Chapter 1

The day before I was supposed to donate a kidney to my younger sister, I traveled five years into the future.

I discovered that my sister had married her fiancé in the house my parents had promised to me.

When I confronted him, my fiancé looked irritated.

The sister who used to plead with me to take care of her now shouted me out of the house, "You're always crying and whining! It's just one kidney. How long are you going to guilt-trip me?

"Even if you don't donate, Dad and Mom would've forced me anyway. Don't try to blame me."

My fair-minded father slapped me to the ground and said, "No husband, no children, what use is a house to you? Don't disgrace yourself in front of your sister, you useless thing."

They told me to leave, threatening to cut all ties.

Little did they know that in five days I would return to the past.

*****

My sister, Angela Stanton, needed a kidney transplant, and I was the only one who was a match.

My parents promised me the brand-new villa they just bought if I agreed to donate.

Angela clung to my waist, her eyes red from crying, swearing she'd work hard and hand over her entire paycheck to me.

She promised she wouldn't have kids, so she could focus on looking after me when I got old.

I spent the whole night thinking it over, and in the end, I decided to donate my kidney to Angela.

That day, our company finally succeeded in developing the time machine.

I got in with my research team, and together we traveled five years into the future.

The city hadn't changed much, so I caught a cab and headed for the neighborhood with all the villas.

The villa my parents promised me should be fully renovated and ready for use by now.

I couldn't wait to meet my future self.

But when I rang the doorbell, it was Angela who opened it.

Angela looked as youthful as ever, cradling a three-year-old in her arms.

The moment she saw me, her face twisted with disgust. "Brinley, why do you keep showing up like a bad penny? How many times do I have to say it? Stop barging into my life! Are you deaf or what?"

The kid in her arms pointed at me and yelled, "Beggar! Mooch!"

The kid cracked up, laughing his head off.

My smile stiffened instantly.

Angela barked at me, "If you don't leave right now, I'm calling security!"

I stood there, my mind totally blank.

Just yesterday, Angela was clinging to my waist, calling me "Brinley" like she really cared.

She promised she'd look after me forever.

So why was she telling me to get lost now?

"Angela, this is the house Mom and Dad promised me. Why are you here?" I demanded.

She was acting like she was the owner, completely in charge.

Angela rolled her eyes at me, like she'd just heard the most ridiculous thing ever.

She sneered. "Brinley, who are you trying to fool? Are you seriously daydreaming? Mom and Dad never promised you this place. This was my wedding gift when I got married."

I was stunned.

Everything from yesterday was still vivid in my mind. I could still picture my parents holding my hands, pleading with me so sincerely.

I glared at her, baffled and demanding answers. "When I gave you my kidney, Mom and Dad clearly said they'd give me the house."

But Angela cut me off, shoving me so hard I hit the floor.

She towered over me, her face twisted in disgust. "Just a kidney, and you've been guilt-tripping me for five whole years. Isn't that sick? I already gave you 30 thousand dollars—wasn't that enough for you?

"You actually think I'm going to support you for the rest of your life? Not in your dreams! Brinley, get out of my sight and stay gone."

With that, she started to slam the door in my face.

I scrambled up from the floor, shoved her aside, and barged right into the house.

"Just a kidney? Angela! You make it sound so easy, but when you were begging me back then..." I said.

I never imagined the little sister who always called me "Brinley" with that sweet voice would turn out so cold and heartless.

Angela set the kid down, her voice harsh and bossy as she said, "Honestly, Dad was a match too. Even if you hadn't donated, Dad would've done it for me. Don't think you're so special."

Angela's words left me numb inside.

I never would have guessed that, five years after giving my kidney to Angela, she'd turn on me like this.

Just then, a familiar voice came from the stairwell. "Honey, who's at the door?"

It was Samuel Burke.

My heart skipped a beat as I watched the man walk down the stairs, utterly stunned.

That was my fiancé.

Five years ago, when I decided to give Angela my kidney, we'd already met each other's parents, talked about marriage, and set the date.

"Brinley? Why are you here again?" Samuel called out, looking totally annoyed.