Chapter 1

When I was four, Julian and I were kidnapped together.

To protect my little brother, I ended up with a broken leg that never healed right.

When the police finally found us, Julian was crying, curled up in my arms.

I forced myself to stand straight through the agonizing pain and smiled at my mother. "Mom, look... Julian is safe..."

I thought as long as Julian was okay, Mom would be happy. She loved him the most, after all.

Instead, Mom slapped me hard across the face.

"You truly are a monster!" she shrieked. "Did you think that by losing your brother, we would only love you?"

From that day on, the only thing left in Mom’s eyes when she looked at me was cold disgust.

Mom threw grand, lavish birthday parties for Julian every year.

But on my birthday, I was locked in the dark basement.

"Do you really think you deserve to celebrate? A wicked thing like you should just rot!"

Mom would gently take Julian’s hand and walk away.

"Only Julian is my sweet boy. You are Mommy's pride and joy."

If I became her pride, would she love me too?

I locked myself in the music room, practicing piano day and night without sleep. Finally, I won the prestigious full-tuition scholarship spot for the Vienna Conservatory prep program.

But even though I was the one who won it, Julian was the one they sent.

Mom, it hurts... and I feel a little empty inside...

The doctor said I have terminal stomach cancer. I guess I'll just let Julian have the spot.

But Mom, how do I become your pride?

I'm so tired. Everything hurts. I just want to sleep...

In my dreams, Mom loved me so much. She held me close, crying, telling me how sorry she was...