Chapter 1

Celia's POV

Even now, I couldn't tell whether I was dreaming.

What did my brother, Chayce Clarkson, mean when he said he'd turned in blank exam papers? What did he mean when he said he hadn't broken up with his girlfriend, Jill Lange, and that he was going to spend the next four years just hanging around with her?

He looked at me coldly, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"You've controlled me my whole life, Celia. I wasn't allowed to date or have fun. All you ever did was force me to study and do practice exams, treating me like a puppet.

"So I turned in blank exam papers. I wanted to destroy the future you planned for me. I wanted to let you know that your need to control me doesn't mean a damn thing to me!"

His words hit me like a slap across the face. My ears buzzed loudly, and my whole body shook uncontrollably.

My need to control him? He actually thought everything I'd done for him was just me trying to control him?

Seven years ago, our parents were killed in a car accident. Chayce was only ten years old then, while I was 17 years old.

To keep him in school, I had no choice but to drop out and start working. I wore bargain-bin clothes so I could buy him the best study materials. I couldn't bring myself to spend money on takeout, but I still gritted my teeth and enrolled him in the most expensive tutoring programs.

I'd skimped and saved all these years. I'd poured all my money, time, and effort into his future.

But now, he stood right in front of me, flippantly telling me that all of it was just my need for control?

"Chayce," I choked out, my voice trembling so badly I barely recognized it. "That's the College Entrance Assessment! It'll determine your future!"

But he only looked at me with utter impatience, as if he'd just heard something ridiculous.

"My future? My future is with Jill! Also, stop lecturing me already. I've heard it so many times my ears are going to start bleeding.

"I'm telling you one last time. Transfer every penny you've earned over the years into Jill's account before 7:00 pm. Otherwise, I won't consider you my sister anymore."

I stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at him—at my younger brother, whom I'd protected so fiercely ever since he was ten years old. He was the one person whom I once believed would stand by my side, even if the whole world abandoned me.

But now, he looked at me with nothing but hatred, as though I were his enemy.

Just then, a syrupy-sweet voice called from nearby.

"Chayce!"

His eyes lit up instantly.

"Jill!"

He ran straight to her, hugged her tightly, then kissed her right there in front of everyone.

I looked at the young woman. She had a ponytail, wore a short skirt, and had a sweet smile that made her look harmless.

Yet, it was this very same person who texted Chayce in the middle of the night, coaching him to run away from home. She was also the one who taught him to lie to me and turn against his own family.

I don't even remember rushing toward them. By the time I came to my senses, my hand was already raised high in the air.

A loud smack rang out as I slapped Jill across the face. She shrieked, clutched her cheek, and stumbled backward. Tears welled up instantly in her eyes.

"Chayce… it hurts…"

Chayce's expression shifted instantly, and he shoved me away with all his might.

"What the hell are you doing?"

I stumbled backward and crashed to the ground. The skin on my palm was scraped raw, and beads of blood began to seep out.

He carefully pulled Jill into his arms. When he turned to look at me again, the look he gave me was as though he wanted to tear me apart.

"Celia Clarkson, listen carefully. Jill is the person I want to protect more than anyone else in this world. If you dare lay another finger on her again, I'll make sure you pay!"