Chapter 1When the True Heir Obeyed, the Whole Family Regretted It

A year in the asylum broke me.

I no longer craved my family’s love, or hated the imposter who replaced me.

When my sister Scarlett came to pick me up, my blank stare seemed to enrage her.

“Evan, were you stalling just to make me wait?”

“If Cody hadn’t said he wanted you at his birthday, I’d have let you rot here.”

I nodded. Then, as she glared in disgust, I stepped in front of a speeding car.

Moments earlier, the System had told me: Obey every command, and you can return to your real family.

“Are you mute? Who’s scared of that dead-eyed look?”

[Host’s will to complete mission: zero. Parameters updated.]

[Achieve absolute obedience. Upon death, mission complete. Reward: return to original world.]

My sister’s voice and the System’s prompt overlapped.

A flicker returned to my eyes.

Scarlett, thinking I’d finally shown remorse, shoved a bag at me. “Change into this at the venue. What you’re wearing shames the Bates family.”

Inside was an exquisite light-blue suit.

My chest ached dully. She never knew I hated light blue.

I’d given up on her, on this family, the day they sent me here for Cody.

It was time to let go. This mission was impossible.

Over the past year of torment, even the System couldn’t bear to watch. It had promised to fight for a new mission for me, begging me to hold on. It told me that when I returned to my world, not only would my adoptive mother be healed, but all my painful memories would be erased.

Thankfully, it succeeded.

Thank you, System.

The System’s presence felt like a gentle hand on my head.

[You’re welcome.]

[I also visited your adoptive mother in her dreams. She’s doing well. The family of the child she saved is taking good care of her. She wants you to know she’s holding on for you, so you have to hold on too, host!]

My eyes burned, a tear threatening to fall. That’s right. Mom is still conscious. She’s waiting for me.

“Mom,” I whispered, my fingers clenching the bag, “I’m coming home soon.”

Scarlett, who had already opened the car door, shouted impatiently, “Evan, what are you dawdling for? Do you want to die here?”

“If you’re going to die, do it quickly! Don’t make me late for Cody’s birthday!”

I looked up at her and nodded.

For a second, she looked stunned, a flicker of regret in her eyes. “Just… just get in the car. Mom and Dad are waiting…”

The next moment, I dropped the bag, turned, and threw myself in front of an oncoming truck.

BANG!

The screech of tires and Scarlett’s horrified scream filled my ears.

This is what you wanted, Scarlett.

I don’t want you, or Mom and Dad. Five years of my life, my heart, my devotion… in the end, I lost.

With a gut-wrenching crash, my body was thrown into the air like a dead leaf, then slammed back onto the pavement.

“Brother—!”

Scarlett’s voice grew closer as I closed my eyes. My body felt weightless. Was this death? Good. I could finally go see Mom.