Chapter 4The Call From Eighteen Years Ago

The next day, I was discharged from the hospital.

It was also the day my family held the celebration banquet in honor of Jason's teachers.

Marielle forced me into an old T-shirt that had faded from countless washes and dragged me into the hotel's private dining room.

The room was packed with relatives who were all chatting and laughing.

The moment they saw me, the room fell silent.

Then the discussions grew even louder.

"Oh, look who's here, the college student! Jessica, Crownstone College must've given you a pretty big scholarship, huh?"

"Jason's born lucky. He's definitely going to be a big boss someday. Jessica, you'll have to look after your little brother."

Gary sat at the head of the table and motioned me over.

There was a single chair in the center of the room.

Jason sat comfortably in it while holding a cup of coffee.

"Jessica, since all your older relatives are here today, let's establish a few family rules."

Gary cleared his throat. He placed a handwritten document on the table with a loud slap.

"You've already signed the agreement transferring your scholarship money to Jason. Now, in front of everyone, give Jason this glass of wine and sign this document as well."

I lowered my gaze.

[Family Commitment Agreement]

[I, Jessica Jagger, hereby promise that throughout my college years, I won't spend a single cent of my family's money. Sixty percent of all income earned through work-study programs shall be turned over to subsidize my younger brother Jason Jagger's tuition and living expenses.]

[As the older sister, I shall care for my younger brother for life.]

I laughed in disbelief. I felt nauseated.

"What gives you the right to demand that?"

Dad slammed his hand against the table.

"Because I'm your father! And because you've been living off this family for over ten years!

"You're only a daughter to us. Sooner or later, you'll belong to another family. If you don't repay us now, what good will you ever be to us?"

Jason stood up and carried the glass of wine to me.

"Jessica, I know you feel wronged, but today, you will serve me this glass of wine. You will sign that document too.

"It's our ancestors' rules. The eldest sister in the family is like a second mother. If you help me now, I'll have your back after you're married."

My aunt chimed in.

"Exactly. Do you know how hard your parents worked to raise you?

"Now get on your knees, offer the wine, and thank them for raising you!

"Just because you've entered college, you think filial piety means nothing?"

"Kneel!" Dad roared.

Mom walked over and pressed down hard on my shoulders. She was trying to force me onto my knees.

Every relative watched eagerly.

I had been driven into a corner.

I had no medication, no money, and no way out.

I violently shook free of Marielle's grip. I pulled out the small fruit knife from my pocket, which I'd secretly hidden away in the hospital.

"Don't you want my money? Don't you want my life?"

I pressed the blade hard against the vein in my neck.

The razor-sharp edge sliced through my skin, and blood trickled down to my collar.

"Then take it! I'll give this life back to you!"

I screamed until my voice broke.

The knife was about to sink deeper when the private dining room door was kicked open.

A powerful gust of wind swept inside. Along with it came the furious roar of a young man.

"I'd like to see who dares lay a finger on my daughter!"