Chapter 7 Especially after senior year began, I often fantasized about being a strong, independent woman-someone who had her own career, stood at the pinnacle of success and was admired by everyone. How ridiculous my past life had been. Three whole years wasted, all on chasing love. I spent those years desperately seeking love from my family. I wanted to be loved by my mom, dad, and brother. But on my eighteenth birthday, I jumped from a high-rise to end my miserable existence. Eighteen-it was such a significant age. And I knew something big would happen today. Sure enough, early in the morning, my mom called me. It was the first time she'd called in six months. The last call was on New Year's Eve, inviting me to come home for a family dinner. I didn't go. Instead, I stayed in my apartment and made myself some pasta. I picked up the call, and her cheerful voice filled the line. "Sweetheart, it's been so long! I didn't want to bother you while you were studying, so I held off reaching out." I responded with a soft hum, letting her think I understood. Then she got to the point. "So, here's the thing. We're planning to send Leila abroad for school. What do you think? Would you like to study abroad too?" That single sentence sent my thoughts spiraling, back to that blood-soaked day at sunset. On that day, she asked me the same question: "Do you want to go abroad?" I said yes. After three years of torment, my heart was already broken, barely human anymore. I was timid, weak, and utterly defeated, yet I clung to Leila with everything I had. I couldn't accept it. Why did the whole family love her? 1/3 Chapter 7 Why was I the intruder? I was the real daughter, wasn't I? I was supposed to be the one they treasured. So, if Leila was going abroad to study, then I would too. I wasn't about to fall behind! +25 Bonus I vividly remembered how my mom's expression subtly shifted at that moment, just like the day I returned home and chose Leila's room. Deep down, I already knew that my mom wasn't really asking for my opinion. She was just going through the motions. She had no intention of sending me abroad. But I was too blinded by resentment to see it. I was determined to cling to Leila, no matter what! My mom gently patted my head. "Carol, studying abroad isn't as easy as it sounds. There are a lot of bad people out there, and your language skills aren't the best. You haven't exactly been dedicated to your studies these past few years...' How could I focus on studying when I'd never received even a shred of love? I didn't argue. Instead, I simply said, "I want to study abroad. The family isn't short on money, so send me." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Leila trying to hide her laughter. "" My dad lit a cigar and spoke in a low, gruff voice. "This isn't about money. Sending you abroad means dealing with all the paperwork and constantly worrying about you. It's a hassle." He didn't want the trouble. "I can take care of myself. I won't be a bother to anyone," I replied firmly. But my dad snorted impatiently. "What do you know? If something happens to you abroad, who's going to look out for you? Everyone's busy-you need to think before you speak." Tears welled up in my eyes. Their disdain for me was no longer subtle-it was blatant. But I couldn't hold back. I had to question them. I raised my voice. "If everyone's so busy, aren't you worried something might happen to Leila abroad with no one to look out for her?" "You!" My dad's face darkened, and in his fury, he snapped the cigar in half. 2/3 Chapter F +25 Bonus My mom tapped me on the mouth. "Don't say such awful things! Your sister will be just fine!" Just then, Shane returned. When he heard that Leila was going abroad, he was so reluctant to see her go that he flew back immediately from the capital. Leila ran straight into his arms, looking pitiful as ever. "Brother, Carol cursed me, saying something bad will happen to me abroad!" After three years of subtle maneuvering, she had already claimed total victory. She didn't bother hiding her intentions anymore and openly targeted me. Shane's expression turned menacingly dark. Without asking for an explanation, he stormed over and slapped me across the face. "Carol Lowe, do you have a death wish?"