Chapter 1

Tiffany said I stole her jewelry. My brother, Brandon, was furious.

He didn't just take me to court; he hired the best lawyers to defend her.

I was sentenced to three years. A thief.

Before I went in, his lawyer, Mr. Davies, urged him, "Just scare her a little. If she really goes to jail, your sister's life will be ruined!"

Brandon's face didn't flinch. "Stealing isn't a minor offense. She has to learn her lesson."

"As for later, I'll have her back."

Three years later, I walked out of prison. His eyes were red as he reached out to me.

"Now do you know you were wrong? Come on, let's go home."

But I just stepped back, emotionless, avoiding his hand.

I'd found a new brother inside.

He believed me.

Brandon's eyes flickered with surprise when I avoided him.

But his hand didn't retract; instead, it reached out again, swift and firm, trying to pull me closer.

"Maya, why are you dodging me? Did someone give you a hard time in there?"

His voice was thick with emotion, his throat raw.

I tried to pull my hand away several times but couldn't, so I simply said, "No."

He let out a sigh of relief, gripping me tighter.

"Good. I saw online it's not a place for people. As long as you weren't bullied…"

Watching his relieved expression and his reddening eyes, I gave a bitter, mocking smile in my heart.

Brandon, aren't you the one who *insisted* on sending me in?

What good is your concern now?

He forced a smile, pulling me towards his car, almost pleadingly. "You always loved a good party, right? I've got a celebration ready for you."

"Come on, let's go home."

I glanced back at the prison.

I'd met a new brother in there, Reed.

He was locked up, falsely accused of financial fraud, and had another month before he was released.

We'd already made a pact: I'd pick him up in a month, and we'd start a new life together.

Thinking of my dad's belongings, the only things left from before he passed, I ultimately got into the car with Brandon.

On the way, he touched my shaved head, his tone a mix of warning and advice.

"Maya, no more stealing, okay? This was your lesson."

I clenched my fingers.

Over the past three years, I'd sent countless messages to him through the guards.

Telling him I hadn't stolen anything from Tiffany, that she'd framed me.

But he never believed a word.

So this time, I wasn't going to explain anymore.

I just nodded obediently, going along with it. "Okay."

He smiled, satisfied, and brought me home.

The moment he opened the door, *pop!* Confetti rained down from everywhere.

Tiffany, who I hadn't seen in three years, was holding a party popper, a wide, happy grin on her face. "Welcome home, Maya!"

She acted incredibly affectionate, her eyes practically swimming with feigned longing.

It was nothing like the hateful, malicious look she'd worn when she'd framed me for theft.

I ignored her, brushing past her shoulder as I walked in.

Her smile faltered, and she awkwardly looked to Brandon for help.

"Why isn't Maya talking to me? Is she still mad?"

Brandon affectionately ruffled her hair. "Maya just got out. She probably hasn't adjusted yet. It's not your fault."

I walked into my old bedroom, pulling open the drawer under the bed.

Seeing my dad's old photos and ring still there, I let out a sigh of relief.

Brandon stood in the doorway, calling my name softly. "Maya, come out and eat? You've lost so much weight, you're all skin and bones."

I closed the drawer and followed him out.

During dinner, Tiffany casually asked, "Maya, what was it like in there? I heard it's really messy, is that true?"

"No, it wasn't messy. We could read newspapers every day, and after dinner, it was back to our bunks."

"Oh, that's not so bad then. Not as tough as I imagined."

As she spoke, a flicker of disappointment crossed Tiffany's face.

Brandon peeled a shrimp for me, chuckling.

"Now that you're out, let's not talk about that anymore. Just something you went through. Time to move on."

Tiffany's gaze darkened, and she fell silent.

A moment later, as if remembering something, she ran back to her bedroom and returned with a small, exquisite box, handing it to me.

"Maya, this is a gift for you. Congratulations on getting out!"

I didn't reach for it, continuing to eat my dinner.

She didn't seem to care, smiling as she opened the box.

A pearl necklace lay quietly inside, looking incredibly luxurious.

But one look was all it took for my pupils to constrict, my blood to run cold. I felt like I'd plunged into an ice bath!

Tiffany pushed the necklace closer to me, her face twisting into a grotesque, chilling smile. "What's wrong, Maya? Didn't you love this necklace the most? Loved it so much you *stole* it."

"Now I'm giving it to you. Aren't you happy?"