Chapter 2

Two days later, Caleb said he wanted to make up for the debutante ball I had missed by three years.

He had a gown sent over, and told me sorrowfully.

"Every birthday you missed in these three years, I'll make it up to you."

But when I arrived at the venue, I saw what was written on the invitations.

【A Celebration for Vivian Lockhart.】

Julian's tone was calm.

"Vivian was tormented by the Comments for three years."

"Now that the Comments are gone, our friends and family want to celebrate her coming of age."

"Your debutante ball fits in perfectly. It's festive, and it clears up any misunderstandings people have about the Lockhart family."

Vivian sat at the center of the head table with Sebastian beside her.

My three brothers took turns serving her food and deflecting toasts.

My seat was in the corner nearest the exit.

No porcelain in front of me. No knife.

Just the plastic bowl and spoon the facility used to prevent patients from hurting anyone.

Julian noticed and offered a mild explanation.

"Our friends don't know yet that you've recovered."

"Better safe than sorry, so everyone can relax."

Once the reception began, a relative asked me where I'd been for the past three years.

Vivian's face went pale. She grabbed Sebastian's sleeve.

"The Comments are back."

"They say the death prophecy won't disappear until Elise publicly admits she was ill, and admits she wanted to kill me."

Julian had someone open the livestream on the Lockhart family's official account.

Ethan set a sedative on the table.

"Don't get worked up."

"Lose control now, and everyone will think you aren't really better."

Caleb handed me a confession Vivian had prepared in advance and coached me through it line by line.

Sebastian personally placed the microphone in front of me.

"Cooperate, get through it, and the past is wiped clean."

"Once you're fully recovered, I'll still marry you."

I lifted my head and looked at Julian.

In high school, someone had spread a rumor that I had cheated on an exam.

He had reviewed every second of school surveillance overnight.

And in front of the entire school he had said.

"No one bears a false name against the Lockhart family."

Now, to clear Vivian's name, he was asking me to destroy my own with my own mouth.

The camera zoomed in on my face. Viewers in the comment section were already pressing for answers.

I held the scripted confession, my fingers trembling badly.

Caleb settled a hand on my shoulder. His touch was gentle, but his fingertips slowly tightened.

"Just like they taught you at the hospital."

"Read it well."

The blinding lights, the cold restraint straps, the sound of electric current, all rushed back into my mind.

I didn't dare hesitate. I opened my mouth to the camera and spoke mechanically.

"I suffer from persecutory delusional disorder."

"I once tried to harm Vivian Lockhart."

"My three brothers committed me to save my life."

"Every treatment over these three years was voluntary."

"Vivian has never lied."

The moment I finished, the comment section flooded with abuse.

Some called me a psychopath who had tried to commit murder.

Some praised Vivian's kindness, saying it was incredible she could forgive the sister who had tried to kill her.

Others said the Lockhart family had already gone above and beyond by taking me back.

Vivian sobbed and threw herself into Sebastian's arms.

"I don't have to be afraid anymore."

My three brothers were surrounded by guests.

Everyone praised them for standing by me for three years, for being so devoted to their ill sister.

Once the livestream ended, Julian had the confession video pinned permanently to the top of the account.

Vivian watched the view count climb, and a faint smile flickered in her eyes.

The next moment, she was clutching Sebastian's sleeve again.

"The Comments say…"

"Elise's confession just now was also an act."

Four faces changed at once.

And the real Comments only I could see slowly drifted into view.

【Life Countdown: 4 Days.】