Chapter 2

I looked at my mom, who was nagging away, feeling speechless.

Now that I'd gotten a second shot at life, all I wanted was to mind my own business, get into college, and make my escape.

But Charlotte was still hell-bent on pulling me into her mess.

I said, "School already takes up most of my energy. I really don't think I can handle both. But if you think my future doesn't matter, Mom, then I guess I'll just have to do what you say."

Mom looked pretty pissed at my sarcasm.

Michael's expression soured as well.

He said, "Olivia, just because you're doing well in school doesn't mean you can act all high and mighty. You won't even help your own family? How did I end up with a sister like you?"

"Then why don't you tutor her? I'm not the only one her age in the family. Why don't you just repeat a year and keep her company? It's just one year, and I'm sure you can handle both," I shot back.

Michael snapped, "You!"

His face turned bright red with anger.

Charlotte's eyes were red and teary as she spoke up in front of everyone. "It's fine, really. Don't force Olivia."

Her voice trembled as she added, "I'm going back to my room."

She walked quietly toward the stairs.

My dad, who'd been quiet this whole time, gave me a frosty stare. "Guess we really spoiled you growing up. No wonder you turned into someone so selfish."

I said, "Let me get this straight: if I don't throw myself under the bus for everyone, that makes me selfish? But when you expect everyone else to bend over backwards for you, what do you call that?"

"That's enough!" Mom snapped, her temper flaring. "If you don't want to, then just say so. Does everything in this family have to be a win-or-lose fight?"

There was a loud thud. Charlotte collapsed to the floor.

"Charlotte!" Michael shouted.

He rushed over with panic in his eyes and helped his precious little sister up.

I knew Charlotte had a heart condition, but it was never serious enough for her to collapse like that.

The three of them rushed Charlotte to the hospital, totally freaking out.

Before heading out, Michael gave me a death stare. "If anything happens to Charlotte, you'll pay for it."

I just kept quiet, not about to argue.

This was Charlotte's way of throwing down the gauntlet and rubbing it in my face.

She wanted me to see that she could easily steal the people I cared about, barely lifting a finger.

Just like she planned, now those three treated her like she was their precious treasure, and I was the villain in their story.

She was probably pretty pleased with herself right now.

Still, with her in the hospital for a few days, at least I finally got some peace and quiet.

Eating by myself, even the food I was used to suddenly tasted amazing.

But now, I knew I couldn't rely on the Evans family for my future. I had to push myself harder than ever and carve out my own path, so I doubled down on my studies.

Every day, I threw myself into studying, blocking out everything else.

That day, I was buried in homework when my door suddenly slammed open.

Michael barged in and yanked the workbook right out of my hands.

Damn it. They'd been gone for days, so I didn't even bother closing my door. And I completely forgot that today was the day Charlotte got discharged.

"Charlotte ended up in the hospital because of you, and you're still here studying like nothing happened?" Michael snapped.

With a sullen face, he looked ready to tear the workbook apart just to blow off steam.

Without thinking, I grabbed my thermos from the desk and hurled it at him with all my strength.

He flinched, instinctively threw up his arm to block it, and then cried out in pain.

The workbook hit the floor, and Michael clutched his right hand, gaping at me like I'd lost my mind.

"Olivia, are you out of your mind? I'm your brother!" he shouted.

Dad heard the noise and came over, frowning as he took in the scene. "Charlotte just got out of the hospital, and you two are already fighting again?"

Of course, most of his frustration was aimed at me. He'd already called me selfish before Charlotte even landed in the hospital.

And while she was in there, I didn't show my face once.

"Michael just went nuts and barged in here, trying to rip up my workbook," I said.

I picked up the workbook with zero emotion.

"Dad, that's not it. I just got so mad at how heartless Olivia was that I wanted to teach her a lesson," Michael said.

"What gives you the right to lecture me?" I shot back.

"Because I'm your brother," Michael snapped.

"Enough!" Dad barked.

Dad's face was dark as he suddenly snatched my workbook again, ripped it to shreds in a few quick moves, and tossed the pieces onto the floor.

"Your brother's got a point. You really are heartless. You need to be taught a lesson," Dad said.

I looked up at him and somehow wanted to cry.

But I would never let them see me cry. Never.

"Why are you staring at me? Maybe you should really think about how you've been treating your family," Dad snapped.

"Family?" I laughed coldly. "You call yourselves family? You treat me worse than outsiders."

Dad slapped me across the face, furious. "Don't you dare say that again!"

Michael just stood there, dumbfounded, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

My temper snapped. I wasn't about to keep a low profile. I never had the patience for that anyway.

I said, "Even if you kill me, I'm still going to say it. To me, you mean nothing-"

"Don't you dare say that!" Dad snapped.

"What the heck is going on in here?" Mom came rushing in after hearing the commotion. She scanned the room, let out a long sigh, and dragged Dad out.

"Michael, you, too. Don't hang around in your sister's room," she said.

Michael went back to his usual self, gave me a mocking look as he left, and sneered, "Weren't you acting all tough just now?"

See? That was my own brother.

I was already starting to cool off, but he made my anger flare up all over again. I yanked open my drawer, grabbed a utility knife, and pointed it straight at Michael.

"Get out!" I shouted.