Part 2Dying in My Brother's Love

"Oh, by the way, Lily," Chloe asked, suddenly turning back as she clung to Marcus's arm, her face full of innocent curiosity. "What's it like to be violated by thirteen men?"

I froze.

Before I could react, Marcus gently tapped her forehead with a doting expression. "That's dirty business, not something you should hear about."

He turned, his gaze falling on me, his voice flat. "Chloe's been spoiled by me, she doesn't mean any harm, so don't take it to heart."

Chloe smirked at me, waiting. Waiting for me to explode in anger like I always used to.

But I just stood there, my voice calm.

"It's normal for someone with no proper upbringing to not know how to speak. Why would I care?"

It had been years since anyone dared to bring that up in front of Chloe.

Her smirk faltered for half a second before she quickly plastered it back on.

"You're right. Marcus feels sorry for me, just like he does for you, Lily. That's why he gave me the family heirloom diamond pendant."

That pendant was one of the last things our mother left me. I had fought with Chloe countless times over it.

But now, I just glanced at it indifferently. "If you like it, take it."

I paused, then added, "Anyway, I never liked things other people had touched."

After our parents passed, I couldn't bear to leave Marcus alone, so I chose to stay in this world with him.

Now, I was leaving. I couldn't take these things with me anyway. Marcus could give them to whoever he wanted.

Not getting the reaction she wanted, the smile vanished completely from Chloe's face.

Marcus was clearly taken aback too, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Lily, you almost came to blows with me over these things back then. How can you not want them now? If you don't want them, just say so. Why be so passive-aggressive?"

I spread my hands, my tone so flat it was almost dismissive. "I genuinely don't care. What do you want me to say?"

"Alright then. Give it back to me. Will you?"

Marcus choked, his face darkening.

"You shouldn't be reacting like this…"

I quirked a smile. It seemed Marcus's memories of me were still stuck three years in the past.

That year, to reclaim the keepsakes our parents left me, I slapped Chloe for the first time.

In return, I, the city's prominent socialite, was dragged by my own brother to the busiest part of downtown and slapped one hundred times in front of everyone.

That day, my mouth was split open from the beating. Pain and humiliation nearly drowned me.

"She can't actually be indifferent. She just got out of prison after three years, so she's putting on an act to gain sympathy."

It had been three years since I'd heard that voice.

Hearing it again now gave me a strange sense of déjà vu.

I turned my head. My ex-fiancé, Liam, stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets.

"Don't flatter yourself. We grew up together, and even though you're no longer fit to marry me, I still had to come see you."

He let out a soft laugh, his tone full of condescension. "However, if you're more obedient in the future and treat Chloe well, I might be able to humble myself."

"After all, it's just one more mouth to feed. But you'll have to call Chloe 'Big Sister' from now on."

Chloe watched, enjoying the show.

After all, everyone in the city knew I, Lily, loved Liam deeply, even having his name tattooed across my entire back.

At this moment, I glanced at the glaring red mark on his neck and spoke, word for word.

"But I find him disgusting."