In the summer of 1983, Iris Burnett was having a discussion with her teacher at the teacher's office at Sevanne High School.

"Mr. Green, I've thought it through. I decided to continue my studies, but I'll swap my admission to Bellevue University for a Cryptology major at National Defense University."

Her frail frame starkly contrasted the shining determination in her eyes as she stood in the chilly fall winds.

Luke Green was taken aback for a while before he was overcome with joy. "Iris, you've finally come through! I thought you had ceded your place at Bellevue University to your cousin Erica when you decided to marry Officer Brownstein.

"Anyway, there are prerequisites that come with being a Cryptology major at National Defense University. You need to give up your identity and take on a new name. Have you discussed it with your family?"

"There's no need to discuss with them. I can make the decision myself."

Iris' eyes flickered in pain at the mention of her family, but the pain dissipated in no time. Perhaps they would never take anything from her anymore when she finally disappeared from their worlds.

When Iris' uncle-in-law, Dale Colton, heroically sacrificed his life to save her from the river, her parents took his daughter in.

They asked Iris to give things up for Dale's daughter, Erica Colton. After all, Iris was indebted to Erica.

Iris' parents gave Erica the best to make it up to her. Even Iris' fiancé, Keith Brownstein, ended up falling in love with Erica.

After losing her family and her man to Erica, Iris was forced by her parents to give up her place at Bellevue University for the former. Keith even offered Iris marriage in exchange for Erica's enrollment at Bellevue University.

After giving it some serious thought over a sleepless night, Iris finally came to a realization.

This time, she would not be the bigger person and cave in. She wanted to cut ties with her family and have nothing more to do with them.

…

As Iris walked down the quiet, tree-lined path adorned with autumn foliage, she appeared even lonelier. The people on the street were blue-collar workers who had just finished their shifts, riding their bikes with cheerful smiles.

She felt like a fish out of water in the merry, noisy world around her.

A jeep suddenly pulled up beside her, blocking her path.

"Hop in!"

Keith rolled down the car window, looking annoyed. "Have you talked to the school about your university admission?"

Iris did not reply.

Naturally, she had talked about it with the school, but she didn't do what Keith wanted. Instead of giving up her place at Bellevue University to Erica, she had decided to go someplace he couldn't reach her.

Without waiting for her reply, Erica poked her head out of the backseat and shook the stuff in her hand to show it off.

"Iris, look! Keith bought me many things—clothes, shoes, and even a radio! He said that he can't have people looking down on me at Bellevue University!"

Iris stared at the necklace around Erica's neck, and her expression shifted. She felt a searing pain through her chest as her heart felt like it was bleeding out.

That necklace was a gift from her late grandma and a token of her love for Keith. She couldn't believe that Keith loved Erica so much that he'd give her the necklace.

Sensing Iris' gaze, Keith looked slightly awkward but quickly regained his composure. "Well, Erica likes the necklace. It's not like it's valuable anyway. I'll buy you something better after we're married."

Iris felt bitter. The necklace itself was indeed not expensive, but it was valuable because of the love and affection attached to it. Alas, that didn't seem to matter for Keith.

But it wasn't surprising. Keith never loved her in the first place, so he didn't value the necklace.

Erica's eyes burned with jealousy when she heard the mention of marriage. She put on a pitiful look and cried out loud. "Keith, Iris seems quite unhappy. Is it because I took her place at Bellevue University?

"I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have taken what was hers. I deserve to be cast aside."

Keith couldn't bear to see Erica upset. Looking grim, he glared at Iris. "Erica has had a difficult upbringing, while you have everything you'll ever need. Why are you still fighting with her?"

Then, he quickly caressed Erica's hair and comforted her, "Don't worry. You will have a place at Bellevue University. No one's taking that away from you."

Turning to Iris, he snapped, "As for you, you can go home on foot today and reflect on your actions. Apologize to Erica when you're done reflecting, or I won't forgive you!"

With that, he stepped on the gas and left wilfully, leaving behind a trail of dust.

Erica shot Iris a gleeful, aggressive look filled with schadenfreude while Iris coughed and choked on the dust.

As expected, Iris did not have to do or say anything. She'd still be in the wrong.

She stood there for a long time until a maple leaf fell on her shoulder. The cold had seeped through her thin outfit into her bones.

Once, she found herself homeless because her parents were biased toward Erica. At that time, Keith had assured her that he would stay by her side and fill her world with love.

Unfortunately, the man who promised to protect her forever had had a change of heart.

The skies were gloomy.

Iris wiped away her tears and pulled out a piece of candy from her pocket, her smile bitter.

She had kept that candy for a long time. Keith had given it to her, telling her to have candy if she ever felt down, as that would help sweeten her life.

Iris had kept it with her all this while because she couldn't bring herself to eat it.

Like Keith's love, the candy had expired. Now, they were all trash.

She tossed the candy into the underground canal, the same way she tossed out her parents, who played favorites, and her fiancé, who had fallen for another woman.

Iris heard laughter from within when she arrived home. She stared at the sky, where the crimson clouds seemed to be mocking her loneliness.

Ever since her parents brought Erica home, she felt like an extra. Did she really have to give everything to Erica just because the latter's dad sacrificed his life to save hers? Iris had given Erica her toys, clothes, and now her parents' love. Even Keith had ditched Iris for her cousin.

Iris felt like a wandering spirit in this world. As she stood by the door, she felt like she was stabbed in the chest when she heard the laughter from within.

Blood seemed to seep out of her body into the floorboards underneath her feet, forming a large shadow that swallowed her whole.

Finally, she pushed open the door, and the laughter promptly ceased. Her presence appeared to have interrupted their family time.

Her mom, Rosanne Wells, pointed at a small stool nearby, where a plate with barely any food on it rested. In comparison, the dishes on their table were overflowing with meat.

From when Iris was a child, her parents had given Erica the best, claiming that the latter needed all the nutrients to grow well. They forced Iris to be "thoughtful" and to give up her place and her food to Erica.

All Iris had was a bed on the balcony, and her food was just some salad.

It had never occurred to Iris' parents that Iris was just six months older than Erica. Iris, too, needed the proper nutrients for growth.

Rosanne got up and placed a piece of grilled fish on Iris' plate. Smiling, she said to Iris, "This is your favorite dish. Hurry up and take a seat."

Iris was expressionless as she said, "Mom, I'm allergic to fish. Erica is the one who loves fish."

This time, Rosanne wasn't as impatient as before. She didn't scold Iris for being troublesome. Instead, she stared into Iris' eyes, displaying a rare friendliness. "Have you talked to the school? Give up your place at Bellevue University to Erica. You have good grades anyway. You can just retake the admission exam next year."

Iris fell silent. It was then that Rosanne's tone shifted. Sounding stern, she snapped, "You can't say no, surely? You owe Erica a life! Giving up your spot at Bellevue University is not that big of a deal. You should be more thoughtful."

Despite being subjected to the same treatment multiple times, Iris still felt hurt by Rosanne's blatant favoritism.

Her dad, Thomas Burnett, slammed his utensils on the table and suddenly slapped Iris with fury as though she were an enemy. "How did I raise an ungrateful daughter like you? If you don't agree, just move out of this house! I don't have a daughter like you."

Iris felt her head buzz. A red mark appeared on her cheek. She faced the angry gazes of her parents. It felt like she had been whipped, and she trembled from head to toe.

Meanwhile, Erica wiped her tears away, looking pitiful. "Don't force Iris against her will! It pains my heart. I guess I'm just not meant to further my studies, and that's not her fault! It's my fate to be unloved."

Thomas and Rosanne immediately went up to comfort Erica, promising that they'd make Iris give up her place at Bellevue University and shower her with gifts.

Erica finally stopped crying and looked at Iris, who had paled. "Iris, I've never thought of taking anything from you. I can leave if it bothers you."

That set Thomas off. He glared at Iris. "Are you happy now? You've made a scene at home. Apologize to Erica now!"

Iris wiped off the blood stain from the corner of her lips. Her eyes scanned the faces around her. Her family was trying to force her into a dead-end.

When Thomas was about to lay a hand on her, Keith finally said, "Iris has agreed to give up her place at Bellevue University. She's talked to the school about it today."

Thomas' and Rosanne's expressions finally relaxed as they harrumphed.

After some thought, Rosanne fixed her gaze on Iris. "I'm glad that you're being sensible. Since Erica is attending university, why don't you take up part-time jobs to help pay her tuition fees? Remember—you owe that to her."

Iris stared blankly at the woman who had birthed her. She wondered how Rosanne could say something so cruel.

But Rosanne seemed oblivious to her daughter's reaction. She ordered, "Work part-time after summer break. It's not like you have anything to do at home."

Thomas nodded in agreement. After that, the family engaged in a discussion about throwing a celebratory party for Erica. After all, getting into Bellevue University made Erica the pride of the family.

No one paid Iris any attention. Her existence was akin to a trash can in the family—only remembered and used when needed. When her family didn't need her, they would cast her away without hesitation.

Before Iris knew it, she was already lying in bed. Her chest was numb from the pain. Staying in this family devoid of warmth was suffocating.

Her blanket, which she had used for over a decade and just enough to cover half of her body, was already moldy and damp.

In contrast, Erica had a bright, spacious bedroom filled with toys and candies.

Iris could only sleep on the narrow balcony, enduring the elements for over ten years. Her heart was cold in the middle of summer.

Staring at the night sky, she thought, "One more month, and I can leave this loveless place."

Since her family did not need her, she decided to disappear for good.

That night, Iris dreamed about her childhood when her parents hugged and doted on her. Their eyes were filled with love.

Keith, who was just two years older than her, pinched her cheeks, calling her adorable.

The dream felt like a warm, cozy bath—one that she didn't want to leave. However, Erica's arrival in her dream turned everything into a nightmare. Her parents' face took on a devilish look as they yelled at her. Meanwhile, Keith slowly pulled away.

In her dreams, she had tearfully begged them not to leave her behind. She ran after them like crazy, but beneath her feet was an abyss. Once she lost her footing, she found herself trapped in a pool of despair and pain.

But her parents and Keith did not even turn around. They surrounded Erica. Together, they walked into the distance, leaving Iris behind in the eternal darkness.

…

Finally, Iris stirred awake from the noise of the fireworks outside. Her eyes fluttered open. Tears had stained her pillowcase.

At first, she thought that she wouldn't feel sad about her family and Keith, but deep down, she still craved love and approval. Fortunately, it was all but a dream.

A jeep drove into the garden. When Iris saw the tall man emerging from the car, she hurried down the stairs.

"Iris, I heard you got accepted to Bellevue University. That's great." The tall man, Marcus Brownstein, was a family friend of the Burnetts. Thomas had saved his life once, which led to the marriage arrangement between Iris and Keith.

Marcus was the only person who treated Iris well. He caressed her head and looked at his son, nodding approvingly. "Good for you. At least you're celebrating Iris' success with the fireworks show."

Keith frowned. "Dad, I didn't release these fireworks for Iris. She said she didn't want to advance her studies and gave her spot to Erica instead. Erica will study hard. She won't let us down."

Marcus' expression shifted a little. He was about to scold Keith, but Iris stopped him.

She forced a smile and said, "Marcus, you just got home. You should take a rest. I'll explain everything to you another day."

She didn't want Marcus to dig deeper, or she might accidentally let slip the fact that she had signed up to study cryptography at National Defense University.

All she wanted was a quiet departure without fuss.

Marcus' expression had changed. He glared at Keith before storming away, leaving Keith and Iris behind.

Keith's face was devoid of expression. "Do not tell my dad about our marriage and the fact that you gave up your spot at Bellevue University to Erica. You'd better come up with a reasonable explanation. Got it?"

Head hung low, Iris grunted without much reaction.

How self-sacrificing was Keith to marry a woman he didn't love so that Erica could attend university?

"Erica is younger than you, and she's sensitive. You'd better not bring up our marriage before her. By the way, why haven't you apologized like I asked yesterday?"

Keith sounded demanding before Iris could even speak.

"Erica is going to Bellevue University soon. Just offer her some cash and meal coupons to show your blessing."

Iris felt a weight on her chest when she saw how thoughtful Keith was toward Erica.

"Do you think I still keep those coupons on me? She has my parents' and your love. She's not going to lack anything at all."

Stunned, Keith finally remembered the situation Iris was in. Complicated feelings flashed across his eyes.

"Don't worry. I will not walk back on my promise of marrying you." He could only comfort Iris with the promise of marriage.

"Keith, are you really going to marry Iris?"

The question made Keith panic. He turned to the entrance and saw Erica standing there with a pale grimace.

"No, that's not—" Before he could explain himself, Erica repeatedly banged her forehead against the wall, pain written across her face. "I don't want you to marry her! I love you too…"

Erica's crushing pain sent him into a panic. He quickly shoved Iris aside and went up to hug Erica.

Thomas and Rosanne showed up when they heard the commotion. Their faces fell when they saw Erica crying.

They hurriedly put Erica into the car and left for the hospital. Before that, Keith glared coldly at Iris. His voice was unfeeling as he said, "See that? You provoked Erica on purpose, didn't you? That's very crafty of you."

The disgust and resentment in Keith's gaze was a stab to Iris' heart.

Erica only had to feign sadness to get whatever she wanted. The Burnetts would then drop everything to pacify her and blame everything on Iris.

Iris couldn't shake off the memory of the anger on Keith's face. She told herself not to be sad over a man, but tears kept falling down her cheeks.

Anyone could tell that Erica was pulling tricks if they looked harder.

At first, Keith was unhappy at the Burnetts for being biased against Iris. At the depth of her despair, he was the one who broke into her house and took her out. He even publicly threatened everyone from ever bullying her.

Keith was really good to her at that time. He showered her with gifts.

But at some point, he changed. His distaste for Erica slowly turned to empathy.

Erica was like a curse to Iris, always managing to take whatever was hers.

Tears fell down Iris' cheeks when she stared at the car that drove away. This would be the last time she cried for Keith and mourned over her heartless family.

She had decided to live for herself and give up her youth to defend the country.

With that in mind, she returned home and started to pack her stuff on the narrow balcony. She had a shabby case in which she kept the gifts from Keith—anything from a wooden doll to something small like a maple leaf.

She treasured all his gifts and couldn't bring herself to throw them out. But now, they were like trash to her.

After she packed all the gifts, she set them on fire in the garden. The items went up in flames, just like her love for Keith.

He happened to return to the garden when the gifts were nearly reduced to ashes. The sight of the wooden doll in flames made his expression fall, and an intense fear gripped him.