Chapter 1

I was bound to the "Perfect Child" system. As long as I kept excelling, I could earn my parents' love.

I went from dead last in my class to the top student, learned piano and ballet, and became the "model child" praised by all our relatives.

My parents finally began to smile at me. They took me out and bought me new clothes.

I thought I had succeeded.

However, that hope crumbled the day my system points hit 100%. A cold, mechanical voice cut through my thoughts. "Host transformation complete. Consciousness erasure sequence activated."

I tried to scream, but what came out was a flawless smile. "I love you, Mom and Dad."

My world was instantly swallowed by darkness.

*****

"Emily, look at this. An F! Are you trying to make me lose all my pride?" Amanda Rivers, my mom, shrilled as she slammed the crumpled paper against my face.

The sharp edge scraped my cheek, leaving a burning, red streak in its wake.

I kept my head down, my throat tight with fear, too afraid to say a single word.

Across the living room, my little brother, Lucas Rivers, hugged a brand-new limited-edition robot. That was his prize for taking first place in the citywide AMC 8.

My dad, Samuel Rivers, ruffled Lucas' hair, his face glowing with pride. "That's my boy. You've got a bright future ahead of you, son."

No one even glanced in my direction.

In this house, I might as well have been a ghost.

Lucas was the genius, the family's golden child, their only hope.

I was his polar opposite, a living reminder of what "not to be," a benchmark to highlight just how amazing he was.

It felt like my sole purpose in life was to prove that in one family, there could be both heaven and hell, light and shadow.

That night, I curled up under my covers, silent tears soaking my pillow.

I hugged my knees to my chest, whispering to myself through quiet sobs, "Why? Why can't Mom and Dad spare even a little love for me?"

Even a fraction of what Lucas gets would be enough to make me happy.

Just as my grief reached its breaking point, a cold, emotionless voice echoed in my head, out of nowhere, no warning at all.

"Intense emotional fluctuations detected. Eligible for "Perfect Child" System binding. Host Emily River, do you crave your parents' love?"

I froze, my sobs catching in my throat.

The voice had no warmth, no feeling, yet it cut through my endless despair like a ray of sunlight.

I practically screamed in response, my heart hammering so hard I could feel it in my ears, "Yes! More than anything!"

The voice said, "'Perfect Child' System officially bound. This system will assist the host in becoming the ultimate perfect child. Complete tasks to earn points, and you will receive 100% of your parents' love."

"Newbie Task Released: Rank in the top ten of your class in the final exams."

"Task Reward: +10 Points. Increased parental attention."

I shot up in bed, my breath coming in ragged gasps.

A system? Like some cheating codes in the game that turn lives around?

This was my chance? I finally had a way to be loved.

*****

Life hit fast-forward from that day on.

A strict as nails coach, the system mapped out every minute of my schedule.

I was up at 5 a.m. to hit the books, still burning the midnight oil over practice sets.

I tossed out all my comic books, quit the dance club, and turned down every party invitation from friends.

When one of my classmates handed me a ticket to the amusement park for the weekend, a twinge of envy tugged at my heart.

I almost said yes, but a sharp warning blared in my head before the words left my lips. "Warning. Host showing signs of rule violation! Points -1.

"Please focus on tasks. Any activity unrelated to studying will result in a point deduction."

My heart skipped a beat, and I shook my head quickly, declining her offer. "No thanks, I have tutoring this weekend," I said, forcing a flat tone to hide my disappointment.

She walked away looking dejected, and I stared at her retreating figure, a hollow feeling settling in my chest.

But that emptiness faded fast, replaced by the burning desire for Samuel and Amanda's love.

It was worth it. Losing a little fun was nothing if it meant they'd finally love me.