Chapter 3

The moment the front door slammed shut, I heard Leo’s whiny voice echoing in the hallway: "Mom, I want Ben & Jerry’s!"

Sarah's voice was so sweet it could drip honey. "Of course, sweetie. Mom will take you to get some right now."

I slid down against the wall, clutching my starving, aching stomach, and let my tears finally spill over.

From that day on, I had to teach myself how to cook.

My hands were constantly covered in painful blisters from hot oil splatters.

Meanwhile, Sarah enrolled Leo in multiple expensive after-school clubs, driving him back and forth every single day.

I stayed at Robert’s house, doing his laundry, cleaning his room. But whenever I brought up going back to school, Robert would just sneer.

"With that goldfish brain of yours? Why waste the money? Don't worry, your dad has a better plan for you."

A few evenings later, he came home with a man and his teenage son. He dragged the boy—who was visibly obese and looked mentally challenged—right up to me.

"Amber, meet Toby. You two are going to be best friends from now on."

Toby’s dad scanned me up and down like he was inspecting a piece of meat at a grocery store.

"She looks decent. A bit skinny, though. I wonder if she’s got good hips for breeding."

"Our family wants a boy and a girl. If she doesn't give us a boy first, she’ll have to keep trying."

Robert laughed, patting my shoulder.

"She’s still young, right? Give her a few years to fill out, and she’ll look great."

Toby, whose eyes were completely vacant, looked around the room. Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and tried to shove my fingers into his mouth.

"What is the meaning of this, Dad?!" I screamed, shaking Toby off in terror.

Robert shoved me hard.

"Why are you yelling?! Don't scare Toby!"

"You’re a girl with a broken brain. You think a normal family like ours can support you forever?"

"Mr. Miller here is looking for a child bride who can take care of Toby. If you two get together, I won't have to worry about your future anymore."

I couldn't believe my ears. Panic-stricken, I turned to look at Sarah, who was packing her last box in the living room.

Her face tightened slightly.

"Are you insane, Robert? She’s only fourteen! You're selling your own daughter?"

Robert raised his voice defensively.

"You’re the one abandoning her! You have no right to lecture me!"

"And who’s selling her? In some countries, girls her age are already promised to families. I’m doing her a favor."

Sarah opened her mouth to argue, but Mr. Miller spoke up in a slow, casual tone.

"Well, we don't just take anyone. I used my connections to get Amber a discretionary enrollment at Oakwood High. If you guys agree, she starts classes with Toby tomorrow."

"If Toby is happy with her, the promised twenty-thousand-dollar payout will be transferred to you immediately."

Like a drowning person reaching for a lifeline, I grabbed Sarah's sleeve. But she hesitated for a second, then coldly pried my fingers off.

"I want half of that money. Wire ten thousand to my account."

The Millers left shortly after. My blood ran ice-cold. I could only force my numb throat to make a sound.

"Dad, Mom, please listen to me. My illness is gone. I'm cured."

"I remember eating bagels yesterday morning, instant noodles last night, and the day before, we watched *Gossip Girl* on TV."

"I’m normal now. Please, don't do this to me."

Both of them looked genuinely shocked. But then Leo chimed in from the couch.

"What about Monday? Do you remember what you told me on Monday, Amber?"

I froze.

I had traveled back in time just two days ago. Of course I had no memory of what happened on Monday.

Robert’s expression returned to its usual coldness, and Sarah let out a sharp sneer.

"Good thing Leo is smart. You just kept a notebook for two days and thought you could fool me?"

"It’s not like they're forcing you to get married tomorrow. Stop being so dramatic! Didn't you say you wanted to go to school? Now you have the chance, so shut up and take it!"

I shook my head violently, dropping straight to my knees.

"No, please. Just take me to the hospital for a check-up, you’ll see!"

"I’m really cured! I can go to school, get a job, and take care of you guys! I don't need to be sold to Toby!"

Leo yawned, looking bored.

"Mom, she’s so loud. I’m sleepy. Come read me a story."

"I got an A on my spelling test today. Can we get ice cream after school tomorrow as a reward?"

Sarah didn't want to waste another second on me. She picked Leo up with a glowing smile.

"Of course, my perfect boy. Mom will buy you whatever you want."

As they walked past me, I tried to grab her hem, but she kicked my hand away.

I kept frantically trying to prove to Robert that I was sane, but he grabbed me by the collar and threw me into my dark bedroom.

"Enough. If you still remember all this tomorrow morning, we'll talk."

That night, I hugged my knees in the dark, crying until I threw up.