Chapter 1

Having made up my mind, I was ready to leave the hospital. But as I stepped into the hallway, I ran straight into Everest Ashcroft and Bianca Ashcroft.

Everest's eyes were red-rimmed, and his voice carried a hint of worry. "Bianca, what if Leo's leg actually heals? What if Mom and Dad start favoring him again? He's their biological son, after all…"

"Don't worry. I've spoken to the doctor. His legs… He will never walk without a wheelchair for the rest of his life."

The voice that replied came from my older sister Bianca, who had always been distant and cold toward me. She was now comforting Everest with distress and gentleness.

Everest still seemed uneasy. "But… He did get hurt trying to save me…"

"You're just too soft," she cut him off affectionately. "Even now, you're still thinking of him.

"I've managed the last three homecoming parties for you, haven't I? A wild brat raised in the countryside can never compare to you, who's lived with us for 20 years. He isn't even worthy."

My legs nearly gave way, and a deafening roar filled my head.

I had thought that it was only Everest's doing, but now, I knew the truth that my most respected, beloved sister had plunged the sharpest blade in my back.

With that, I turned around and walked away, dragging my right leg still locked in plaster. Every step set stabbing pain from the fracture as if my bones were reminding me of how stupid I had been.

Three years ago, the Ashcrofts had brought me back from that poor but loving small town.

My name had been August Somerset, but they told me I was Leo Ashcroft, the true son who had been switched at birth 20 years ago.

After returning to the Ashcroft family, I was faced with Everest's countless schemes.

Every time, he would cry and apologize, saying he had just let it go to his head. And every time, the Ashcrofts would convince me to be forgiving with the same tired reasoning.

"Everest was spoiled growing up. He doesn't mean any harm."

"You're the real son of the Ashcroft family, so why are you stooping to the level of an adopted son?"

I had compromised again and again for their sake, but in the end, they were trying to ruin me.

A suffocating tightness wrapped around my chest as tears welled up in my eyes.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a new notification. Bianca had posted to her Instagram feed. "Everest had such a scare today, but I'll always protect you."

Attached was a photo of Everest looking pale and leaning over her shoulder. The irony nearly made me laugh out loud.

My fingers trembled as I scrolled through my contacts and dialed a number. Once the call connected, my adoptive dad, Henry Somerset's familiar, anxious voice came through.

"What's wrong, August? Did something happen?"

I couldn't hold it in anymore.

Crouching by the hospital gates, I wept like a child. "I want to come home, Dad."