Chapter 1

Outside the windows, lightning flashed, followed by a rumble of thunder.

Due to my allergic reaction, my throat was gradually closing up, and red hives were breaking out on my face as well.

"Peter, I'm having an allergic reaction—"

"Look at how heavy the rain is! Quick, send Candace back home."

My parents—Michael Zinch and Sarah Jones—and Peter scurried about busily as they helped my adopted younger sister, Candace Lane, pack her things. Thus, not a single one of them noticed that I was currently having an allergic reaction.

In no time, the trunk of the car had been stuffed full of the gifts Mom and Dad had gotten for Candace over the past year. They had even tossed in three of the new clothes I had bought.

"Selena is always wearing her uniform, so it's not like she has the time to wear these!"

Before departing, my fiancé, Peter Lipton, finally remembered me.

"Selena, what's wrong with you? Oh right! You're allergic to shellfish!"

His eyes immediately filled with regret, but when he reached out to grab me, I avoided his hand.

"I don't need your help." I steadied myself against the wall, my voice so hoarse that it was barely recognizable.

He retracted his hand and continued helping Candace get ready to leave.

"Mr. and Mrs. Zinch, I'll be taking Candace home first. Please hurry and take Selena to a clinic for some medication."

Then, he patted my head, his eyes filled with aching tenderness. "Be good. You'll be fine. I'll be back soon, okay?"

With that, he slid into his car and sped off with Candace.

As it became harder to breathe, I lunged forward to grab Mom. "Mom, take me to the hospital…"

However, Mom took her hand out of her pocket and frowned. "Oh no! I forgot to give Candace this gold pendant I'd made for her. She already told me that she wanted one last year. Michael, quick, call Peter and tell them to wait for me. I'll bring it over to them right away."

Following that, Mom grabbed an umbrella and rushed off into the rain.

"Hey! That umbrella is too small! Wait for me!"

Just like that, Dad chased after Mom, leaving me completely alone in the living room.

It was growing increasingly difficult to breathe.

I leaned against the wall and slowly slid down it as my vision began to darken. Despite my multiple attempts to call Peter, I was notified that he was in another call at that time.

With a thump, my phone dropped to the floor as I slumped over, losing consciousness.

Right before I was completely dragged under the darkness, the video I had received before dinner played back in my mind.

"We only just learned that Candace doesn't actually have depression. She had a friend write that doctor's letter confirming her diagnosis. I think it was a psychologist called Dr. Lipton or something like that, and he works at your hospital. She also said that… that no matter if it was the Zinch or Lane family, her parents had to love her the most…"

…

The harsh chemical scent of bleach assaulted my nose, instantly causing me to choke. I coughed violently, tears springing to my eyes.

Upon noticing that I had regained consciousness, Peter pulled me into a hug, his eyes red-rimmed.