Chapter 3: No More Saving Monsters

That family’s a pack of monsters. This time, I’m out.

No more playing hero.

Mom called from the kitchen, trying to sound casual but I could hear the worry. "They really are good-looking, but do you think there might be some hidden problems? Ask your brother—he’s the one who went to med school."

And just like that, the question landed on me. Same as always.

She always played the middle, never wanting to rock the boat. Any tough decision? Always dumped on me.

My parents spoiled my sister, raised me with less. Dad doted on Samantha, gave her everything. Mom never had a say.

I learned early—love came with strings.

Everyone knew Samantha ran the show. Mom never dared speak up.

I was the buffer, the fixer. If things went wrong, it was my job to fix it. My feelings didn’t matter.

I used to feel for my mom. She worked hard, but after I died, she helped Samantha get away.

That’s how they got away with everything. My money, my life.

All gone in a flash.

It’s a bitter pill.

Never again.

I could see the expectation in her eyes. I just smiled—slow and cold.

“These days, looks are everything. The prettier a girl is, the easier her life will be. Sis, I support you.”

My words hung in the air, heavy with irony.

For once, they were speechless.

She wanted reassurance. I wasn’t about to give it.

So she knew the risks. Did it anyway.

I almost laughed.

Let them chew on that.