Chapter 3

It was Chloe.

She held a piece of bread in her hand, her face full of concern.

"Mia, are you hungry? I secretly got you some bread."

I stared at her, unable to tell if she was being genuine.

But my upbringing told me not to refuse someone's kindness.

So I reached out, wanting to take the bread,

And cautiously began to suggest:

"I appreciate your offer, but from now on, let's just stay out of each other's way and live in peace, okay? I don't want the house to be a mess."

Chloe smiled at that.

It wasn't a smile of agreement, because there was no line connecting us.

Anxiety bloomed in my chest.

Sure enough, in the next second, she shook her head regretfully, her tone light but chilling.

"No."

With that, she suddenly threw the bread away and shrieked as she fell to the side.

I watched in shock, realizing how ridiculously naive I had been.

Chloe only wanted to be the executioner, severing the red lines.

Hearing the commotion, the three of them rushed out.

Seeing Chloe lying on the ground, Ethan, who was in front, quickly helped her up, his voice filled with concern.

"Chloe, what happened? Why did you fall?"

Chloe's eyes and nose were red, her face streaked with tears, portraying utter helplessness.

"I saw Mia hadn't eaten all day, and I was afraid she'd be starving, so I brought her some food."

"She's probably still mad at me, she wouldn't eat... and she pushed me..."

Hearing this, Ethan's eyes flared with anger.

"Mia, where did you learn such cruelty?"

"Chloe was thinking of you, despite everything, and you repay her with malice!"

Looking up again, Richard and Eleanor's disappointed gazes felt like daggers.

I wanted to ask what kindness I had repaid with malice.

I wanted to ask what they were so disappointed about, when I hadn't done anything...

But my head felt lighter and lighter. Before I could speak, I fainted.

In a hazy dream, I heard Richard and Eleanor's conversation:

"She thinks faking a faint will get her off the hook? She's 13 already, no sense of responsibility at all."

"Just let her lie there. We'll see how long she can pretend."

Then came the sound of receding footsteps and a door closing.

...

When I woke, sunlight streamed directly into my eyes, making me tear up.

My muscles were stiff. I turned my head and realized I was still lying by the front door.

Those voices were real; they hadn't bothered with me.

After a moment to gather myself, I tried to push up,

But my strength failed, and I fell back. The scabbed wound on my knee ripped open again, blood welling out.

I bit my lip and dragged myself towards the house, crying out in pain and injustice.

"Richard, Eleanor, it hurts so much..."

Before, if I got even a small scratch, they would make a huge fuss, tending to my injury.

But now, when I looked up, I saw Maria's indifferent face.

"Where are Richard and Eleanor?"

"Today is family day. They went out."

That spot in my chest began to ache and throb again.

Had no one remembered that I was the one who initiated "family day"?

Back then, Richard and Eleanor were busy with work, and Ethan rarely came home from boarding school.

Unhappy with this, I insisted that Saturdays be designated "family day" for a family outing to strengthen our bond.

They naturally agreed, and Eleanor even pinched my nose, saying:

"You little mischief, you just want to go out, don't you? Our bond doesn't need strengthening, Richard, Ethan, and I will always love you."

I believed it then, because our lines were thick and red, strong and vibrant.

But now, there was nothing to support her words.

I sniffled and held out my hand to Maria.

"Then please help me up. I'm hurt."

Maria stepped back, her voice cold.

"Mr. and Mrs. Sterling said we're not allowed to help you."

"They said if too many people fuss over you, you'll become even more spoiled and arrogant."

I stared blankly at the bloodstain on the ground, murmuring:

"Even if I'm bleeding, they won't let you help?"

"Not under any circumstances."

At that moment, my heart felt like a piece had been torn out, and the wound hurt even more.

But I gritted my teeth and dragged myself to the sofa.

I thought, if I just rested for a while, once my legs recovered, I could take care of myself.

With that thought, I drifted off again.

When I next opened my eyes, I was jolted awake by a sharp sting.

Eleanor's face was before me.

She was applying medicine to my wound.