It was the fifth year since my own brother sent me to kidnappers, and I finally escaped, barely clinging to life.

Dizzy with hunger, I spotted a discarded cake on the roadside and crammed it into my mouth.

My mouth was still full when a heavy kick sent me sprawling to the ground.

Stella! Are you deliberately showing up on Isabellas birthday to provoke her again?

My eyes met his, and I realized it was Albert, the billionaire brother who had just thrown a multi-million dollar birthday bash for the girl everyone thought was his real sister.

He sneered, his gaze cutting through my miserable face.

Now you know how hard life outside is, huh? You totally deserve this!

You still have one more month left of your five-year term. Then Ill bring you home and give you the best life.

But only if you promise not to hurt Isabella ever again!

I rubbed my eyes hard, but no matter what, I couldn't make out Alberts face. Suddenly, I chuckled.

Maybe he was always just a blur in my mind, except for the pain he inflicted.

No never again, I whispered.

He wouldnt have to worry about his beloved sister being bullied anymore. And I wouldn't be coming home with him.

After all, with late-stage brain cancer, even one more month of life felt like a luxury.




I choked down the stale cake, the bitterness matching my own.

I knew he didnt want to see me, so I wisely pushed myself up, my leg throbbing, desperate to get out of his sight.

But the cancer in my brain had spread to my eyes, and I could barely see the path ahead.

I hunched over, my hands reaching out, fumbling my way forward, slowly.

Then I heard ita few harsh laughs. It was Alberts friends.

Oh, look at her, playing the crippled beggar card to make Albert pity her and take her home early.

Shes really going all out, isnt she? No shame, especially in public like this!

Seriously, Alberts a billionaire. Shes totally embarrassing him.

Alberts face went dark with anger, his pride clearly wounded. He growled, barely suppressing his fury.

Stella, when I say one month, I mean one month. Not a day sooner will I take you back.

Besides, I specifically told them to be decent to you. You were only supposed to face some hardships, not end up like *this*! This act is sickening.

I froze. *Be decent to me?*

Past pains flooded my mind, a tide of memories. In the end, I just shook my head with a faint smile and kept moving.

But before Id walked two steps, someone stopped me.

Stella, wait!

That familiar voice. Even without seeing her face, I knew it was Isabella.

She pressed a perfectly intact slice of cake into my hand.

As her hands clasped mine, her nails dug in, sharp and malicious, almost breaking the skin.

Its my birthday today, so Im not mad about the past, okay? I just hope we can get along when you come home.

The sweeter her smile, the deeper her nails dug in.

Until blood welled up.

But even with the searing pain, I didnt cry out. Because no one would care, and no one would ever believe me.

I took the cake, my only wish to escape them quickly. Maybe then I could live a little longer.

Back in my makeshift bed under the bridge, I frantically rummaged for expired painkillers. I swallowed handfuls, just barely easing the pounding in my head.

The cold wind howled through the bridge tunnel, and I pulled my thin clothes tighter.