ManyWriters

On his deathbed, Dad warned my sister and me.
Whoever betrays you, never choose forgiveness.
Always leave them behind.
So when my sister abandoned me for the ninth time to comfort our stepdad's depressed son, I didn't cry or make a fuss. I simply ordered 999 gallons of gasoline online.
My childhood sweetheart saw it and mockingly asked, "Planning to set yourself on fire to join your dead dad?"
My sister, feeling guilty, tried to explain: "After learning his dad and our mom had an affair, Nolan became depressed. His emotions are unstable. You need to be understanding."
My childhood sweetheart chimed in: "I don't know why you insist on dragging Nolan into the mess of the older generation. You're so petty."
"Besides, I've told you that once Nolan's depression gets better, I'll fulfill our childhood promise and marry you."
This time, I didn't argue with them.
They had no idea I had scheduled a fake death service.
I'm looking forward to the reactions of those present at Nolan's birthday party next week after my appearance as a charred corpse.

After their Betrayal, I Faked My Own Death

I locked myself in my room for three days straight, refusing to come out.


They had all left because it was Nolan's birthday. My mom and stepdad had been planning for a while to take him fishing in the countryside to lift his spirits.


My sisters Vienna and Melody also happily tagged along.


During those three days, not a single person bothered to check on me.


On the fourth day, I finally received a text from my sister: "Yen, I hope you can properly apologize to Nolan. After all, it's his birthday, and he's not well. We need to be understanding."


"When I get back, I'll buy you a new jersey and a new phone, okay?"


Melody also sent a WhatsApp message, her tone much softer: "Are you still angry? But that incident was clearly your fault! Nolan hasn't been able to sleep well because of you these past few days. His depression is acting up again. You should really come and apologize to him."


"I looked into it, and there's no way to recover the recording that was overwritten on the tape. But what's the point of just listening to a voice anyway? That's such outdated technology. I used AI to create animated photos of you and uncle. You can look at those whenever you miss him in the future." She sent an AI-animated photo blending images of me and Dad, seeming to coax me, yet also hinting at some kind of bargain—


"Won't you come and clear up this misunderstanding with Nolan, so he can enjoy his birthday without worry?"


She and my sister simultaneously sent me a location link.


I stared at the contents of the chat history, letting out a cold laugh.


Standing up, I hauled out the gasoline I'd prepared long ago from the storage room and doused the house thoroughly.


Then, I made a call to the people at the fake death agency—


"The plan is proceeding on schedule. You can make the arrangements now."


I dragged my luggage out the door, taking one last look at the house I'd lived in since childhood, then turned and left without looking back.


I no longer felt any attachment to this home.


Shortly after I left, the deliberately tilted candle fell onto the gasoline, instantly igniting a raging fire.


This mansion, filled with countless memories, was completely reduced to ashes in the consuming flames.


Chapter 5