Chapter 3

I said, clearly annoyed, "You're an adult. I'm not obligated to care for you."

I didn't want things to get ugly with Vanessa so fast, but her behavior was outrageous.

As I was hanging up, she started screaming and cursing.

"Clara, I'm younger! You're responsible for me, now and later!" she yelled.

Her words sent a chill down my spine.

Since childhood, everyone drilled that idea into my head.

They lectured me from their moral high ground.

They said, "Clara, Vanessa is still a child. You're her only family and must care for her like a mother.

"You two only have each other now. Always protect your little sister."

I thought I'd done enough. When our parents died, Vanessa cried, looking at me with a shaky voice.

"Sis, do we really have no Mom and Dad?" she asked.

Back then, I was numb, handling mourners and protecting what remained, but Vanessa's question broke me.

I hugged her, crying but trying to comfort her.

"It's okay, Vanessa. You have me," I said.

But I almost forgot—I was just a kid myself.

"Vanessa, I'm just three years older," I said hoarsely.

Three years isn't long, but it has weighed on me most of my life.

My voice was hoarse. After a pause, she scoffed coldly.

"You're my sister even if you're three seconds older. Add the family card back to my account—I want to take Marcus to dinner," she demanded.

That same entitled tone made me lose all hope.

I stayed silent, hung up, and blocked Vanessa everywhere.

How dare she ask me for anything? She got me killed in my last life.

For two weeks, I focused on work and felt a new freedom—no more rushing home to babysit her.

I often checked the home cameras. I didn't know where Vanessa got the cash, but she and Marcus were partying like kings.

She likely took another online loan. I wondered who would bail her out now without me.

Last month, after my bonus, I asked my supervisor to use the vacation days I'd saved to see the ocean, a dream since I was eighteen.

Thanks to Vanessa, I never dated or went to the beach. No wonder I'm almost thirty and still single.

I kicked off my vacation by booking the first flight out to the beach.

The endless blue ocean, salty breeze, and soft sand gave me a rare peace and freedom.

I no longer worried about the house, Vanessa's meals, or online loans. For the first time, I lived for myself, and it felt good.

On my feed, I shared pics of the clear sea and a relaxed selfie, enjoying the vibes.

Soon after, I saw Vanessa's post on social media.

[Some ignore their sister's fate while partying.]

The photo showed the house trashed with garbage everywhere.

Life without me isn't as glamorous as Vanessa hoped. She may never catch her rich wife dream.

I smiled and liked her post.

She wanted me to notice her passive-aggressive digs. Her usual move? Emotional blackmail, trying to make me reach out first.

I used to fall for it, but now it's ridiculous.

During vacation, I occasionally checked the home cameras.

Vanessa and Marcus's life was not the fairytale she imagined.

Marcus's illness made him short-tempered, often yelling and throwing things on camera.

"What are you staring at? Think I'm ugly? If you hadn't saved me, I'd be free. You owe me!" he snapped bitterly.

His voice was hoarse and grating.

I let out a snort, unable to hold back my laughter.

Marcus and Vanessa were a perfect match.

Both are shameless, always acting entitled.

Vanessa first tried to smooth things over.

"Marcus, how can you say that? I truly care about you," she pleaded desperately.

"Care about me? Then why won't you touch me? Why'd you use your sister's cup? You're disgusted by me too, aren't you?" Marcus kept pushing, never backing down.

"I..." Vanessa was speechless.

"Go buy me medicine! I'm feeling awful!" he ordered sharply.

"I... I don't have enough money..." Vanessa muttered.

Her voice dropped. I'd cut her payment privileges, and her online loan limit is likely maxed.

"Pathetic! Can't even afford medicine? Didn't your sister love you most? So why won't she help?" he sneered.