Part 1Dying in My Brother's Love

The day I was released from prison, my brother Marcus's adopted sister, Chloe, held a live stream to welcome me home.

The camera was shoved right in my face.

"This is my older sister," Chloe announced, a sickeningly sweet smile on her lips.

"Even after being assaulted by thirteen men, she's still strong enough to survive."

The comment section exploded instantly.

Marcus frowned slightly, but Chloe just giggled and stuck out her tongue.

I didn't react hysterically like I used to three years ago.

Instead, I smiled, facing the world. "A woman's body is never a weakness. Those who deserve to die are them, not me."

Back home, I didn't stop Marcus from letting Chloe visit our parents' graves on the anniversary of their death, taking my place.

Nor did I care when Marcus gave my old room to Chloe, forcing me into the storage room.

Even when Chloe pushed me into the water again, and Marcus only saved her – the one who could swim – I simply went home alone after a passerby pulled me out.

A complicated look crossed Marcus's face.

"Lily," he said, "you spent three years in prison, and now you've finally matured."

I smiled softly. I'd just accepted reality, nothing more.

I no longer held any expectations for him.

Besides, I never truly belonged in this world to begin with.

The System told me it could take me back to my real world in seven days.

But after I truly left, why did Marcus go insane?