Chapter 3

Liam's behavior last night made me realize that everything around me was definitely off.

Even though I couldn't remember anything right now, we were siblings.

There was no way I was *that* kind of person.

I walked out of my room, my expression heavy.

Passing the bathroom, I ran into Liam brushing his teeth.

I gave him a slow, wicked smile, my gaze dropping pointedly to the very spot I'd brutalized the night before.

*Plink.* His toothbrush clattered to the floor.

I feigned surprise. "What's wrong, little brother? Why are you foaming at the mouth?"

Liam's face was pale. He took two steps back, seemingly intimidated, looking like he wanted to scream but didn't dare.

No fun.

I turned and walked away, bored.

It was the weekend, so Mom and Dad had already left for work, leaving just Liam and me at home.

After breakfast, he plopped onto the couch and started playing video games.

I looked at the unwashed dishes on the table, annoyed. "Liam, come wash the dishes!"

But he didn't even look up from his phone.

He said, "Didn't you always do the housework? You've always been the one doing the chores around here, haven't you?"

So, it turned out I used to be a free maid.

I thought for a moment, then plopped down next to him. "Fine, let it all go to hell. No one's doing anything."

He suddenly froze, staring at me with a strange expression.

"Anya, you're different. You never used to refuse me. You..."

He narrowed his eyes at me. "Are you playing games? Trying to get my attention?"

"Huh?"

"Don't act dumb. You want my attention, right? Don't bother, I could never like you."

I looked at him like he was an idiot. Seriously, how could someone so utterly ordinary be so unbelievably arrogant?

He went on, "But, even if I don't like you, doing other stuff isn't off the table.

After all, you're so desperate for a guy, aren't you..."

His hand, once again, snaked towards my collar.

I grabbed his hand, twisted it, and he cried out in pain.

I offered a slight smile.

Some kids just need a good reality check... or another punch.