Chapter 1

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 Isabella’s 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 I’ll 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 Albert’s 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 wouldn’t 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.