking completely pleased with herself.

I turned and left the room, wondering if, when they finally learned what Tina had done, they'd still be able to sit together so happily, just like today.

I pulled out my phone and dialed the number I knew by heart, but the moment the call connected, before I could even say a word, everything went black and I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I was hooked up to a ventilator, and there was my best friend, Sophie Lane, sitting by my bedside. Her eyes were puffy and red, swollen like she'd been crying for days.

As soon as she saw me wake up, her tears started flowing again as she broke down, crying her heart out. "Mia, you liar! How could you be so stupid?"

Sophie and I had been best friends for years, but she'd moved out of town for work. Worried she'd be upset, I kept my illness from her.

But now, facing the end, I wanted to be selfish for once and have her stay with me through my final moments.

The shock just now might be too much for me. The doctor regretfully told me I only had a few hours left to live.

Sophie gritted her teeth and cursed them out, calling those people a bunch of heartless bastards with no conscience.

When she rushed to the hospital, she frantically used my phone to call them.

My mom started cursing me over the phone, saying I was shameless for pulling such a bad luck stunt, and that it'd be better if I just died somewhere else so she could finally have some peace and quiet.

Alex sent me an essay-length rant, saying I was being childish, and if I kept this up, he'd seriously reconsider whether he even wanted to stay with me.

I thought back to the first time I met Tina.

Tina was my uncle's daughter. But my uncle was a gambling addict and an alcoholic. Whenever he was drunk, he'd take out his anger on Tina and her mom.

Her mom finally couldn't take it anymore and took her own life by drinking pesticide.

After that, Tina's life went from bad to worse. Getting beaten and screamed at became her daily routine.

I used to sneak her snacks and slip her whatever money I could save, always trying to help her out. She'd look up at me with those big, helpless eyes.

Eventually, my uncle got so drunk that he drowned in the river. Seeing how pitiful Tina was, my parents decided to adopt her.

At first, things seemed normal, but as time went on, whether she meant to or not, Tina started vying for our parents' affection.

I didn't pay much attention back then, but by the time I finally noticed, the way my parents looked at me had already changed.

One day, I finally asked Tina why, and she yelled at me, her face twisted with resentment. "Why do you get to live so well? These good days should've belonged to me!

"You used to act all high and mighty, tossing me your pity. Just thinking about it makes me sick! Mia, I really hate you!"

Maybe my mistake started right from the very beginning.

I misjudged people, underestimated the darkness in human nature, and overestimated my parents' love for me.

Soon, I slipped back into unconsciousness. After being resuscitated, I used up all my remaining strength to have one last conversation with Sophie.

Right then, the call connected at the worst timing, and Sophie tapped to answer it for me.

My parents' voices came through on the other end. "Mia, don't forget about those loans on your house and the company. Make sure you pay those off yourself. None of that has anything to do with Tina.

"And the hotel for Tina and Alex's wedding is already booked. You'd better handle all the costs and arrangements. We'll let it slide that you pretended to be sick just now, but don't ever try to pull something like that again."

As my consciousness faded, their cold, relentless voices kept droning on in my ears.

Tears streamed down my cheeks, yet for the first time in so long, I gave a calm, contented smile of true relief.

I was finally free.