Part 1The Scale Was Never Weighted in My Favor

The moment I was released from prison, waiting for someone to pick me up, I scrolled through a local trending post with a familiar profile picture.

[My biological sister stole my foster sister’s jewelry, so I taught her a little lesson by sending her to jail for three years.

She’s being released today. It’s the punishment she deserved, so why do I feel this overwhelming guilt?]

The comments section exploded in outrage.

[This ‘righteous’ act feels a bit… extreme, doesn't it? For a biological sister? Going to jail can ruin a life forever.]

[Clearly, the poster's heart is completely biased, stretched across the ocean.]

[Hard to say. Isn't the 'forbidden love with a foster sibling' trope popular now? The foster sister sheds a few tears, and the brother is just heartbroken.]

[To the comment above: he hasn't replied to you yet, probably because you hit the nail on the head.]

However, less than two seconds later, the poster replied with a smiling emoji:

[Is stealing such a small thing? My company is a Fortune 500. Do you really think I can't cover for her?]

Soon after, a luxury SUV, a Cullinan, pulled up in front of me. Liam’s eyes were red as he reached out his hand.

“Do you finally understand your mistake? Come on, let’s go home.”

I simply stepped back, unemotionally, avoiding his hand.

I’d found a new brother inside.

…

My brother, Liam, looked startled that I had avoided him.

But his hand didn’t retreat; instead, it swiftly and firmly reached for me again.

“Why are you avoiding me, Anya? Did someone bully you inside?”

His voice was hoarse, like his throat was stuffed with sponges.

I tried to pull my hand away several times without success, so I just said flatly, “No.”

He visibly relaxed, tightening his grip on me.

“That’s good. I heard online that it’s a terrible place, so it’s good you weren’t bullied…”

Watching his relieved expression and his eyes growing redder, I gave a bitter, mocking laugh inside.

Brother, weren’t you the one who went to such lengths to put me in there?

What good is your concern now?

He forced a smile, pulling me towards the car in a placating manner.

“Don’t you love a good celebration? I’ve prepared a welcome home feast for you.”

“Come on, let’s go home.”

I looked back at the prison.

Inside, I’d met a new brother, named Julian.

He was locked up for a white-collar crime he was falsely accused of, and he wouldn't be out for another month.

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

Thinking of Dad’s belongings, which were still at the house, I finally got into the car with Liam.

On the way, he half-warned, half-admonished me, stroking my buzzcut.

“Anya, you can’t steal anymore. This is your lesson.”

I clenched my fingers.

For three years, I’d sent countless messages to him through the guards.

Telling him I hadn’t stolen anything from Anna, that she’d framed me.

But he never believed me.

So this time, I wasn’t going to explain again.

I just nodded obediently, agreeing with him. “Got it.”

He smiled, satisfied, and took me home.

As soon as he opened the door, there was a boom, and confetti rained down.

Anna, whom I hadn’t seen in three years, was holding a party popper, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

“Sister, welcome home!”

She acted incredibly affectionate, her eyes practically overflowing with longing.

Completely unlike the malicious, hateful look she’d given me when she’d falsely accused me of stealing.

I ignored her, brushing past her shoulder and walking inside.

Her smile froze, and she awkwardly looked to Liam for help.

“Why isn’t Anya talking to me? Is she still mad at me?”

Liam affectionately ruffled her hair.

“Anya just got out, she might still be adjusting. It’s not your fault.”

I was already in the bedroom, pulling open the drawer under the bed.

Seeing Dad’s old photos and ring still there, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Liam stood at the doorway, calling softly to me.

“Anya, come out and eat? You’ve lost so much weight, I can see your ribs.”

I closed the drawer and followed him out.

At dinner, Anna casually asked: