Chapter 1

My parents adored me, raising me like their precious princess.

They bought me countless beautiful dresses and hair clips.

Every holiday, they’d take me on trips and adventures.

I always thought I was the happiest child in the world.

Until my dad passed away, and his friend’s daughter came to stay with us.

I picked up her discarded, half-eaten popsicle and put it to my lips. That’s when she burst into an earth-shattering wail.

Without a single question, Mom roughly shoved me to the ground.

“You’ve had everything your whole life! Why do you *have* to snatch the popsicle right out of Bella’s hand?”

“A child like you, always picking on someone weaker, needs to be taught a serious lesson!”

And just like that, Mom *threw* me into the freezer.

“So you love popsicles, huh?! Well, then you can eat your fill in there before you come out!”

With that, Mom took Bella out to buy an apology gift.

No one noticed Bella secretly plug the freezer back in, then casually flip the child lock.

“Chloe, *I’m* the little princess of this house now.”

An icy cold instantly enveloped my entire body, feeling like all my blood had frozen solid.

I hugged my small body, trying desperately not to make a sound.

Just a little longer. Maybe Mom wouldn't be angry anymore.