A month after I got out of prison, my fiancée married my adoptive brother.

On the wedding day, the whole family lingered uneasily outside the reception hall. Even as the ceremony started, they didn't budge. It wasn't out of loyalty to me; they were just scared I might crash the wedding and make a scene.

My mom paced nervously. "The butler said he left the house half an hour ago..."

My dad barked orders at the security team. "Keep your eyes peeled! If he dares to show up today, break his legs on the spot!"

My sister's gaze was icy. "I've got it all figured out. If he dares to crash, I know exactly how to send him back to jail for a few more years!"

But the ceremony wrapped up, and I never appeared.

Raya texted me. "Stop being dramatic. Knox and I are just pretending to be married to help with his depression. Once he's better, we can have our wedding—no big deal."

She said this with not a shred of guilt or regret.

What none of them knew was that causing trouble was the last thing on my mind. Right then, I was in a confidential meeting.

In a week, I'd be erasing my identity and heading out on a research mission to Antarctica.

A journey from which I'd never return.

Sitting quietly in a cozy Alpine café, my hands warmed by a cup of strong coffee, I reflected on how quickly they assumed I'd disrupt the wedding. The Alps were miles away from their Victorian-style ceremonies, and the Thanksgiving gatherings we once shared felt like memories from another life. I was miles away from their world, getting ready to leave everything behind and embrace the stark beauty of Antarctica.

When I got home, the whole family was celebrating inside the mansion. Knox and Raya were at the center of attention. Raya leaned on Knox's shoulder, her smile sweet and genuine. My dad watched them with a gentle expression, saying, "Seeing you two get married today fulfills one of your mom and my greatest wishes."

"Unlike Theo, who never gives me a moment's peace! It's this late, and I still don’t see him!" Mentioning my name brought annoyance and disdain to his eyes.

I still remember the day Knox drove drunk and killed someone. My mom was clutching her chest, eyes red from tears, pleading, "Please, Theo, Knox has depression. Being in that environment will destroy him."

My usually stern dad, with a voice verging on pleading, said, "Son, I can't let down Jonathan. Just do this one favor for your old man!"

My sister bit her lip, cradling the unconscious Knox, "Don't worry, I’ll take good care of Mom and Dad."

Even my fiancée, Raya, squeezed my hand, eyes full of sincerity, "Theo, rest assured, I will wait for you to come back!"

Their desperate pleas and my mom’s threats of self-harm left me no choice. I took the blame for Knox and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Once released, I thought that after such a significant sacrifice, I would earn my family’s gratitude and understanding. But returning home on that first day, I realized everything had changed.

It was as if they’d forgotten all I had done for them. Their gaze was now cold and filled with disdain. Dirty, notorious, immoral, incompetent, evil… Those harsh words pierced my heart until it was full of wounds.

They despised my current status, thinking I was a criminal tarnishing the Graham family’s name.

"Hey, Theo! Why are you just standing at the door without saying a word? Come in already!" Knox was the first to spot me, intentionally raising his voice.

Instantly, all laughter halted, and every eye turned to focus on me.