Chapter 3

My hand didn't even hesitate as my pen kept moving across the page.

There was a time when just hearing those words would have me crying my eyes out all night, hugging my blanket and unable to sleep.

After what felt like forever, there was a soft knock at the door, and Emily's timid voice drifted in. "Anna, dinner's ready. Auntie wants you to come downstairs."

I glanced up at the door, my eyes utterly devoid of warmth. I didn't answer, didn't move.

Emily Lane waited for a moment, then called softly a couple more times. When the room stayed silent, she finally left.

I can totally picture Emily right now: eyes down, lip caught between her teeth, looking all innocent and hurt, waiting to go cry to Mom, Dad, and my brother about how cold I was to her.

In my last life, I would've freaked out, hurried downstairs to explain, doing everything I could to prove it wasn't on purpose. But this time, it's just annoying to me.

I didn't get up to get some water until the clatter of dishes in the living room finally faded.

As I reached the top of the stairs, Mrs. Shaw came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of fruit. The moment she saw me, her face was full of displeasure.

"So you finally decided to come out? Emily called you down several times and you ignored her. Who are you giving attitude to?" She said.

I didn't pause, just headed straight for the water dispenser and replied coolly, "No appetite."

"You!" Mrs. Shaw was left speechless, about to explode, when Emily quickly took her arm and spoke gently, "Don't blame Anna, Mrs. Shaw. She's probably worn out from studying. I cut up some fruit for her, how about having some?"

As she spoke, she offered the fruit plate, and there was a scheming look in her eyes. Back then, she'd hand me the fruit just like this, then deliberately smash the plate and cry, saying I pushed her.

I sidestepped Emily's fruit plate, not even bothering to look at her. After getting my water, I headed upstairs without another word.

"Anna!" Mr. Shaw jumped up from the couch. "Emily was being nice, bringing you some fruit, and you act like this? How long are you going to keep making a scene?"

Michael stood up as well, his brows tightly knit, looking disappointed. "Anna, apologize."

There was always an apology, the blame always landed on outsiders.

I stopped and slowly turned around. The living room lights fell on my face, and my eyes were empty and cold: no anger, no grievance, just a chilling indifference.

"I didn't touch her, didn't push her, didn't provoke her. Why should I apologize?" My voice was soft, but every word was icy and hard.

Emily's eyes instantly went red, and she gripped the hem of her dress, her voice trembling. "Sis, I don't blame you. I just wanted to be good to you..."

No sooner had she finished than she suddenly cried out, her hand flying to her neck, her face draining of color. "My necklace! The one Aunt gave me for my birthday. It's gone!"

Mrs. Shen's expression shifted suddenly. "When did you lose it?"

"I was still wearing it when I brought you some fruit." Emily's eyes brimmed with tears as she shot me a nervous look. "Sis, you were in the room just now, did you happen to see anything..."

She never said it directly, but every word was aimed right at me.