DID SOMEONE DIE?

••ABIGAIL POV••

"Sele..." My mother just opened her mouth to question Selene, and before that even happened, there goes a new drama.

"Abi," Selene's soft voice broke through as she took a hesitant step closer, her eyes glistening with the very same crocodile tears as always.

"I'm extremely sorry," she whispered in a sweet tone dripping with poisoned honey, "I know you're hurt....I know you're upset because of me, but I didn't mean to...."

I took a step back as she reached for my hand, the moment her fingers brushed my skin, all I could remember was the tragedy from my past life and I immediately pulled back my hand as I felt disgusted by her touch.

But before I could even speak, she stumbled backward dramatically, her heel tripped against the floor before she fell hard onto the carpet.

Gasps filled the room.

"Sele, my dear!" my mother cried, rushing to her side.

Selene coughed weakly, covering her face as fake tears streamed down her cheeks.

"I... I know you hate me," she spoke in between shaky breaths, "If this makes you happy, Abi, then you can hit me again... I won't fight back, anything that makes you happy, I'm willing to do it, as long as you won't upset mom and dad because of our misunderstandings, I'm willing to let you do anything."

I narrowed my eyes.

really? So soon? She was replaying the exact same script she used always to gain sympathy from everyone.

I crossed my arms, totally unimpressed by watching her perform her little drama while the rest of my so-called family fell for it again and again like hypnotized fools.

"Enough, Abigail!" George's voice boomed through the hall as he grabbed my arm. "How dare you push your sister like that?"

He didn't even wait for my answer, just slapped me hard, and strangely it didn't even hurt as much as it used to, maybe it's because I've gone through more than something like a mere slap.

Kevin's eyes were burning with rage as he lashed out at me, "She's your sister! Have you lost your mind, Abi?"

My mother was trembling in anger just as my brothers. "I can't believe you've turned into such a cruel, and jealous child! Your sister only ever tried to love you, Abi, I'm truly disappointed in you!"

I blinked slowly, keeping my expression neutral, though everything inside me burned with disgust.

"Disappointed?" I finally spoke, my voice came out low but steady. "If she's your daughter... if she's your sister..." I looked at each of them, making sure my words reached all of them, "then what am I? A guest in this house or an eyesore to you all? What exactly am I in this damn house?"

They were surprised to see me talking back rather than begging forgiveness, especially my father's pride that hurt more than anyone's imagination.

"Watch your tongue, young lady! You'll apologize right now, or..."

"Or what?" I cut off his words right before he could continue, and gave my answer, "No matter what, I'll never apologise, my answer is no!"

They all froze once again, even Selene stopped her weak sobbing to look up at me.

"I said no," I repeated, coldly, stepping back from them. "I'm done apologizing for things I didn't do, so don't even dream about getting an apology from me."

"You ungrateful brat!" My mother shouted at me. "If you can't respect this family, then get out!"

"Gladly."

Their eyes widened at my calm tone, I didn't shout, didn't cry, just smiled faintly, as if I'd been waiting for those exact words.

"You don't have to kick me out," I added, lifting my chin. "I'll leave by myself, because I've never been a part of this house anyway, so it's better for me to leave than staying here...."

"Abi!" my father barked, slamming his hand on the table. "You think you can scare us by pretending to leave? Stop your childish act!"

"Yes, yes," I said with a small shrug. "Maybe I'll come crawling back like always... right?" I met his glare. "But not this time, Mr. Massimo, I would rather beg on streets than live in your house, from today you can love your only princess Selene, I'm no longer a Massimo!"

With that, I just turned and walked toward the door.

Behind me, I heard Selene's soft sobs and my parents' angry scoldings, none of them are important enough for me to care about.

They must've thought I was bluffing, but I wasn't.

Outside, the cold night wind reached me like a warm hug, maybe I needed this the most, nothing is colder than the way I was treated by my own family, but now I'm relieved, I no longer needed to bother about them.

I don't need to think too much about how to impress them, this is my life and I can live for myself here after!

Rain started at the same time, soaking me within seconds, the cold rain on my skin reminded me of the lifeless hospital sheets I died on.

I walked far away from that hell, I don't want even shadows of that place or people from that place to reach me, I allowed the rain to drench me completely while I walked aimlessly.

Tears blended with raindrops as I tilted my head upward, at least in this way, I'll not appear as weak to anyone, no one will think these tears of mine craving for attention or sympathy.

Standing at a far distance, I let out a soft sigh, this time, they cannot cage me or my happiness, no more chains, no more begging for love that never existed.

This was freedom, painful, and cold, but real, the new me reborn in this rain.

Just as I was breathing happily in my newfound freedom, a pair of headlights reached me through the rain.

A familiar black car came to a stop in front of me, the driver's window rolled down, and a familiar cheerful voice called out, "Need a lift, drama queen?"

I blinked and smiled for the first time that day. "Virin? What are you doing at a time like this?"

Virin stepped out, holding an umbrella that barely covered his hoodie, his hair was slightly messed up because of the rain, but he still looked effortlessly fabulous.

"Get in before you catch pneumonia, babe," he said, while opening the door for me.

"I already caught betrayal," I murmured, getting into the car. "I think I'll survive a little cold."

He gave me a side glance as he started the car. "Damn, that was too poetic, did someone die?"

"Not yet," I clenched my fist with a faint smile. "But soon!"