Chapter 1

My mother took my life just to please my stepfather.

My stepfather’s son saw the robot-shaped inhaler I used to save my life during asthma attacks. He cried and demanded to have it.

My stepfather glanced at my mother. Without hesitation, she turned around and snatched the robot from my hands.

"Mom—"

Before I could finish, the air in my throat was cut off.

The boy pushed me to the ground. I desperately clawed at my pocket, trying to reach my emergency spray.

"Faking it again," my stepfather sneered. "Girls are always so dramatic."

My mother’s face flushed with instant embarrassment. She snatched my spray and threw it hard onto the floor.

"Can you stop acting for once?! Just give me some peace!"

I curled up on the cold floor, my chest feeling as if it were being crushed by a giant fist. I couldn't draw a single breath.

"It’s just a toy. It belongs to your little brother now."

She turned around to comfort the crying boy.

She never looked back.

My consciousness began to fade.

"Mom, I'm sorry."

"I shouldn't have fought with Leo."

"Please don't let Richard think you love me more than him."