Chapter 1

My daughter was burning with a high fever, unconscious in my arms as I stumbled into the emergency room.

I ran straight into my husband, Julian, and my parents.

Instead of helping, Julian grabbed me by the hair, kicked me to the floor, and tore my baby from my grip.

"Arrest this woman! She’s trying to kidnap this child!"

Blood gushed down my forehead. I clung desperately to my mother's leg.

"Mom! It’s me, Nora! Please, save Mia!"

My mother kicked me off with utter disgust, shouting to the gathering crowd.

"We don't know this psycho!"

I rotted in a jail cell for seven agonizing days before my lawyer finally pulled security footage to bail me out.

My heart ached for my daughter, but the moment I stepped outside, my lawyer handed me a screenshot that froze me in my tracks.

In the photo, my younger sister, Chloe, was holding my daughter, smiling brightly, celebrating how their "little family of three" was finally reunited after everything they had been through.

My lawyer sighed with pity.

"Your sister Chloe was diagnosed with severe depression due to infertility. She attempted suicide."

"Julian and your parents discussed it. They decided the only way to save Chloe is to have her adopt Mia and cut you out of the picture entirely."

"They said you're a resilient adult who can endure it, but Chloe won't survive another breakdown."

Touching the fresh, unstitched gash on my forehead, I burst into bitter laughter.

Giving away your own flesh and blood just to coddle her? Your favoritism truly knows no bounds.

"Done throwing a tantrum? Get in the car if you are."

Julian rolled down the car window, his brow furrowed.

"Chloe made nourishing soup for you at home. Her health is fragile, so make sure you apologize to her the second you walk through the door."

I touched the jagged, throbbing wound across my forehead.

The relentless buzzing from the cell still rang in my ears.

Attorney Evans stood beside me, awkwardly tucking his phone away.

"Mr. Hayes, Mrs. Hayes needs to see a doctor. The jail physician said her auditory nerve might be damaged."

"It's just a bump. Adults don't whine over every scratch," Julian cut him off impatiently.

"Chloe’s wrists just scabbed over. She can’t handle any stress right now."

"Stop playing the victim, Nora."

I pulled open the back door and sat down in silence.

Julian glanced at me in the rearview mirror, seemingly satisfied with my submissiveness.

"Mia has been very happy with Chloe these past few days."

"Chloe can’t have children. As her older sister, letting her adopt Mia is the best choice for this family."

"Once Chloe is emotionally stable, I’ll take you to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Didn't you always want to go?"

I looked down at the dried blood caked under my fingernails.

Iceland.

Three years ago, I shattered both my legs in a car crash trying to shield him. As I lay in the hospital bed, he wept and made that promise.

Later, he became too busy.

Too busy flying Chloe to beach resorts to cheer her up.

Too busy flying Chloe to Paris for fashion week.

"Okay. Where's the adoption agreement?"

"I'll sign it."

Silence fell over the car.

"Nora, you finally came to your senses."

Julian exhaled a sigh of relief, his tone noticeably lighter.

"I knew you weren't that selfish."

"I’ve already told Mom and Dad. We’re having a family dinner tonight to celebrate."

I didn't reply. I just turned my face to the window.

The ringing in my right ear grew louder and sharper.

The moment I walked into the house, Mia’s eyes lit up.

"Mommy!"

She instinctively started running toward me.

Chloe immediately pulled her back into a tight embrace, her body trembling slightly.

"Nora... you're back."

My mother rushed over and shoved me backward without hesitation.

"How dare you show your face! If Chloe hadn't begged Julian to drop the charges, you'd still be rotting behind bars!"

I stumbled back, my spine slamming into the doorframe. The impact sent a jolt of agony through my split forehead.

Julian stepped forward, resting a protective hand on Chloe's shoulder.

"Nora, don't scare her."

I steadied myself and looked at the grotesque scene before me.

"Where are the papers?"

My mother froze.

Chloe forgot to cry, staring at me blankly.

My father rose from the sofa, his eyes narrow with suspicion.

"The adoption agreement," I repeated, my voice flat.

"Bring it here. I'll sign."

Julian pulled a folder from his briefcase and handed it over.

"I'm glad you understand."

"Chloe will be Mia's mother from now on. You'll still be her aunt. Nothing really changes."

As I scribbled my signature, Julian watched with a flicker of unease in his eyes.

It was almost as if things were going too smoothly to believe.

"Since it’s signed, sit down and eat," my mother muttered, clearing her throat.

"Chloe specifically saved you the pork stew you love."

I looked at the bowl on the table, covered in a thick, congealed layer of grease.

I had been allergic and nauseated by heavy lard since childhood; one sip would make me vomit.

The one who loved that greasy stew had always been Chloe.

"No thanks."

I turned toward the stairs.

At the landing, I stopped and looked back at Julian.

"The agreement takes effect next week, right?"

"Yes. The legal process takes a few days," Julian nodded.

I looked away and continued up the stairs.

One week.

More than enough time to settle everything and erase myself from their lives forever.