The day I was released from prison, my brother Marcus’s adopted sister, Chloe, held a live stream to welcome me home. The camera was shoved right in my face. “This is my older sister,” Chloe announced, a sickeningly sweet smile on her lips. “Even after being assaulted by thirteen men, she’s still strong enough to survive.” The comment section exploded instantly. Marcus frowned slightly, but Chloe just giggled and stuck out her tongue. I didn’t react hysterically like I used to three years ago. Instead, I smiled, facing the world. “A woman’s body is never a weakness. Those who deserve to die are them, not me.” Back home, I didn’t stop Marcus from letting Chloe visit our parents’ graves on the anniversary of their death, taking my place. Nor did I care when Marcus gave my old room to Chloe, forcing me into the storage room. Even when Chloe pushed me into the water again, and Marcus only saved her – the one who could swim – I simply went home alone after a passerby pulled me out. A complicated look crossed Marcus’s face. “Lily,” he said, “you spent three years in prison, and now you’ve finally matured.” I smiled softly. I’d just accepted reality, nothing more. I no longer held any expectations for him. Besides, I never truly belonged in this world to begin with. The System told me it could take me back to my real world in seven days. But after I truly left, why did Marcus go insane?
“Oh, by the way, Lily,” Chloe asked, suddenly turning back as she clung to Marcus’s arm, her face full of innocent curiosity. “What’s it like to be violated by thirteen men?” I froze. Before I could react, Marcus gently tapped her forehead with a doting expression. “That’s dirty business, not something you should hear about.” He turned, his gaze falling on me, his voice flat. “Chloe’s been spoiled by me, she doesn’t mean any harm, so don’t take it to heart.” Chloe smirked at me, waiting. Waiting for me to explode in anger like I always used to. But I just stood there, my voice calm. “It’s normal for someone with no proper upbringing to not know how to speak. Why would I care?” It had been years since anyone dared to bring that up in front of Chloe. Her smirk faltered for half a second before she quickly plastered it back on. “You’re right. Marcus feels sorry for me, just like he does for you, Lily. That’s why he gave me the family heirloom diamond pendant.” That pendant was one of the last things our mother left me. I had fought with Chloe countless times over it. But now, I just glanced at it indifferently. “If you like it, take it.” I paused, then added, “Anyway, I never liked things other people had touched.” After our parents passed, I couldn’t bear to leave Marcus alone, so I chose to stay in this world with him. Now, I was leaving. I couldn’t take these things with me anyway. Marcus could give them to whoever he wanted. Not getting the reaction she wanted, the smile vanished completely from Chloe’s face. Marcus was clearly taken aback too, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “Lily, you almost came to blows with me over these things back then. How can you not want them now? If you don’t want them, just say so. Why be so passive-aggressive?” I spread my hands, my tone so flat it was almost dismissive. “I genuinely don’t care. What do you want me to say?” “Alright then. Give it back to me. Will you?” Marcus choked, his face darkening. “You shouldn’t be reacting like this…” I quirked a smile. It seemed Marcus’s memories of me were still stuck three years in the past. That year, to reclaim the keepsakes our parents left me, I slapped Chloe for the first time. In return, I, the city’s prominent socialite, was dragged by my own brother to the busiest part of downtown and slapped one hundred times in front of everyone. That day, my mouth was split open from the beating. Pain and humiliation nearly drowned me. “She can’t actually be indifferent. She just got out of prison after three years, so she’s putting on an act to gain sympathy.” It had been three years since I’d heard that voice. Hearing it again now gave me a strange sense of déjà vu. I turned my head. My ex-fiancé, Liam, stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets. “Don’t flatter yourself. We grew up together, and even though you’re no longer fit to marry me, I still had to come see you.” He let out a soft laugh, his tone full of condescension. “However, if you’re more obedient in the future and treat Chloe well, I might be able to humble myself.” “After all, it’s just one more mouth to feed. But you’ll have to call Chloe ‘Big Sister’ from now on.” Chloe watched, enjoying the show. After all, everyone in the city knew I, Lily, loved Liam deeply, even having his name tattooed across my entire back. At this moment, I glanced at the glaring red mark on his neck and spoke, word for word. “But I find him disgusting.”
“Lily!” Liam’s eyes darkened menacingly as he grabbed Chloe, pulling her close. “Let’s see how long you can keep up this act.” He lowered his head and kissed her, a blatant, forceful display. Marcus almost instinctively reached out, grabbing my wrist tightly. “Lily,” he whispered, afraid I’d cause a scene. But I simply turned away, walking straight for the stairs. Watching their explicit display was hardly my idea of comfort. I’d rather go back to my room and rest. On my way, I thoughtfully turned up the central air conditioner by two degrees. So considerate, right? “Damn it!” Behind me, I heard Liam kick the front door shut, followed by the roar of his car engine speeding away. Marcus stood rooted to the spot, staring at my retreating back, the emotions in his eyes too complex to decipher. “Lily, you used to love Liam more than anything. Now, why…” So Marcus knew, after all. I thought he was oblivious. But how did he force me to let go? All because Chloe said she liked Liam. Marcus kept creating opportunities for them, even when Liam and I were on the verge of getting engaged. The day before our engagement party, he drugged us, putting Liam in Chloe’s bed. He placed me in a bed with another man, then personally arranged for Liam’s family elders to “catch” me cheating. The next day, everyone stood at the door, pointing fingers and calling me shameless. Liam arrived, barely able to stand. “Chloe used to tell me you were seeing many men behind my back, and I never believed her. But today, you’ve certainly taught me a lesson.” He forcefully threw a piece of clothing onto my still-naked body. “Lily, loving you was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever done in my life.” Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my leg. It was my dog, who I’d raised for ten years, baring its teeth at me. Chloe walked over, smiling. “Lily, you’ve been away from home for so many years that even the dog doesn’t remember you. It thought you were a bad stranger trying to hurt me.” Marcus always stood by Chloe’s side, like her personal guard. “The dog didn’t mean it. Don’t make a big deal out of it.” I looked down at the dog I’d rescued from the highway. The next second, I kicked it away without hesitation. I looked up at Chloe. “Of course, why would I bother with a bastard like that?” It was the honest truth. If I couldn’t control the betrayal of my own brother and childhood sweetheart, what hope did I have with a dog? Marcus’s eyes darkened, but Chloe, thinking I was mocking her, instantly scowled. The next second, my nose suddenly felt warm, and then blood started flowing uncontrollably. I wiped it with my hand, and it came away bright red. I couldn’t stop it. Marcus’s face changed. He almost rushed over, grabbing my wrist. “What’s going on?! Come on, let’s go to the hospital.” The System’s voice echoed in my mind. [Don’t worry, Host. This is a normal reaction. You’re about to leave this world, and this body’s functions are starting to decline.] Marcus’s palm was scorching hot, even trembling slightly. “Oh,” Chloe said, pressing a hand to her forehead and swaying. “Marcus, I feel a little dizzy. I might have caught a cold when Lily pushed me into the water that day.” Marcus glanced at me, then back at Chloe. Finally, he let go of me without hesitation. He bent down and scooped Chloe into his arms. “Call a doctor immediately to check on you.” Chloe wrapped her arms around his neck, looking back at me with undisguised triumph in her eyes. But I wasn’t in the mood to watch her put on a show, nor did I care who Marcus was concerned about. I casually twisted two tissues and stuffed them into my nostrils, then looked up at the calendar on the wall. Only two days left until I left this place.
My phone buzzed. The screen lit up. It was a message from Chloe, with an attached picture. “Don’t think your little act these past few days will make Marcus soft. In his heart, you’ll never compare to me.” “And did you really think Marcus punished those thirteen people for you?” My heart clenched, panic almost suffocating me. But the next second, I forced myself to calm down. From childhood, Marcus had always kept his promises to me. Chloe used to love using these tactics to sow discord between Marcus and me, until we grew suspicious of each other and completely fell apart. I took a deep breath to compose myself and tapped on the picture. The world utterly collapsed in that instant. In the photo, those thirteen men Marcus had promised would suffer a fate worse than death – some were driving luxury cars, others had women hanging on their arms. They were living even more glamorous lives than three years ago. My phone slipped from my hand. Clang! It hit the floor. But I couldn’t hear anything anymore. Only one thought echoed in my mind: If they hadn’t been punished, then what was the point of my three years in prison, suffering abuse and a living hell?! Back then, Marcus was convinced that I had hired those thugs to harm Chloe. For the sake of the family’s reputation, he refused to extensively search for them unless I was willing to apologize to Chloe. I knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly, my forehead hitting the floor, blood streaming down my face. “But what if I’m still scared every time I see Lily?” Chloe leaned against Marcus’s chest. Marcus looked down at me disdainfully. “Lily, go to prison for three years. When Chloe isn’t scared anymore, then you can come back.” “Then promise me you’ll make those thirteen men pay a heavy price.” My face was covered in blood. I traded my life for Marcus’s promise. But now? I spun around, lunging forward, grabbing Marcus’s collar. “Why are those thirteen men still doing so well?” When I spoke, I realized my voice was trembling terribly. Marcus’s pupils contracted. The next second, he shook off my hand without hesitation. “Chloe, as the victim, has already forgiven them. Why are you still holding onto it?” “She’s the victim?” I clutched his collar tightly, veins bulging on my knuckles. “She’s the victim? Then what am I?!” Marcus frowned, impatient. “Well, who told you to find them and harm Chloe? This is your punishment as the aggressor.” “Besides, I already made them apologize to Chloe.” Apologize? The moment those two words left his lips, my ears roared. The memory of that night, tearing through me, returned. The dim lights, the weight pressing down on me, the struggle with thirteen men all night long, the insults. I was in so much pain that I lost consciousness. The next day, I couldn’t even stand. I once thought that was the deepest hell I would ever experience. But compared to this moment, it was nothing. I looked at the man before me, the brother I had once trusted and depended on unconditionally. My voice came out word by word, as if ground out from between my teeth. “They ruined me like that, and you promised me! How could you break your word? I’m your own sister!” Chloe walked over and interrupted me. “Lily, my parents always said it’s best to forgive and forget.” “I’ve already forgiven you, so don’t make a big deal out of such a small matter.” Marcus looked at Chloe with approval. “See? Chloe, even as an orphan, is so sensible. You’re not as mature as her.” Chloe smiled gently, then leaned close to me, lowering her voice. “They told me to tell you something: Three years is a long time, and they all miss you.” “They didn’t have enough fun with you three years ago. Next time we meet, they’ll make sure you’re… completely satisfied.” The last string in my mind snapped. I used all my strength, slapping her face hard. “It really was you!” I screamed uncontrollably like a madwoman. “Why?! Even when I hated you, I never thought of harming you! Why would you—” Before I could finish. Slap! An even harder slap landed squarely on my face. The immense force sent me sprawling to the ground, my ears ringing, my vision darkening. Marcus stood over me, his face grim. “Did those hundred slaps back then not teach you a lesson?” His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth. “You dare bully Chloe right in front of me. No wonder you’re so vicious, capable of such inhumane acts. It’s a good thing you faced consequences, otherwise killing you wouldn’t be enough to atone to Chloe.” I covered my face, my eyes bloodshot, the hatred in my heart almost consuming my reason. “I hate you! If I could, I’d kill both of you.” Marcus was silent for a few seconds, as if he had finally made a decision. “Lily, I’ve indulged you too much. That’s why you spent three years comfortably in prison, still unrepentant.” He pulled out his phone, his finger landing on the screen, his tone cold and hard. “This is the last lesson I’ll teach you. Those who do wrong must pay the price for their actions.”
The moment the screen lit up, all the blood in my body seemed to freeze. On the screen was footage of me being abused three years ago. They had filmed every angle for their amusement. My body began to shake uncontrollably, I felt utterly cold, and even breathing became difficult. “No, it can’t be…” I couldn’t make a sound, only stared fixedly at the screen. Marcus had clearly told me all the footage had been destroyed back then. I violently looked up at him, my eyes wide, almost tearing, and lunged forward, practically on my knees. “Please, Marcus, don’t send it out, please…” The pain and torment I had endured would not disappear even if I left this world. Marcus’s expression, however, was terrifyingly calm. “At our parents’ grave, I swore I’d raise you well.” “This is my responsibility and my duty as your brother, to educate you. I believe our parents in heaven would approve.” Without hesitation, he tapped, Send. Marcus walked over and grabbed my wrist. “Come here, apologize to Chloe for what you just did.” The moment he touched me, the fear from three years ago rushed over me like a tidal wave. I struggled backward desperately. “Don’t touch me!” I screamed, fighting with all my might. “Please don’t touch me! Let go of me!!” Marcus was enraged by my reaction, his brows furrowed. “Lily, you’re too willful. What act are you putting on now?” “To teach you a lesson this time, I’ll make sure Chloe receives a massive portion of the family assets as her wedding gift.” My ears were ringing. I couldn’t hear a single word Marcus said. All I heard were those arrogant laughs. “Tonight, pack your things. Tomorrow is the wedding, and I need you to personally go on stage, publicly apologize to Chloe, and give her your most sincere blessings.” “Otherwise, don’t ever come back to this house.” The moment the door closed, I couldn’t hold on any longer and collapsed to the floor. My phone vibrated like crazy. Countless unknown numbers called, and messages popped up one after another—all filled with insults, morbid curiosity, and malicious taunts. I wrapped myself tightly in the blanket, wishing I could just die right there. But I couldn’t yet. The next day, the city’s skyscrapers were broadcasting the century wedding of the two prominent families. I stood on the edge of the rooftop, watching Marcus on the wedding stage, his eyes scanning around, as if searching for someone. Chloe noticed his distraction and tugged his arm, prompting him to move forward. The scene before me suddenly overlapped with a memory. Back then, when Liam and I were about to get engaged, Marcus had also said, his eyes red, “I will personally see my beloved sister off to her next chapter of happiness.” He did it. Only, that sister wasn’t me. The System’s voice echoed in my mind: [Host, time’s up. We should go.] I took a step forward without hesitation. A feeling of weightlessness instantly struck me. The wind howled in my ears. Mid-fall, as my gaze briefly met Marcus’s, I smiled. “Marcus, how could three years of my life and the entire family assets be enough to atone to Chloe? Let me add my life as a final unforgettable ‘gift’ for Chloe’s wedding.”
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