4

November 23rd, 2013

Today was my and Sophia's birthday. Since no one knew my exact birth date, Sophia suggested we celebrate together to make it more lively. The adoptive parents agreed. No one thought to ask what I, the person involved, actually wanted.

This year I was really excited because I had brother.

That evening, I watched Sophia in her beautiful dress hugging our parents and thanking them for the expensive healing crystals they'd given her. I looked down at the formal dress that didn't fit me properly and smiled as usual.

When brother came home, I happily accepted the gift he'd prepared for me. After thanking him, I wanted to go to my room to treasure it properly, but Sophia stopped me. She waved the gift box in her hand, saying she wanted us to open our presents together because that way we could share double the happiness.

I hesitated, looking at brother's smiling face. I couldn't refuse.

After opening the gifts, Sophia stared at the emerald bracelet on my wrist as it reflected brilliant light. She looked envious and said it was exactly what she'd always wanted. She hoped I'd trade it for her pink diamond ring.

Under the expectant gazes of our adoptive parents, I slipped off the emerald bracelet and handed it to her. Of course, I never got the pink diamond.

January 27th, 2014

For the new year, brother asked me where I wanted to go during the holidays. I said I wanted to see the ocean.

He promised to take me to the beach—to walk on sand and sunbathe.

But when I finished packing and was ready to leave with brother, I saw Sophia waiting by the car.

Brother said Sophia heard we were going to the beach and wanted to come too. My smile became forced.

When I finally saw the ocean, I ran joyfully toward the waves, turning back to share this moment of happiness with brother.

But I found Sophia linking arms with brother as they strolled slowly behind me. When she saw me looking back, Sophia raised her hand and waved. My joy instantly burst like a popped bubble.

That evening there was a bonfire party on the beach. Watching them dance together in the crowd, I felt completely unnecessary.

That night, Sophia didn't return to her room.

February 14th, 2014

I went out to throw away trash and saw Sophia hugging brother. Brother pushed her away.

She ran home crying and told me she loved my brother.

She also told me to stop monopolizing him all the time.

Marcus stared blankly for a long moment.

Reading the entries, he saw only a girl desperate for love, wanting to fit into her family but constantly being pushed aside.

Even the brother I considered my only support didn't favor me.

He couldn't understand how such a love-starved young woman became the despised slut everyone hated.

After the case updates were posted online, the hateful comments continued flooding in.

"No wonder she attacked Sophia later!"

"What a shameless bitch!"

"Even if you're starved for love, you can't do such disgusting things!"

Marcus's social media was drowning in abuse.

He opened the diary again and continued reading.

Despite being constantly ignored by my adoptive parents, my biological brother was supposed to be different. I hoped to earn brother's favoritism, but all I got was disappointment.

I was hurt that brother always chose to stand by Sophia's side, so I decided to stop focusing my energy on home.

I began socializing outside and started building a new life.

I even decided to find love.

In my diary, I wrote about meeting my destined mate under the Moon Goddess's guidance.

Marcus felt happy for me as he read. I no longer had to wait for the scraps of affection my family might throw me way.

Someone truly loved me now.

This sweetness lasted for a long time. My entries were filled with emotional stability and joy.

But soon, the diary took on a completely different tone again.