"My child, God bless you. Literature will always be your home. Give me two weeks, and I'll come pick you up myself!" Iris replied.

She was coming in two weeks. I closed my eyes and started counting down in silence.

In just two more weeks, I would finally leave this place for good and start a new life.

…

The next morning, I was woken up by loud laughter. I pushed open my room door as my head pounded painfully.

What I saw was a warm, cozy scene.

Wendy had been discharged. She was sitting on the couch in a custom-made designer dress, and her makeup was flawless yet understated.

My parents, Brett, and Lance were all gathered around her.

Everyone cheered in unison, "Congratulations to Wendy on joining the company!"

My father laughed heartily, his expression full of pride. "Our Wendy is all grown up now. Time flies, and now she's ready to help out with the family business!"

"That's right. Once you can stand on your own, I'll fund a new company just for you, Wendy!" My mother chimed in.

Wendy gasped in surprise and asked, "Thank you, everyone! Did you all get me presents too?"

"This is a big moment in your life," my mother said as she handed Wendy a beautiful gift box. "How can there be no gifts?"

My father and Brett both handed their gifts to Wendy as well. Lance even placed a sapphire necklace around Wendy's neck himself.

Wendy's eyes were filled with joy, but she still put on a show of modesty.

"When Esme joins the company, you'll prepare even better gifts for her, right?" she asked.

"Sweetheart, what are you talking about?" My mother cut in. "She's not educated and has no character. Why would Richard and I ever let her into the company?"

"Precisely." Brett sneered. "The only reason we even feed her is because we're related. That's already more kindness than she deserves."

At the same time, Wendy noticed me. Her eyes immediately turned red-rimmed.

"Esme, you're awake. Mom, Dad, and Brett were just joking. Please don't take it to heart," she said. "I was unwell yesterday, so I couldn't pick you up. Don't be mad at me, okay?"

Lance glanced at me, then turned his attention back to Wendy. "You're being too kind. You didn't pick her up, that's all. Why would she blame you?

"Esme, come here. Let's celebrate Wendy!"

As I looked at the smug look on Wendy's face, I couldn't force a pleasant expression to appear on my face.

My father huffed angrily. "Eight years in prison, and that lazy streak still isn't gone. You got up this late and still haven't even congratulated Wendy.

"Don't forget. If it weren't for Charles, you'd be dead long ago!"

My father grew increasingly agitated. Just as he was about to grab a vase and throw it at me, my mother stopped him.

"Don't ruin a good day with bad energy!" she said, shooting me a glare when she finished.

They had all forgotten that it was my birthday today, too.

Ever since they adopted Wendy, I have never celebrated my birthday.

"It's alright, Dad." Wendy's eyes welled up with tears. "I don't blame her. It's all my fault."

As she spoke, she looked at me. "Esme, since I just got out of the hospital, will you give me a gift too?"

She paused, then added, "I want Lance. Will you let me have him, Esme?"

She laid bare her filthy intentions, but no one thought anything of it. They were all waiting for my answer.

"No," I said bluntly.

I couldn't bring myself to speak kindly to someone so shameless.

Wendy froze for a moment, then quickly put on a pitiful, innocent act. "Esme, I was only joking. Please don't be mad."

My parents, Brett, and even Lance rushed over to comfort her.

Lance turned around to reprimand me. "It was just a joke. Aren't you worried about making her spiral again? You're too immature, Esme. I think I need to reconsider our engagement!"

"Whatever," I replied.

So now I was immature?

I gave this picture-perfect "family" a small smile. There was no reason to feel upset anymore.

I threw Lance a glance, then walked out the door without a care for the expression on his face.

My father suddenly called out, "Put on a mask. Don't let anyone recognize you."

I let out a bitter laugh, but I still did as he told me to.

I just had to hold on a little longer. In two more weeks, I would have a brand new life.

…

After leaving the house, I went directly to the construction site located next to a low-income neighborhood.

This was the most accepting part of the city. No one asked about my past, and I found a job doing odd tasks at a diner.

It didn't matter how much the pay was. At least it came with one meal a day, and I wouldn't go hungry.

After all, the Walkers never had a place for me at the table. Ever since Wendy showed up, the only thing they did was pay my school fees on time and nothing more.

Every time I came home, they would have already eaten as a "family". All I ever got was a "figure it out yourself".

That pushed me toward one illegal sweatshop after another. As long as I could eat, I didn't care about the pay—I just needed to survive.

Lance used to be the only person I could rely on.

He had protected me, pulled me away from home, and taken me out to eat. He was always gentle to me, and I relied on him. I had given him all my trust.

So, when he became seriously ill ten years ago, I didn't hesitate to donate a kidney to save him.

After that, my body got weaker every day. I couldn't even lift heavy things or exercise anymore. It hadn't mattered to me then, as long as I could save his life.

Everything ended when he sent me to prison himself. He helped my family frame me and forced me to give up my guaranteed spot in university.

Once Iris took me away, I wouldn't have to see him again.

No one would be able to hurt me anymore.

…

I continued going to work as usual until I saw the news on TV that Wendy and Lance had gotten engaged.

I had a hard time believing it despite everything.

Lance's family and the Walkers had known each other for generations. My engagement to him was, in fact, arranged by our grandfathers.

Lance and I had grown up together, and he knew my sufferings better than anyone else.

I once believed that Wendy could take everything from me, except him. But now…

…

When I got home that night, my mother spoke first.

"Esme, you're back. Come, let's sit down and talk about your sister's marriage," she said. "You owe Wendy anyway. Since Wendy likes Lance, she'll be the one to marry him.

"You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

Did they think Lance was some sort of toy that could be passed around?

I found this whole situation somewhat hilarious.

It all started with having to give up my room to Wendy.

Then, it was the puppy I rescued and the guaranteed admission spot—they all became Wendy's, even when she never appreciated any of it.

I clenched my fists and turned to Lance. I asked him, "You agreed to this?"

Lance looked a little uneasy. "When I'm around, Wendy's hallucinations seem to ease up a bit. You'll understand, won't you?"

"Then why bother pretending to ask me?" With that, I turned to head back to the "room" I was staying in.

Brett, however, blocked my way.

"Esme!" He looked furious. "How can you be so selfish? Do you even remember who caused Wendy's mental issues?

"Besides, you never went to university, and you have a criminal record. What makes you think you're worthy of Lance?"

"Esme," Lance said, grabbing my hand. "Wendy gave me a kidney back then. I can't turn my back on her."

Lance's words made my chest tighten painfully. For a moment, I felt lightheaded from the rush of blood.

I was the one who donated the kidney. Since when did Wendy become the donor?

Although I didn't expect them to believe me, I still couldn't hold back. I had to speak up.

"Lance, would you believe me if I said I was the donor—"

My trembling voice was soft. Before I could finish, my father interrupted me.

"Esme!" he roared. "If you have any shame left, shut your mouth! Stop lying. If you're trying to compete with Wendy, let me tell you—you'll never compare to her!"

I ignored my father. But when I saw the doubt and disgust in Lance's eyes, I knew.

He would never believe me.

I didn't bother to explain any further. No matter how they lost it behind me, I walked away without looking back.

…

The next day, I had just arrived at the diner where I worked when I saw a familiar figure.

"Welcome to—" The polite greeting caught in my throat the moment I recognized the person.

It was Brett. He walked up to me, looked around, then covered his nose in disgust.

I was about to say something when he cut me off and handed me a credit card.

"The passcode is Wendy's birthday. You should remember it."

Of course, I did. Every year, her birthday was celebrated with more fanfare than Christmas, after all.

When I didn't take it, he stuffed the card into my hand.

"We've never shortchanged you all these years, so stop looking all poor and shabby. You're embarrassing us."

I suddenly laughed and said, "Never shortchanged me? Then what am I doing here? Am I a rich girl pretending to live a hard life?"

Brett froze for a moment, then exploded with rage. "How did our family end up with someone like you?"

After that, he stormed off.

…

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the day before I left for Romero. It was also the day before Lance and Wendy's wedding.

I had quit the diner the day before. Before I could even make myself scarce, I was woken up by the noise outside.

They were all my old classmates.

The group of rich kids crowded around the soon-to-be newlyweds. When they saw me, they said mockingly, "Esme, you're still here?"

"You clung to Lance like a leech for years. Now that he's your brother-in-law, I guess at least you're his relative!"

"Hey, Lance, it looks like you lost. Truth or dare! Would you kiss Esme or Wendy?"

Lance looked past the crowd, his gaze landing on me.

My expression remained blank.