Chapter 4

Even after I left, the five of them stayed rooted in place, their faces blank, as if they couldn't understand why I suddenly seemed like a completely different person.

When I still cared about them, I had been nothing short of a hysterical lunatic.

I didn't understand why the accident that killed Brenda's parents—Uncle Jamie Stone and Aunt Daisy Jones—at my birthday party would be blamed on me. I couldn't grasp why my parents and Ronald acted as though taking care of me was a crime against Brenda after she moved in.

I didn't understand why Alan, who had promised to love only me his entire life, gradually began to feel something for Brenda. They all saw me as the villain who had hurt the innocent Brenda. Meanwhile, the innocent Brenda was spoiled, receiving everything I had ever wanted, and I had nothing.

As I watched them abandon me one by one in the raging fire, I realized there was no way I could ever compete with Brenda. I didn't want to fight anymore. I didn't want to lose myself again.

Over the next two days, I repurchased everything I planned to take with me. I bought skincare, clothes, and even a brand-new suitcase from the store.

I began to look forward to the new life I would start far from here.

Just before bedtime that night, a knock came at my door. When I looked up, Alan, my parents, and Ronald were there.

Seeing them, I felt a flicker of impatience. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

They froze at my icy tone. Alan stepped forward and explained, "Anna, Brenda said that even though she's attending the wedding in your place, she wants you to be there tomorrow."

I said, "Forget it. With how I look, there's no need for me to go."

Alan, Mom, Dad, and Ronald had assumed I would stubbornly insist on coming. They never imagined I would say no.

They froze, seeing me properly for the first time. Faint red marks marred my otherwise pale face, and my fingers on the doorknob were rough and scarred.

The girl I used to be, who wailed over the slightest scratch, was gone. Now, I looked detached, as if the wounds weren't even there.

For some reason, they felt unsettled.

For the first time, Mom asked, "Anna, are you still in pain?" Mom asked.

I raised an eyebrow. "No."

My light, almost dismissive words shut down everything they had wanted to say.

A flicker of pity appeared in Alan's eyes. Mom and Dad stared at my scars, and even Ronald, who always picked at me, looked down.

The silence was broken by the phone ringing. Brenda's cheerful voice came through. "Uncle John, Aunt Lydia, Ronald, you all have to convince Anna to come. I'm really worried she might misunderstand something. If she doesn't come, I won't feel at ease."

After all, Brenda had to feel at ease. The four, who had initially felt awkward at my refusal, instantly came up with a reason.

"Anna, you heard Brenda. You have to be there tomorrow," Alan said, gripping my wrist. "Brenda may be standing in for you, but you're the real star of the wedding."

Mom added, "Exactly. If you don't go, people might misunderstand."

As I listened to their attempts to persuade me, I couldn't help feeling a little impatient. I glanced at the time. It was already late. My flight was early in the morning, and I didn't want to waste any more time with them, so I nodded vaguely to appease them and sent them on their way.

The next morning, I got up early. While I was getting ready for my flight, I saw that Brenda had already posted her final-look photos on social media, complete with a shy emoji.

I gave it a quick like, and immediately after, Alan's message popped up. "Anna, when will you get here? Brenda picked out a dress for you. Don't be late. She went out of her way for you."

He only saw Brenda's thoughtfulness. He completely forgot about the scars on my body that made wearing a dress impossible.

I replied, "Let's break up."

Without a second thought, I blocked him and the entire Samson family, then turned toward the boarding gate without looking back.