Chapter 1

Ever since we were kids, my sister, Chloe, loved stealing my things.

From a tiny hairclip to our parents' love.

Today, she caught me holding hands with Julian Vance, the school's golden boy, in the secluded pathway behind the campus library.

That night, in my bedroom, Chloe squinted her eyes and asked:

"Elena, are you secretly dating Julian? He's gorgeous."

"Don't tell Mom and Dad," I said, anxiously clutching the hem of my shirt.

"And don't even think about stealing him!"

Chloe smirked. "Why would I steal him from you?"

Seeing her determined look, I secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Finally. I could dump this abusive, psychopathic monster onto her.

......

My nightmare started three months ago.

Julian confessed his love to me in front of the entire school. Roses and balloons filled the football field.

He was the golden boy, the male lead in every girl's dream.

I became the "lucky girl" everyone envied.

But no one knew that once the doors were closed, his gentleness was a complete lie.

In an empty corner of the library, his fingers brushed against my cheek, but his grip was so tight my jaw ached.

"Babe, how many words did you say to that guy today? Hmm?"

"I... I just asked him about the homework," I stammered, trembling with fear.

He smiled warmly. But in the next second, he suddenly grabbed my throat and slammed me hard against the wall.

"Did I ever tell you that I hate it when other guys look at my things?"

As suffocating pain kicked in, I stared into his crazed, obsessed eyes, desperately clawing at his arm.

Just when I thought I was going to die, he suddenly let go.

He lifted my chin and wiped away my tears with his thumb.

"Elena, don't be scared. I just love you too much." He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"Be a good girl. Stay away from all other guys, and I won't get mad."

At that moment, I wanted to run. But I couldn't escape.

But Chloe moved even faster than I expected.

At dinner, she twirled her pasta on her fork and brought it up as if it were nothing.

"Mom, I think Elena has been acting weird lately."

"She’s always sneaking into her room to make FaceTime calls. I don't know who she's talking to, but she has this super sweet smile on her face."

Mom froze, immediately turning her sharp gaze toward me.

"Elena, are you dating someone?"

My chest tightened. I purposely lowered my head, acting flustered.

"No, don't talk nonsense."

The more I "resisted," the more certain Mom became.

Chloe smirked, throwing more fuel on the fire.

"I’ve seen the guy. It’s Julian Vance, right? He's incredibly hot, and his family is filthy rich! The girls chasing him could line up from the school gates to the West End."

"Really?" Mom’s eyes instantly lit up.

That night, Chloe sneaked into my bedroom.

She climbed onto my bed and leaned close to my ear, her voice buzzing with excitement.

"Elena, your boyfriend is so wild. I saw you guys today." She squinted like a cat that had just stolen some cream. "He looks way better than those losers chasing me."

"He... he's mine," I said, clutching my shirt tightly. "Don't you dare try to take him!"

"Why would I steal him from you?" She laughed, her expression innocent yet wicked. "I just think such a good catch is totally wasted on you."

Looking at her determined face, I secretly sighed in relief.

Perfect. The fish had finally bitten the bait.