My family and fiance forced me to take the fall for my foster sister Janice Easley's murder charge eight years ago.

No matter how I refused, how I fought back, they still handed me over to the police themselves.

"Janie is just a kid. She can't go to prison... You're her big sister. Take the blame for her," they told me. "When you get out, we'll make it up to you."

And my fiancé, Rocco Gilman, the powerful rising star in the business world, pulled every string he had to make sure I had nowhere to run.

"Janie's too innocent. Jail would destroy her," he said, stroking my hair. "Jenny, you're the strongest. Just endure it for eight years. When you're free, I'll marry you."

***

Eight years later.

"Jeanette Easley, go out there, turn your life around, and don't make any more mistakes."

I took a battered cloth bag from the prison guard and climbed numbly into an old, beat-up van.

They were so afraid that my appearance would ruin Janice's piano recital that they didn't even bother to send a decent car—just picked any run-down van to come get me.

All of Austin was celebrating the genius pianist, but no one remembered me—the one who'd spent eight years in prison for a crime I didn't commit.

We reached downtown, and the van barely stopped before I saw him—my fiancé, Rocco Gilman—sitting in a limited-edition Rolls-Royce, his gaze cold as ever.

"You've suffered enough. I promised you before—I'll marry you," he said.

My face was blank. I nodded slightly and got into his car.

In the reflection on the window, I caught sight of my own face—gaunt and hollow, with a scar running from brow to chin.

Rocco stared, stunned. "Jenny, what happened to you—"

Before he could finish, his phone rang.

"Dexter Easley." My older brother.

Seeing his name on the screen, I felt nothing.

"Jenny, I'm sorry. Janie's in trouble.

"That accident half a year ago left Janie with PTSD. She heard you were coming back today and started having another episode. Your parents and brother are at the hospital—I have to go."

Watching him start the car in a hurry, I quietly got out.

Rocco's hand froze on the ignition. He rolled down the window, looking at my battered face.

"I'll have someone take you back to the Easley's residence. And I'll get a top plastic surgeon for your face."

I'd spent eight years in prison, eight years of cold stares and abuse. Day after day, night after night, the torment never let me forget.

They never loved me.

I didn't hope for anything anymore. I didn't want to marry Rocco.

Twenty years ago, when my parents and I visited Grandma out in the countryside, I was kidnapped by accident.

My parents were heartbroken. Three years later, they adopted an abandoned girl from the same village and named her Janice.

Her name was almost like mine.

When I was found at 14, no one cared. They just made sure I looked after my little sister.

Eight years ago, they pushed me out to take the blame, saying I was plain and talentless, that it served me right to lose my scholarship.

None of them ever really cared about me—not even Rocco.

Compared to Janice, it was always like I was the one who'd been adopted.

Soon, we arrived at the Easley's residence.

The housekeepers had all been replaced, and the new ones treated me with cold disdain, their eyes full of ridicule.

To them, I was never the beloved daughter of the house.

"Ms. Jeanette, the events from eight years ago caused a lot of trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Easley want you to stay in the storage room. Don't go out and embarrass the Easley family."

They didn't know the truth. I didn't blame them. Their hypocrisy just seemed ridiculous.

As for the Easley family, I'd stopped hoping for anything from them long ago.

I'd served eight years in prison for Janice, and they all thought it was only right. Even now, they still wouldn't let me go.

"I understand."

I pushed open the door to the storage room, dust and clutter everywhere.

But I was too exhausted to care. I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes.

In just a few hours, I woke up from nightmares again and again.

Half-awake, I heard my brother Dexter yelling outside.

"Why did she have to come back? She's a curse—ever since she showed up, Janie's gotten sick. We should've let her rot in prison and never let her out."

My mom sighed, saying nothing.

But my dad replied, "No matter what, she's still part of the Easley family. If the media catches her wandering the streets, it'll be a disgrace for all of us."

Dexter threw up his hands. "I don't care. You have to get rid of her. Janie's health comes first!"

He kept saying Janie's name, as if he'd forgotten I was his real sister.

Then my mom settled my fate in a single sentence. "When Janie comes home, just keep her in the storage room. Don't let her out and upset Janie."

Even though I'd stopped hoping for anything from them, those words still stabbed at my heart.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was Tamara Marlowe, the head of the Sculpture Department at Yale University.

"Jenny, how are you doing? I've waited eight years for you. I hope you haven't forgotten me."

Facing Tamara—who was like a mother to me—the tears I'd held back for eight years finally spilled over.

I met Tamara during a work-study program at the orphanage.

She was a young dean who admired my sculpture work and felt for me, treating me like her own child.

When I was accepted into Yale University, Tamara wanted to mentor me, to have me study under her wing.

But before I could even enroll, I lost my spot—and was sent to prison for eight years.

Tamara never believed the news reports. Even now, after I'd been released, she was the first to reach out and care about me.

She still saw me as her child.

Without hesitation, I messaged Tamara back, telling her I wanted to study with her again.

"Don't worry, Jenny. Your talent is unmatched. If you want it, my door is always open.

"In half a month, I'll come get you myself. I want you to shine in the world of sculpture!"

All the pain and humiliation of these eight years poured out in that moment, and my tears seemed endless.

Half a month...

I counted quietly to myself.

If I could just hold on for another half a month, I could escape this cold, heartless place forever.

In half a month, I could start a brand-new life.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by a burst of noise.

After a sleepless night, I fought off a pounding headache and pushed open the door.

The house was decked out like a party.

Janice sat on the sofa in a lavish princess dress, her makeup flawless as she soaked up everyone's awe.

Mom, Dad, Dexter, and even my fiancé were all gathered around her, celebrating.

Dexter carefully carried out a cake.

"Welcome home from the hospital, Janie! I stayed up all night baking this just for you. I hope you like it."

Everyone joined in, cheering, "Welcome home, Janie!"

"Any cake Dex makes has to be the best! Thank you all for bringing me home. Did you guys prepare any gifts for me, too?"

Mom smiled dotingly. "Janie, you're so clever!"

She took out a dazzling gemstone necklace and fastened it around Janice's neck herself.

The others followed suit, bringing out their own gifts.

"Janie, this is Prof. Marlowe's final masterpiece. I begged for ages to get this sculpture for you—hope you love it!"

Rocco presented his gift with dramatic devotion.

Janice's eyes sparkled with happiness.

That's when she spotted me, lurking in the corner.

"Jenny, I was in the hospital yesterday and couldn't pick you up. Please don't be mad at me, okay?"

Rocco glanced at me. "You're Jenny's little sister—she'd never be mad at you.

"Jenny, come on, let's celebrate Janie coming home together!"

Facing Janice's smug smile, I couldn't bring myself to speak.

"Hmph, just what you'd expect from someone raised in the sticks—no manners at all. Janie just got out of the hospital, and you can't even say congratulations!"

Mom rolled her eyes, but they all seemed to forget today was my birthday, too.

Mom and Dad had adopted Janice because she shared my birthday.

"It's fine, Mom." Janice immediately put on a pitiful face. "I don't blame Jenny. She took the fall for me—I have no right to be upset with her.

"Jenny, could you give me a gift too? Let's put the past behind us.

"Jenny, I want Rocky. Can you let me have him?"

Her challenge was blatant, and no one thought anything of it. All eyes were on me.

"No."

Faced with someone so shameless, I couldn't pretend to be polite.

Janice's eyes welled with tears in an instant.

"Jenny, I'm sorry. I was just joking. I apologize, really."

Mom shot me a glare and stroked Janice's head protectively. "Don't be upset, Janie. Jenny's always been selfish and petty. Don't worry, you'll always be my precious little girl."

Dad, Dexter, and Rocco joined in, each praising her in their own way.

Rocco even turned to scold me.

"Janie was just kidding. Do you have to make such a big deal out of it?

"Jeanette, you really disappoint me!"

Their precious little girl, indeed.

Staring at the family united against me, I let out a bitter laugh, realizing there was no point in feeling hurt anymore.

"I haven't been out in eight years. I'm going for a walk."

Without another word, I turned and left.

Dad tossed a scarf at me. "Cover up—don't embarrass the Easley family."

I laughed at myself but wrapped the scarf around my face anyway.

Just two more weeks. In two weeks, I'd see Tamara.

In two weeks, I could start over. I could endure this—I wouldn't let anything ruin it.

After leaving the Easley's residence, I took the city bus to the urban village.

A high school dropout with a criminal record—my only option here was to find work as a waitress.

The place was filthy and chaotic, and the customers could be downright nasty, but at least the job came with meals and a bed.

The Easley family never once set a place for me at their table.

Since I returned to them at 14, they'd given me a total of 130 dollars.

Even when I asked for tuition, they'd just scowl.

"People from the village are always greedy and selfish, always asking for money."

After that, I never asked again.

All these years, I'd jump at any dirty, exhausting job—just so I could pay for school, just so I could eat.

Once, Rocco was my light.

He'd get into fights with thugs for me, sneak me out for good food, and always find ways to slip me cash.

There was always a gentle, caring look in his eyes when he saw me.

So I trusted him completely. When I learned he was seriously ill, I didn't hesitate—I gave him one of my kidneys.

I had two, after all. If I could save him, I wouldn't care about anything else...

But when he used his connections to make sure I got a heavy sentence and teamed up with the Easley family to cover for Janice, that was the end for us.

Just ten more days, and I'd never have to see him again. No one would be able to hurt me anymore...

For now, I worked numbly as a waitress in the urban village.

Until one day, I heard the news on TV—the Easley family heiress was engaged to the Gilman family heir.

I stared at the screen in disbelief.

The Easley and the Gilman families had been close for generations; Rocco and I were engaged as children. Even after I disappeared, they never called it off.

They even promised that the engagement would remain if I was found.

Looking back, I shouldn't have trusted their love all these years.

That night, as soon as I pushed open the Easley's residence's front door, I found everyone waiting for me, their faces solemn.

Mom spoke first, leaving no room for argument. "Janie was hurt in the accident. Only Rocco can heal her. Give up the engagement, and I'll find you a better match."

Dad nodded in agreement.

"As the older sister, you should make sacrifices for your little sister. Don't always compete with her—be generous."

Was Rocco some kind of object? I let out a bitter laugh.

My room, my backpack, even my favorite puppy—everything ended up with Janice.

Even if she just wanted it for a moment.

I'll never forget that puppy's joyful play with me—or the way it died under Janice's car.

I glanced at Rocco, silent in the corner, and asked quietly, "Is that what you want too?"

He looked away, guilty. "For Janie's health, this is the only way. Jenny, you don't mind, do you?"

"You've already decided. You're just telling me, aren't you?"

Expressionless, I wanted nothing more than to return to my messy, cramped storage room.

But Dexter blocked me, furious.

"Jeanette! How can you be so selfish? Janie's sick, and besides, you've been to prison—you're not good enough for Rocco."

"Jenny," Rocco grabbed my hand, "I never thought you weren't good enough. I'll stay with Janie for now, and when she's stable, we'll get married, alright?

"She gave up a kidney for me back then—I can't just walk away. Please don't overthink it..."

It felt like someone had hit me over the head—I was so dizzy I could barely stand.

I was the one who donated the kidney. How did it become Janice's?

I stared straight at him. "Are you sure it was Janice who gave you the kidney, not me?"

My words cut through the silence, sharp and jarring.

Dad slammed his hand on the table, shouting, "Jeanette, what are you saying? Everyone knows the truth, and you're trying to steal Janie's credit!

"How could our family have raised someone who lies as much as you?"

I knew Dad didn't believe me, but seeing the disappointment in Rocco's eyes made me realize how pointless it all was.

I didn't explain. I just went back to my little storage room, alone.

It didn't matter. Just five more days and Tamara would come for me. I'd always be Tamara's pride.

The next day, Dexter showed up at the little food stand where I worked, tossing a bank card onto the counter.

"The password is the day Janie was brought home—the same day you went missing. You remember, don't you?"

When I didn't reach for it, he shoved the card into my hand. "Fix your face, would you? Don't embarrass us at Janie's wedding.

"And for the record, the family's been sending you living expenses every month all these years. No need to play the victim just to get our attention."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Money? I've never seen a dime. If I had any, why would I be out here doing the dirtiest jobs just to survive?"

Dexter froze, a flicker of doubt crossing his face, but he couldn't figure out what went wrong.

"Don't expect me to feel sorry for you." With that, he stalked off in disgust.

Janice and Rocco's wedding was scheduled just a day before Tamara was supposed to pick me up.

Janice deliberately organized a class reunion.

That day, the stand was closed, and before I could slip away, a crowd burst in.

"Jeanette, you're here too?"

A group of privileged young men and women surrounded the soon-to-be newlyweds, then turned to me, their voices dripping with mockery.

"Weren't you always trailing after Rocco back in the day? Did you know he'd end up your brother-in-law and start sucking up early?"

"Well, since you're here, Rocco just lost a game—how about a sweet goodbye kiss?"

Every word was meant to humiliate me, to turn me into a joke. All I wanted was for Rocco to leave me alone.

"But I'll get jealous!"

Janice clung to Rocco's arm, pouting theatrically.

"Better let Janie do the kissing instead! Hahaha..."

In the crowd, I caught Rocco's gaze lingering on me. I kept my face blank and quietly slipped away.

The crowd erupted in cheers, and I knew their kiss was long and passionate.

I was grateful that Rocco hadn't humiliated me.

The cheers and laughter downstairs echoed all the way up to my little room on the second floor.

"I think Janie and Rocco are the perfect golden couple."

"Of course! Remember when Janie ran into that creep, and Rocco swooped in to save her?"

"Yeah, and later Janie carved a sculpture for him and won a gold medal!"

"There's more—Janie even donated a kidney to save Rocco!"

***

What were they talking about?

When I was found and brought back, I was shy and timid, harassed daily by creeps—Rocco was the one who protected me.

The one who carved the award-winning sculpture for him? That was me.

The one who gave him a kidney to save his life? Me, again.

When did all those memories become part of Rocco and Janice's love story?

"Jenny, don't worry. From now on, I'll always protect you.

"Jenny, your sculpture is amazing—I'm so touched!

"Jenny, we'll be together forever!

"Jenny, I love you.

"Jenny..."

The Rocco who promised at 16 to love me and protect me for life was gone.

Now, he disgusted me even more than the creeps who used to torment me. I couldn't understand him any more than I could stop loving him back then.

That night, drones spelled out "I love you" across the Austin sky.

Rocco had done it for Janice.

A message popped up on my phone from Rocco.

"Jenny, Janie saved my life, but you're still the one in my heart. Wait for me, okay?"

I deleted the message. Tomorrow, I'd finally be free...

I went back to the storage room and changed into the only dress I had that was still in one piece—the same one I wore the day I was brought home. I didn't want Tamara to see me in rags.

Sitting at the desk, I pulled out my old, yellowed diary.

"August 5, 2012. I finally escaped and called the police. Mom and Dad brought me home, and now I have Dex and Janie. I don't have to be scared anymore. Dex gave me this beautiful notebook—I'm going to keep writing in it.

"December 28, 2012. Janie came home and said she didn't want to share a room with me. Dad told me to stay in the storage room for a couple of days while he got a new room ready. It's okay, I understand Janie. I'll be kinder to her so she'll accept me.

"February 25, 2013. I wanted to go to school, but Dad said all I ever did was ask for money. I tried working, but my boss cheated me."

***

The last page was from August 2017, just one week before I was sentenced to prison. There was only one line.

"They never loved me at all!"

I took a deep breath, picked up my pen, and wrote my final entry.

"July 29, 2025.

"Mom, Dad, I'm leaving. Just pretend I died.

"I never understood—if you didn't love me and you already had another daughter, why did you even bother to find me and bring me home?

"Am I really your biological child? In these eight years, did you ever think about me, ever worry about me, even for a moment?

"Why did you have me?

"Dexter, my real brother.

"I never used the money on that card. It's still sitting in the drawer.

"I wonder if you remember—I'm your sister by blood.

"But it doesn't matter anymore. I'm leaving. I don't care anymore."

The last line was for Rocco.

"Rocco, I finally don't love you anymore.

"I can't love this stranger you've become. Just like you told me when you were 16—if you ever hurt me when you're grown, I shouldn't forgive you. You're not the same person anymore, and I don't love you anymore.

"Congratulations on your wedding to Janice.

"Goodbye forever."

At last, I placed the card, my prison medical report, and a photo on the desk.

The medical report clearly stated I was missing a kidney, and the photo showed the ugly scar on my side.

After I finished, I got a message from Tamara.

I hurried downstairs, not looking back, and ran toward my new life.