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

Upon returning home, the family was having dinner.


It seemed Melody had stayed to keep Nolan company.


Everyone fawned over Nolan like he was the center of the universe, as if every bite he took was a blessing bestowed upon them.


At the dinner table, there was no place set for me.


I had grown accustomed to this, but still found it ironic.


Never mind my mom, but my sister and Melody used to love me so much.


After my mom cheated and ran off with another man, my dad was devastated and became bedridden from severe illness.


It was my sister who carried me on her back, still a young child then, going door to door searching for any trace of our mom.


On Christmas Eve, while others were enjoying their family reunions, my sister and I could only huddle in a dark corner. She held my face in her hands, tears falling as she said, "It's okay, little brother. As long as we're together, everything will be alright. I'll always be here for you."


We were childhood sweethearts. Her mom was a gambling addict, and her dad was a drunk.


They would often fight, trashing the house and taking out their anger on Melody. I can't count how many times I stood in front of bloodied Melody, risking my life to protect her by getting her parents thrown in jail. Melody once held my hand tenderly and said that I was the light in her life. When she grew up, she would surely marry me.


But now, everything had changed because of Nolan's appearance.


Seeing me standing at the doorway, my mom first frowned and reproached me with displeasure, "What are you doing standing there like an idiot? Did you go see your dead father again? If you miss him so much, why don't you go join him? Why come back here to eat my food and drink my drinks?"


My sister also forced a smile and greeted me, "Yen, Mom made Nolan's favorite seafood today. It's quite a feast!"


I couldn't be bothered with them and went straight upstairs.


Years ago, after my dad died, my mom, who had long since run off with her lover, suddenly came back.


She brandished her marriage certificate with my dad, proving herself to be the rightful mistress of the house. She shamelessly seized the home my father had spent his entire life building, and even gave the best room to the Huntington father and son. My sister and I were forced to live in a makeshift attic room with a tin roof.


A few minutes later, I rushed back downstairs and confronted Nolan with a frown, "Did you go into my room? And mess with my stuff?"


Chapter 2