Chapter 3

Before I could even explain, Maisie forced out a few tears and said, "Mom, please don't be angry. It's my fault. I shouldn't have made things difficult for you or fought with Carmen over toys."

Dad rushed back home, and as soon as he saw the scene, he dragged me over and started beating me.

"A heartless kid like you is better off thrown out. Keeping you here is nothing but a curse," he yelled.

I cried and begged Dad to stop, but the more I cried, the more he thought I was faking it, and his blows only got harsher.

Mom and Howell just watched coldly from afar, showing no emotion at all.

It was as if I was their enemy, and Dad wouldn't stop until he beat me to death.

From that day on, every time I made Maisie cry, Mom and Dad would scold me and beat me without hesitation.

Over time, I stopped daring to compete with Maisie for any affection or favor, and I didn't even try to defend myself or get close to her anymore.

To this day, they still left me lying on that cold, unforgiving operating table.

As soon as we got home, Maisie settled comfortably onto the couch and said she was hungry. Howell immediately rushed into the kitchen, eager to show off his newly learned cooking skills for her.

Howell, who always called himself a macho man and never did any housework, was now scrolling through his phone for all sorts of nutritious recipes, worried about making Maisie feel unwell.

Dad brought out the latest luxury gaming console, saying it was a gift for Maisie to celebrate her miraculous recovery.

Mom, meanwhile, cleaned Maisie's room inside and out, filling it with all kinds of plants, saying that breathing fresh air would help her get better.

Maisie just lounged on the couch, playing games, and her every move tugged at the whole family's heartstrings.

My soul returned with them, but this place—once so familiar—still felt cold and unwelcoming.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and someone I knew all too well appeared—it was my boyfriend, Byron Moody.

As soon as he walked in, he asked about Maisie's health. "Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, I heard Maisie was discharged today, so I brought some nourishing gifts to visit her."

Maisie immediately put down her phone, acting all bashful. "Byron, thanks for coming all this way. I'm all better now."

Byron, who was always so aloof around me, turned into the gentle big brother next door when it came to Maisie, giving her a warm smile.

I looked at him, and suddenly felt like I barely knew him.

Suddenly, Byron switched gears. "Where's Carmen?"

If Byron hadn't mentioned me, I bet the whole family would've just forgotten I was even here.

When Mom heard my name, her face turned cold. "Why even bring up that bad seed? I scolded her the other day, and she just up and left.

"Honestly, it's better this way. If she loves being out there so much, let her stay gone forever. If she dies out there, at least the house will finally be peaceful, and I won't have to deal with her stirring up trouble every day."

Byron quickly nodded. "Yeah, it's better if she doesn't come back. That way, she won't bother Maisie."

Howell came out carrying some supplements, grinning. "So, have you figured out when you're going to break up with Carmen? If you don't make a move on my sister soon, someone else might snatch Maisie away."

Byron's neck flushed. "Honestly, I was planning to talk to Carmen about it today, since I was coming over to see Maisie anyway."

A sour ache twisted in my chest, climbing up to my throat. I forced a bitter smile and turned away, not wanting to look at any of them for another second.

I've been used to not being loved for as long as I can remember.

After dinner, Mom started acting a bit restless, and I couldn't figure out why.

She went back to her bedroom alone, checking her phone and searching for something.

I walked over and peeked at her phone—she was trying to find my number.

She kept dialing my phone over and over, but it always went unanswered.

After a while, Mom slammed her phone down in frustration. "Who does she think she is, ignoring my calls? Does she really think anyone gives a damn about her?"

I wanted to tell her, 'Mom, I'm dead. Who's gonna pick up my phone now?'

Then Mom dialed the hospital nurse. "Did Carmen tell you what kind of game she's playing? Pass this on to her—she better not act so shameless. If she comes back and apologizes to Maisie, maybe I'll let her back in the house."

There was a heavy silence on the other end. "Mrs. Hanson, Carmen passed away a week ago. The car accident tore her heart apart, but all the doctors were called to Maisie's room, so there was no one left to operate on her..."