Chapter 1

The day my brother, Ethan, got together with Chloe—the girl who bullied me in high school—my depression relapsed.

He shielded Chloe behind his back, terrified I'd lose control and hurt her.

But all I could think of was my freshman year, when Ethan sent me away to that boarding school.

I remembered when Chloe was ripping my hair out, and I managed to call Ethan's number.

His annoyed voice echoed through the speaker.

"What are you throwing a tantrum for now? Can't you just grow up?"

He hung up. Chloe laughed, stubbing her glowing cigarette right into the back of my hand.

The pain was so agonizing I blacked out.

When I woke up, Ethan was kneeling by my bedside.

He was sobbing, begging for my forgiveness.

I was diagnosed with severe depression. He dropped out of college and worked day and night to pay for my therapy.

During my worst episodes, I'd hold a kitchen knife, my hands shaking violently.

He would hug me, tears streaming down his face, choking out apologies.

But now.

Ethan stood in front of Chloe, looking at me with pure exhaustion.

"It's been two years, Maya. We're all exhausted. How much longer are you going to torture me?"

I hid my trembling hands behind my back.

In my grip was an acceptance letter to a prestigious art exhibition in Paris.

I had come here to share this incredible news with him.

But now, there was no need.