Chapter 2

Claire Evan popped her head in through the door. "Mr. Lane, Ms. Lane, I brought you a gift."

She had a sweet, warm voice, bright and cheerful like sunshine.

Even my parents' tones unconsciously softened.

My mom said, "Claire, it's been two months since you and Andrew last came over."

Claire beamed. "Ms. Lane, Andrew was just afraid you'd be sad, so he asked me to come keep you company."

The hand hanging by my side trembled.

Last time?

Two months ago was my birthday, and Andrew didn't come home.

My birthday was the anniversary of my sister's death.

What right did I have to celebrate my birthday?

Claire walked in, her steps faltering for a second.

She asked, "Ms. Lane, why is she here too? No wonder you look unhappy."

My mom sneered. "She's here to atone for her sins. Don't bother with her. Let her kneel."

In that moment, I felt like a stranger in my own home.

Andrew called out, "Dinner's ready."

He glanced at me, hesitation flickering in his eyes.

My dad came out of the kitchen with the last dish.

He said proudly, "Andrew's cooking is just like mine."

They all took their seats, leaving me kneeling there.

Andrew frowned, then finally spoke up, "Let her come over and join us."

But Claire interrupted him and said, "Andrew, you're just too kind.

"If she joins us for dinner, Mr. Jane and Ms.Jane will be unhappy! Even if you want to make amends, you should direct them to the rightful victim, not her."

Andrew pressed his lips tightly and said nothing.

My heart sank heavily.

So, all those redemption was just out of guilt.

So, what if I could hear now?

I was still that mute girl who watched my home go up in flames and couldn't even call for help.

After dinner, Andrew couldn't help but say, "Mr. Lane, Ms. Lane, I've got some work to take care of at the office, so I'll head back with Emily."

My mom lowered her voice. "Don't forget what I told you."

She took Claire's hand and placed it in Andrew's.

She said, "I really like Claire. She's smart, sweet, and kind. Andrew, you treat her right, and you'll be happy."

Claire shyly pulled her hand back.

She walked over, helped me up, and said, "Mr. Lane, Ms. Lane, I'll be heading out as well."

Claire grabbed my arm and yanked me out the door, her grip surprisingly strong.

Inside, my parents were still fussing over Andrew, giving him all sorts of advice.

Claire looked at me, her tone full of dissatisfaction.

She said, "How much longer are you going to drag Andrew down with you?

If it weren't for you, he should've been a privileged prodigy. He'd never have ended up starting a business and having to come ask me for favors."

She spoke slowly, making sure I could read her lips.

But every word she said hit me like a slap across the face.

I suddenly thought of that college application season

Back then, Andrew's eyes shone with ambition as he promised he'd one day dominate the business world.

When he learned I was going to major in animation at the local university, he quietly applied to computer science there too.

When the admission results came out, I cried and pushed him away, but he hugged me tightly.

He said his greatest wish was to look after me.

So this time, I'd be the one to protect him.

I nodded and gestured that I understood.

Not long ago, a senior invited me to go to Eldermist, saying we might be able to chase our dreams there together.

I politely refused at that time.

Now that I thought about it, leaving Andrew had been the truest way to protect him.

Andrew called out, "What are you two talking about?"