Chapter 3

The burning heat of the mug in my hands jolted me back to reality. I turned and headed for the bathroom, needing to wash away not just the rain, but everything else.

Chloe stood rooted, watching my back. "Let's go to the Maldives sometime soon. I'll take you diving."

My steps faltered. She always did this—offered a sweet taste just when I thought of giving up, making me reluctant to leave.

But this time, I wasn't as happy as she expected.

I turned back, my voice cold. "Chloe, I don't swim. Diving is out of the question."

Asher was a swimming champion as a child, and enthusiastic about activities like diving and surfing.

It was obvious who Chloe wanted to go to the Maldives with.

Not a hint of embarrassment touched Chloe’s face. She just looked at me, completely composed, and asked, "So, where would you like to go for your vacation? I'll handle the arrangements."

It was rare for Chloe to ask for my opinion like that. I didn't argue further, nor did I answer.

When I emerged from the bathroom, Chloe looked up from her phone and glanced at me. "Are you running a fever?"

I gave a bitter laugh. In the dead of winter, she'd left me outside in the rain for two hours. Of course, I had a fever.

Chloe pulled me to the bed, tucking the blankets around me. "Lie still. I'll get some medicine."

She had barely turned when her phone rang.

The next second, I heard Asher's voice on the other end.

"Chloe, my stomach hurts so bad! I think I'm dying…"

"Wait there! I'm coming right now!"

Hearing his plea, a rare look of panic crossed Chloe's face.

Without a moment's hesitation, she walked out, completely forgetting about me, burning up with fever.

The sprawling mansion instantly felt empty. My head throbbed, hazy with fever.

In my daze, my heart ached with a dull, familiar pain.

Love and indifference, they were so painfully clear.

But thankfully, my biological parents had found me not long ago.

I picked up the overseas call I had rejected so many times before.

"About moving to the States, I've made up my mind. I'll finish up my academic research here, and in two weeks, I'll join you in America."

"That's wonderful, sweetheart! We'll make it up to you, darling. After all these years, we're finally going to be a family again."

"For these next two weeks, spend some time with your adoptive parents, say your goodbyes."

Goodbyes? Would anyone truly care if I left or stayed?

There was no need.

In two weeks, I would pack up everything and silently leave this place!