Chapter 8 I had added Casey on Instagram earlier , Before , I always watched Casey living it up while I stayed home studying . Now I was finally getting my own graduation trip . She called to curse me out , saying I was shamelessly spending Mom's money on enjoying myself . I ignored all of it . The truth was , this trip came from money I'd earned working part - time jobs . But I knew explaining that to her would be pointless . ] Since Casey was feeling spiteful , she demanded Dad give her money for her own trip . [ ] Just before the semester started . I received shocking news . Casey and her gang boyfriend had been in a motorcycle accident during their trip . Her legs were shattered , and she would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life . ] When I heard this , I was stunned . Her boyfriend hadn't paid any compensation , and he was badly injured himself . They'd both had a terrible crash . ] I didn't feel any satisfaction from this news - I just thought about how busy Dad would be now . During my sophomore year of college , I brought my boyfriend , Liam , home to visit Grandma . Dad showed up too . [ ] Mom's house had been demolished for redevelopment , so he couldn't live there anymore . He'd moved to the countryside to live with Grandma . Casey and her gang boyfriend had broken up long ago . She'd demanded a large sum from his family for her rehabilitation , but it didn't help her recover . ] ] The moment I saw Casey's face , my stomach dropped . The look in her eyes - this hungry , possessive gleam - frightened me . I instinctively grabbed Liam's hand . But apparently , I still underestimated Casey . [ ] That night as we were trying to sleep , I heard hushed movements outside our door , along with Casey's whispered voice : " Liam , she's just a deaf girl - she's damaged goods . People will laugh at you if you're with her ! " " Why not be with me instead ? We're sisters , we look alike . Just give me a try and you'll see ! " ] Dad was there too , adding : " You know what they say - older women are worth their weight in gold . Think about it " ] ] Furious , I yanked the door open . " Dad , what the hell are you doing now ?! " ] ] Dad jumped , startled , then his face reddened . " You can find someone better . Your sister's in this condition now - why not let her have him ? " " After all , she's the princess of this family , right ? " Casey nodded eagerly . " That's right . You'll agree , won't you . Riley ? " ] I was so angry I could only roll my eyes hard . " Who told you I will agree ?! " ] I walked over and took Liam's hand . He looked completely shocked . " Riley , your family … " I turned back to them and said firmly . " This is a real relationship , not some transaction . He's not merchandise I can just hand over to someone else . If you keep this up . I'm calling the police . " ] Mom and Grandma heard the commotion and came out . They were stunned to see what was happening and Liam's flushed . uncomfortable face . When they learned Casey had sneaked over to ask Liam to open his door for her , Mom lost it completely . [ ] " Dave , take your daughter and get out ! If you don't , you'll regret it " ] mom didn't mince words . Dad cowered and had no choice but to get out . Before they went , I caught the vicious look in Casey's eyes . I knew she'd do absolutely anything to get what she wanted . ] By then , I was too wired to sleep . Instead , Liam and I stayed up talking about everything I'd been through over the years , and he was heartbroken for me . ] " I had no idea your childhood was like that . If I'd known , I would have come to help you . " I smiled . " I didn't need you to . Mom is the best mother ever - she already rescued me from that hell " ] Liam held me close , and we talked all night . || The next day , Dad cooked lots of food . For the first time , I found his smile downright creepy .