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

When I was young, I loved playing basketball. I dreamed of having my own jersey.


Mom always rolled her eyes and scolded me for not focusing on my studies, but Dad saved up his pocket money bit by bit to buy me a set.


My happiest childhood memory is Dad smiling gently as he played ball with me on that rundown court.


Even years after Dad passed away, I still carefully treasured that jersey.


Afraid of dirtying or tearing it, I'd rarely even take it out to look at, being extra cautious. But now...


The jersey lay filthy and torn, tossed by the stairwell.


It was covered in motor oil and grime, with a huge hole in it!


Nolan explained with an unchanged expression: "Oh, that. I had a depressive episode today, so sis and Melody took me out for a joyride to cheer me up. The car broke down on the way, and I accidentally got my shoes dirty, so I just grabbed some random rag to wipe them off."


The gift from my dad that I had cherished so dearly...


He had so casually used it as a rag to clean his shoes!


Endless rage and sorrow welled up inside me. I wanted nothing more than to rush over and tear that face of his to shreds.


But in the next moment, my sister stood up—


"Yen, what are you making a fuss about now? That jersey does look pretty tattered, it must be ancient. Nolan didn't mean any harm..."The indignant fury welled up inside me. That jersey had been neatly stored away in a box - how could he have just casually gotten his hands on it? Nolan usually complains that the metal shack on the top floor is too small and cramped, he never goes up there. So how did he suddenly end up in my room looking for rags to polish his shoes?


Just then, my childhood sweetheart Melody rolled her eyes in disdain -"Sister Vienna, don't pay him any mind."


"He's just acting out because we're hanging with Nolan today and not giving him attention. He's jealous and trying to get noticed by throwing a fit!"


"Yen, it's just an old piece of clothing, is it really worth all this drama?"


"If it makes Nolan happy, what's the harm in giving him whatever he wants? Picking fights with someone struggling with depression - aren't you embarrassed?"


Chapter 3