Chapter 4

My mom was wiping away tears, covering her face as she cried. "All your life, it's always been about that dead grandma of yours. God knows what she did to get you so obsessed with her."

My dad's expression was grim as he sighed. "Chloe, you're in the wrong here. Apologize to your sister and brother.

"Promise you'll never try to take anything from them again. If not, don't come back home."

My mom looked at the marks on Lila's wrist, feeling bad for her. "You need to shell out for a diamond bracelet for Lila. Look at how terrified she is. If you don't, I'll cut ties with you."

I looked at them, and any illusion I had about family love vanished. "Fine."

My mom didn't catch what I said.

My brother frowned discontentedly. "Apologize louder."

I stared at them, the taste of blood in my mouth, and said in a low voice, "Fine. We're done as family."

My dad's face darkened right away. "You're so stubborn."

Mom let out a sigh. "Chloe, don't say things out of anger."

My brother scoffed. "Everyone knows you love acting like the perfect daughter. Drop the act."

Before I could say anything else, Lila's face suddenly went pale, and she clung to Ryan's sleeve. "Ryan, my chest hurts."

Everyone started scrambling, some rushing to get the car ready, others grabbing things.

No one cared that I was all wounded.

Ryan slipped a band-aid into my hand and said softly, "Wait for me. Don't get in a rage."

My home suddenly felt deserted.

Using the wall for support, I got to my feet and double-checked my bags.

Then I called up and canceled the wedding venue and my dress order.

The salesperson asked, "Ma'am, the wedding gown you've been waiting ages for was finally here. Won't you think it over again?"

I replied calmly, "No, I don't want it anymore."

"You've had your heart set on this dress for half a year. Such a pity." She realized she'd put her foot in her mouth and quickly tried to cover it up. "But I hope you'll still find happiness, even if you're not getting married."

I smiled. "Thanks."

I set the band-aid down on the corner of the table, with that cheap ring Ryan gave me resting on top.

I didn't want the crumbs of his leftover affection.

*****

As I made my way to the airport, my phone kept blowing up with the latest reports.

On the screen, Lila looked so fragile, wearing the wedding dress I ordered while clinging to Ryan like a delicate doll.

The news was scrolling exaggeratedly. The title read: [Ryan Cooper, the CEO of NewvaTech, Marries the Most Beautiful Bride.]

The comments section was blowing up with online users shipping them hard.

[Oh, I can't handle this.]

[They say she is mentally deficient, but the way she looks at Ryan is so gentle.]

[Is this what it means to be loved, as if it could bring one back to life?]

Right then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Ryan: [Lila is upset, and nothing I do seems to help. I had no other choice, so I let her have your wedding instead.]

Mom texted: [Don't make a scene. It's Lila's little wish. As her elder sister, you should help her make it come true.]

My dad and brother didn't say a word, but both changed their profile pictures to Lila's wedding photo.

I smiled and texted Ryan a number 1.

After that, I blocked all my family members one by one.

I spun around without a single backward glance and got on the plane.