Chapter 3

I spent two weeks recovering in the hospital. Every day, updates about the wedding found their way to me.

The elegant, understated venue I'd chosen had been swapped for my sister's favorite princess-pink theme.

Dreamy balloons everywhere.

My parents, in their suit and gown, beaming as my sister toasted them.

My brother posted ten videos a day, captioning them through tears.

My little crybaby in a wedding dress. I'm so proud of you.

Classmates messaged me, bewildered.

Selina, is your sister getting married at the same time as you?

I didn't reply. I took a cab home.

Marco was peeling an apple for my sister. When he saw me, he instinctively blocked the doorway.

"What are you doing back?"

I looked at him evenly. "Getting a change of clothes."

Marco exhaled with relief, whispering to me.

"Gianna still hasn't forgiven you. Stay at the hospital a few more days—I've already covered the bills."

I didn't answer. I went to my room, packed my bags, and took my passport and ID.

I opened the jewelry box hidden at the back of my closet—and the necklace inside was gone.

My head rang like a struck bell.

It was the only thing my grandmother ever left me.

I walked to the living room. Sure enough, it was around my sister's neck.

The gold chain glinted warmly under the lights.

Father didn't look up. "She found it the other day and insisted on wearing it. Don't fight her for it."

My brother smiled, coaxing her. "So pretty! Who's my one and only little princess?"

My sister raised her hand proudly.

I walked over and held out my hand, my voice hoarse. "Give me the necklace."

My sister recoiled as if I'd frightened her, burrowing into Mother's arms.

"No no no, I won't! Mean sister!"

She grabbed random objects and hurled them at me.

Father shielded her, roaring. "It's just a necklace—are you going to die without it?"

But I couldn't feel the physical pain anymore. Only something like a blade through my heart.

I stared at him. "It's the only thing Grandma left me. It's mine."

Father paused, then waved his hand impatiently.

"Your grandmother is dead. Are you determined to tear this family apart?"

"Besides, she's Gianna's grandmother too. There's a limit to how much attention you can demand!"

I didn't listen. I reached for the clasp around my sister's neck.

She screamed and thrashed, fell to the ground, and scraped her knee bloody.

The necklace snapped. Pieces scattered across the floor.

A metallic taste surged up my throat. I dropped to my knees, trying to gather the fragments. My fingertips came away red.

Then my brother yanked me upright. A searing sting exploded across my face.

The slap cracked so loud the room went silent.

He grabbed me by the collar. "Have you lost your mind?"

He kicked the broken pieces toward me, forcing me to kneel on the shards.

"Today you're going to learn your lesson. Otherwise there'll be no controlling you."

I was dragged there like a ragdoll.

Marco glanced at me. A flicker of something—almost pity—crossed his eyes. His foot shifted.

But my sister let fall a few tears in his direction.

He looked away. Turned around. Draped a jacket over her shoulders.