Chapter 5

Liam didn't actually have any serious injuries, so after resting in the hospital for a few days, he couldn't wait to be discharged.

During this time, my mother stayed by his side 24/7, catering to his every whim. Both of them completely forgot about me, who had been missing for days.

To prevent Liam from getting upset upon seeing me after his discharge, my mother took him straight to the new suburban house they had bought behind my back.

Looking at the luxurious villa and my father who was waiting anxiously at the door, I felt a world away.

No wonder my parents always used business trips as an excuse not to come home. No wonder Liam kept saying he liked "the other house."

It turned out they had another home all along. A home that didn't include me.

My father rushed forward the moment he saw Liam. "How is my boy? Are you feeling any better?"

Before Liam could say anything, my mother rolled her eyes.

"He would have been fine if it weren't for your other worthless son. He had to throw a jealous fit and make Liam suffer!"

My father, of course, looked disgusted.

"We spoiled him too much. We should kick him out permanently so he can clear his head. If he doesn't fix his rotten attitude, I'll beat him to death myself."

Those words felt like a bullet straight through my heart.

Indeed, every time they beat me, they did it with brutal force. If killing wasn't illegal, I probably would have died by their hands a long time ago.

I remembered one time when I couldn't take the abuse anymore. For the first time in my life, I yelled back:

"I told you I didn't do it! Why can't you believe me! I'm your child too!"

They only paused for a second before sneering in disgust:

"You? A worthless piece of trash like you doesn't deserve to be our child. We'd rather raise a dog than you!"