The Villain's Last Wish

My older brother, Charlie Sherman, threw a bottle of pesticide at me and spat, "Someone as vicious as you should just die."I knelt on the ground, my exposed skin covered in wounds and bruises.My eldest brother, Lucas Sherman, chimed in with an unusually cold voice, "Apologize to Cynthia right now, or you might as well die!"Cynthia Graham quickly spoke up, sounding pitiful. "Lucas, Charlie, don't torment Maddie because of me. I just lost my chance at the SATs, but I can always take it again... I can even just get a job."Her words only fueled the anger of my brothers standing before me. They became even more enraged, probably feeling indignant on Cynthia's behalf.Charlie kicked me hard in the stomach with his leather shoe.Lucas looked at me with pure disgust and slapped me across the face. He hissed, "Apologize to Cynthia right now!"I let out a cold laugh as I stared at the pesticide bottle in front of me. I was truly living the life of a side character, being treated that

Ashton stepped in front of me protectively and exclaimed, "Don't you dare pick on Maddison!"I looked down at the mess on my pants. Then, I slowly pushed Ashton aside and stared at Lucas. With a loud smack, I hurled the pasta right at his handsome face. "Didn't your mother ever teach you not to bother people while they're eating?"Another loud splat sounded as a meatball hit Lucas square in the face. He staggered back a step, staring at me in disbelief.I continued coldly, "Lucas, if you mess with me again, I'll throw acid in your face!""Maddison!" he shouted, shaking with rage.I chuckled and shoved a meatball right into his mouth. "What's the matter? Even a meatball can't shut that mouth of yours?" He was so furious his teeth were clenched tight, and I almost burst out laughing.Back when I read the trashy novel, I had already despised the aloof Lucas. After all, he constantly treated the original Maddison badly because of Cynthia, making her give way in everything.Even

Later, my parents came to visit me.My mother, Laura Sherman, started reprimanding me the moment she saw me. "What in God's name were you thinking? Do you have any idea that you scared Cynthia so badly that she's having a mental breakdown?"My father, Daniel Sherman, spat at me with disgust. "How did I end up with a daughter like you? I regret ever bringing you into this world."They had apparently forgotten how the original Maddison used to be adored and treasured like a princess. Ever since they adopted Cynthia, they had given her everything and treated her well instead.I actually felt sorry for the original Maddison. Her own brothers and biological parents all favored an outsider over her.I yanked out the IV cannula from my hand and smashed the flower vase on the table."Since you care so much about Cynthia, go and keep her company. Why are you even here?"My parents froze in shock, staring at me with terrified eyes as if they were looking at a lunatic. They immediately lef

Charlie suddenly called out to me. "Maddie, come here."I walked over, and he pulled me aside to whisper, "Apologize to Lucas and our parents today, and they won't hold it against you anymore. You've done a lot of things lately that have disappointed us."I simply replied, "Okay."Hearing me agree so quickly, he seemed relieved. "I knew deep down you still had a good heart. I'll work on my temper from now on."I silently scoffed.That was just like Charlie. He would always hurt the original Maddison just to turn around and play nice again. He never actually changed his ways.When the birthday party reached its peak, I stepped up to the stage to give a speech. I had planned to speak a few words for the original Maddison, then drink pesticide in front of everyone.Unexpectedly, Cynthia suddenly ran to the balcony railing. Her eyes were red and teary as she looked at everyone pitifully and said, "There's actually something I've always wanted to tell everyone."She looked toward ou

Otherwise, I would not be locked up by my brothers.I also wondered how Ashton was doing, though I did not want to see him before I died. If I did, I might lose my only chance to end it.I could only hope that, just like the original Maddison had written, Ashton would be able to live his own life once I was gone.I heard that Cynthia was kicked out. However, my parents were still attached to her and were secretly giving her money.Some habits truly died hard.Then again, I could not care less. At least I had cleared the original Maddison's name.Later, Charlie came to see me and gave me a watch. It was a watch that the original Maddison had once loved, but he used to only buy things like that for Cynthia."I'm sorry. I've been thinking for a long time, and I really know I was wrong."He looked at me bitterly and added, "Lucas and I have misunderstood you this whole time."I did not want to say a single word, so I tossed the watch straight into the trash.His face froze, and h