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“If your parents cared even a little, they would've found you by now.”
“But they hate you so much, they won't even think about you!”
I opened my mouth but couldn't speak.
Working at that shop was my idea.
Because every time they yelled at me, they'd cry and say, “After losing our son, we're stuck taking care of a useless waste like you.”
I wanted to prove I wasn't useless. Even though I was stupid, I could work and earn money.
So when Zane offered me a job at his store, I jumped at the chance.
I never thought it was a trap from the beginning.
Zane laughed at my broken expression. “Oh, and one more thing… Your brother's death? That was because of me, too.”
“You thought you stepped on the wrong pedal? No. I tampered with the brakes. No matter how hard you pressed, the car wouldn't stop.”
“You're so stupid—you never even suspected. Made everything so easy for me.”
My mind went blank. I could only stare.
It wasn't me who killed my brother…
It was him. All along, it was him!
But I had no legs, no hands… What could I do?
Suddenly, with strength I didn't know I had, I lunged and sank my teeth into his throat.
One thought: Kill him. Kill him!
I had to avenge my brother!
Blood and tears filled my mouth—bitter and metallic.
Zane screamed, stabbing my stomach over and over. “Let go! Let go, you b**ch!”
I didn't let go. I used every bit of strength to tear into his throat.
But eventually, I was too weak to hold on.
Blood gushed from the wounds in my stomach.
But I kept cursing.
I didn't know how to swear, so I used the words my parents had screamed at me.
“You disaster! You idiot! You worthless animal! Why don't you die?! Why did you hurt my brother?!”
Zane, face twisted, raised the axe and swung it at my neck.
The first chop didn't kill me.
The axe was dull, so he swung again. And again…
Blood sprayed everywhere. My vision faded.
After the sharp pain, everything went quiet.
In my last moment, only one thought remained: Thank God… Thank God it wasn't me who killed my brother.
Maybe when I see him again… he won't blame me.
After I died, Zane wrapped my body and head together and dumped them at the police station.
But that demon wasn't done. He called my parents.
“I haven't seen Olivia in days… Is everything okay?”
He sounded concerned, as if he hadn't just chopped me into pieces.
And I finally saw my parents—as a ghost.
It was my brother's anniversary. They were home, mourning for him.
Dad looked exhausted, indifferent about my disappearance.
“Don't worry about her. She's probably hiding to avoid her brother's anniversary.”
“I hope she dies out there. Saves us the trouble of burying her.”
I froze. Even as a ghost, my heart ached.
All these years, on my brother's anniversary, I always stayed home. I knelt in front of his photo without being told. Never once skipped.
Mom had brought out food, setting a plate at my brother's usual spot.
There were only three places at the table.
Right. After my brother died, I went from daughter to murderer. There was no place for me anymore.
I lowered my head, curled up in the corner like I always did during meals.
My parents ate in silence. No one mentioned me.
Suddenly, a phone rang.
Dad answered, his face turning grim.
“The killer murdered the victim. The torso and head were found.”
The voice on the other side was agitated but solemn.
“The victim's identity is confirmed… It's better to discuss in person. You and your wife should come to the station.”
Dad put down his chopsticks, and they both rushed out.
I had no choice but to follow.
Half an hour later, at the station, the officer who called stopped them, hesitating.
“Captain Miller, Ma'am… Before you go in, you need to prepare yourselves.”
Dad was impatient. “Prepare for what? I've been a cop for years. I've seen it all.”
Mom was dismissive. “I'm a forensic examiner. Nothing shocks me.”
But when they walked in, Mom let out a blood-curdling scream and collapsed.
Dad turned pale, staring in horror.
