Chapter 2

Tiana suddenly grabbed James’ arm and snatched the keys from him.

“Oh, James! Sarah is just teasing you!” Tiana pointed at the blood on the glass and burst out laughing.

“Look, that blood is obviously fake! She even prepared a fake blood pack just to play along with my zombie game!

“And here I thought she didn't want to play. I didn't expect her to get so much into character. She practically deserves a Halloween Oscar for this!”

James froze for a moment before letting out a loud laugh and pocketed the keys.

“You're really a professional actress, Sarah! You prepared a fake blood pack ahead of time just to make Tiana happy?”

My mouth hung open as my body convulsed violently.

“Help... I… can't... breathe...”

I stared intently at James, desperately mouthing the words for help, begging him to recognize my agony.

Instead, James gave me a thumbs-up.

“This fake blood is incredibly realistic! You even got the details on the bloody fingertips down. Looks like you put a lot of effort into this!”

“That’s not all!”

Tiana giggled and pulled out her phone. “Look, Sarah’s eyes are even rolling back into her head! What amazing acting!

“A zombie rolling its eyes, how hilarious! I’m going to post this photo on social media!”

Writhing in agony, I slammed my body frantically against the coffin lid. I even smashed my forehead against the glass until blood blurred my vision.

Raymond walked over and let out a helpless sigh. “Alright, Sarah, save your energy. We agreed on one night, so just stay in there like a good girl.”

“When you come out tomorrow, Donald, James and I will make it up to you with your Halloween gifts!”

“How about that necklace you’ve always wanted?”

I shook my head in utter despair, trying to tell them that I wouldn't survive until morning. But I didn't even have the strength to gasp for air anymore.

Due to the severe lack of oxygen, my vision began to go black.

As my consciousness slipped away, my limbs went limp and I stopped struggling to survive.

Yet, the three brothers I loved so dearly were still busy discussing the rewards they would give me for cooperating so obediently.

“Raymond! I already bought Sarah’s favorite necklace a long time ago!”

Donald smiled and pulled out a necklace. “When she comes out tomorrow, I’ll put it on her myself.”

With that, he started to step closer, holding the necklace up against the coffin to size it up.

Just one more step and he would notice that my face was as pale as paper.

However, once again, a flash of jealousy and hatred crossed Tiana’s eyes. She snatched the necklace from Donald, her eyes welling with tears.

“You guys are breaking your promise! This was supposed to be my moment!

“You clearly said you were pulling this prank just to make me happy. But now all the focus is on Sarah and you’re even giving her gifts!

“You just like her more than me, your actual biological sister!”

Donald immediately answered anxiously, “How could you say that, Tiana? In our hearts, you are both equally important!”

Raymond also stepped forward guiltily. “I'm sorry, Tiana. I forgot this was your moment. We should be paying more attention to you…”

He glared in my direction. “We shouldn't have let ourselves get distracted by Sarah’s acting. My bad.”

“Alright then!”

Tiana flashed a satisfied smile and shot a smug look at me.

“I haven't even worn the white dress and bracelet you guys got for Sarah yet! Let's go to the bedroom. I'll put them on and show you, I will pair them with Donald's necklace!”

“Perfect. Sarah has been acting for so long, she must be exhausted. Let her rest. We'll let her out tomorrow!”

“No… If you leave, I’ll die…”

Yet, my three brothers nodded in agreement. Watching their retreating backs, I fell into total despair.

If they stepped out of this living room, I wouldn't have any hope left.

Right then, the phone beside me lit up. I turned my body with agonizing effort.

Through my blurred vision and across the glass, I saw a message as it illuminated the screen.

‘Sweetheart, you left in such a hurry. We know it’s hard for you to make a choice, but Mom and I bought candy apples to make up for your childhood.

‘We are on our way now. We’re sorry. We just wanted to spend a holiday with you.’

Tears instantly gushed from my failing eyes.

It was from my biological father, Mr. Brown, Don Brown.

They were trying everything they could do to make up for the time we had lost while I was missing. But I would never get the chance to see them again.