Chapter 2

"Fake Jeremy suddenly grew a brain. I don't understand the plot anymore."

My fingers brushed the scar on my wrist. The skin was rough and uneven.

I didn't remember much from before I was five years old, but one image repeatedly returned to me in my nightmares—Luna pressing a red-hot iron stamp shaped like a cloud against my skin.

I remembered the smell of burning flesh, white smoke rising into the air, and the searing agony. Every time the dream reached that point, I woke up screaming.

I once asked her about it. "Luna, what is this scar?"

She was silent for a long time before she pulled me into her arms, resting her chin on top of my head. "It's a special mark to prove that you're my brother."

What a beautiful lie. It was never a "special mark".

At the mall, I bought a change of clothes—a black hoodie, jeans, and a pair of sneakers. After changing out of the bloodstained suit, I rolled my newly purchased 48-inch suitcase straight to the bank.

Inside the VIP lounge, the manager's eyes lit up when he saw the black card in my hand. His attitude instantly became respectful.

"I'd like to withdraw two million dollars."

The manager froze for a second before his years of professional training kicked in and he quickly smiled. "Of course, Mr. Rivers. One moment, please."

More comments flashed before my eyes.

"Hahaha. Is Fake Jeremy worried Luna will freeze his card later?"

"I have to say, this side character is pretty smart. He's striking first before she cuts him off."

"Why's he only withdrawing two million dollars? That card probably has a limit of 100 million dollars."

"He can only withdraw two million dollars because anything higher would require an appointment in advance. LOL."

I sat on the couch, watching the manager disappear through a side door.

My phone screen lit up with a text from Luna. "Where are you."

Just three words. Not even a question mark. It sounded more like an order than a question. I didn't reply.

30 seconds later, she sent another message. "Come back. Don't make me worry."

I ignored her again. Then, I opened a flight-booking app and searched for the earliest flight to Parvue.

When I entered my ID number and reached the birthday field, I paused. That birthday wasn't mine. 21st March was the birthday of the Rivers family's biological son.

When was my birthday? I had no idea.

Every birthday cake I'd ever received growing up had carried candles shaped into the numbers "3.21." For 18 years, I'd blown out those candles and made wishes. And I'd always wished to be Luna's brother forever.

What a joke.

I pressed "Purchase Ticket". The electronic confirmation appeared immediately. I had booked a ticket for a direct flight to Parvue Airport at 9.30 pm.

Now, I just needed to quickly board the plane before my ID became invalid.

An hour later, the manager returned with a heavy suitcase. "Mr. Rivers, would you like me to arrange for security to escort you?"

I smiled. "No, thank you. I already have bodyguards."

I wheeled the suitcase toward the exit. The moment I stepped outside, cold wind rushed down my collar. I hailed another cab. "To the airport."

As the car pulled onto the highway, I switched off my phone and slipped it into a compartment in my luggage.

"Fake Jeremy's leaving so decisively. I actually feel a little bad for him."

"Duh. If he stays until his ID becomes invalid, he'll never be able to leave."

Leaning back against the seat, I watched the highway barriers blur past outside the window.

The sky gradually darkened. In the distance, runway lights glowed as a plane slowly taxied across the tarmac.

Sitting in the waiting lounge, I was bored out of my mind. Eventually, I turned my phone back on. The instant I did, Twitter notifications exploded across the screen.

#RiversHeirFoundAfterDisappearingAtAgeThree #RiversHeirSubstituteKickedOut #FeelingSorryForTheReplacementBrother #RiversGroupIsHeartless