Chapter 3

Edward only had to shed some tears for his mistakes to become mine.

How ridiculous.

…

My 14th birthday arrived.

My parents gifted me a jersey with my favorite player's autograph on it. They had always known I was a fan and how badly I wanted something signed by my idol.

However, I didn't feel even the slightest bit of joy. I just stared at the jersey expressionlessly.

"Nick, we haven't forgotten about you. We still love you. But you also need to treat Ed better. Try to manage your temper, okay?" Mom said softly.

Dad took the opportunity to persuade me. "You wanted this signed jersey. We went through a lot to get it for you. We just hope you can try to understand us a little and take good care of Ed.

"You're the older brother. You should act more mature and be a good example for Ed."

I noticed the envy flash through Edward's eyes.

Then, he put on that act. He reached out as if he wanted to touch the jersey but dared not to, staring at the jersey in my hands with wide, eager eyes.

"Nick, do you like this player too? I like him too, but my family was too poor to give me things like this. Can I touch the jersey? I promise I won't damage it. I'm so jealous of you. Mom and Dad spoil you so much."

That pitiful look on his face immediately triggered my parents' sympathy, just like in the previous life.

Without hesitation, Dad snatched the jersey from my hands and handed it to Edward.

"Since Ed likes it, give it to him. You haven't forgotten that we asked you to give in to him, right? Let him have it."

Edward clutched the jersey, eyes sparkling. "Really? I can have it! I'm so happy, Mom!"

Mom stroked his hair. "Why not? We're all family. What's Nick's is yours, too. You're brothers, after all."

Just like before, Edward took the jersey from me.

My parents told me they would make it up to me with a better gift. But even by the time I died, they never did.

When I insisted on getting the jersey back from Edward, they scolded me, saying I wasn't as considerate or mature as Edward.

But why?

Why did the gift I received turn into his only because he had said something in that pitiful tone? Why was I being told to be tolerant?

He wasn't even my biological brother. Why should I always give in to him?

Although I already knew the answer, I still couldn't stop myself from asking, "Whose birthday is it exactly? Is it mine or his? Why is he the one getting the gift?"

Dad flew into a rage and pointed at my face. "You're getting more and more unreasonable! We're all family here. Do you really have to be so petty? Have you ever gone without gifts before? All you do is talk about gifts. Do you even know how hard we work? This is what happens when a kid is spoiled."

I nodded in disappointment and said nothing before turning to go upstairs.

Behind me, I could still hear Edward quietly sobbing, while my parents fussed over him. Even Juliana handed him the birthday gift that was originally meant for me.

But it was my birthday!

Half a month later, on Edward's birthday, Dad booked out an entire arcade so Edward could invite his friends just because he mentioned he wanted to hang out with them.

As for dinner, Dad reserved a table at a five-star restaurant.

I heard it was extravagant, and there was even a three-tier cake.

I wasn't even invited.

They handed me 20 dollars and told me to have dinner on my own.

The reason? They were afraid I would make a scene at Edward's birthday party and ruin it.