Chapter 1

Seven years ago, I pushed my brother out of a burning building.

He escaped without a scratch and later became a top celebrity.

I was burned beyond recognition and became a monster hidden away in the attic.

Mom was his star manager. When she looked at my face, her eyes were filled with nothing but disgust.

"Aria, your brother is a public figure. Your face will destroy him."

My brother stood under the spotlights, basking in the cheers of millions.

He told the cameras, "My sister is my hero."

But then he turned around and let them lock me in the lightless attic, feeding me their leftovers and scraps.

I thought if I just stayed hidden away quietly, we'd still be a family.

Until that day when he brought home a famous actress.

I was just thirsty and wanted to go downstairs for some water.

Mom looked at me like she'd seen a ghost and shoved me back into the darkness of the stairwell.

"Get back up there! Are you trying to scare someone to death?"

I fell to the floor and looked up at my brother.

He just frowned and coldly looked away.

In that moment, I heard something inside me shatter.

So this was the fate of a hero—to become a stain on their lives.

I should disappear. I should die.

If I died, no one would find me disgusting anymore.