Chapter 4
“At our age, we didn’t even know what a nightclub was, but she sure did,” Harry said icily, his voice calming after the chaos.
Despite the shock from the memories, my siblings still couldn’t bring themselves to believe it all.
The live stream’s viewership skyrocketed to a new peak.
At that moment, the side effects from the memory reader hit me hard–I convulsed uncontrollably, my face ghostly pale.
The staff moved to pause the session, but Harry stopped him with a cold glare.
“Someone who can kill their own parents doesn’t deserve any pity. Keep going. We need to see the truth.”
The memories soon shifted to Scene 3
The footage showed me being called into the principal’s office.
“Kirana, I know your family’s had a tough time, and you haven’t had many chances to go to college. But your grades have been excellent, and your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. I’ve helped you secure a spot at Teachers College, Columbia University–with a full scholarship.
“Don’t worry, it’s a full ride. This is your chance to leave this small town behind, start fresh somewhere new, and live your own life.”
The principal handed me an acceptance letter and a full scholarship notice.
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“Thank you, sir! I promise I’ll work hard! I won’t let you or the school down!”
At that moment, I felt not only joy but deep gratitude.
Tears had long soaked my sleeves.
Filled with hope for a brighter future, I happily returned to the diner to pack my things.
“See? She had a chance to leave, and the first thing she did was rush home to pack. She was already planning to ditch us.”
“She didn’t even think twice about killing us–consider yourself lucky.”
In the video, I was quietly making plans to sell the diner, take my siblings to a new city, and start a new life. I could still work part–time while studying–barely scraping by, but at least surviving…
Not long after dinner, Calista suddenly clutched her stomach and cried out in pain.
I rushed her to the hospital, and the doctor said it was acute appendicitis- she needed surgery immediately. But the medical bill was over 750 dollars, and I didn’t have nearly that much.
I pulled the doctor into the hallway, closed the door behind us, and dropped to my knees, pleading, “Please, Doctor, save my sister first—I’ll go get the money right away!”
“All right, but you have to hurry. If this drags on, I’ll have trouble explaining it to the hospital.”
“I promise, I’ll be quick!”
I raced home and tore through every drawer but could only scrape together 450 dollars–the entire family savings.
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Chapter 4
2A VOUCH
My eyes caught the acceptance letter and scholarship notice on the table. Staring blankly at them, I slowly stood and walked over.
My vacant gaze sharpened into resolve. Without hesitation, I tore up the acceptance letter and headed straight to the barbershop.
“How much can I get for my hair?”
“Wow, that’s been growing a long time. The quality’s good. I’d say 150 dollars.”
“Sold.”
Before long, my waist–length hair was gone–replaced by a short, cropped
buzz cut.
But the money still wasn’t enough. Gritting my teeth, I found myself turning to the one place I never wanted to go.
“Scarface, can you lend me 150 dollars? My sister’s life depends on it. I swear I’ll pay you back soon.”
“Pay me back? With what?”
Scarface eyed me, licking his lips.
“A meal costs one dollar. You’d have to sell 150 portions just to pay me back–plus interest.
“Let me make you a deal. Spend the night with me, and I’ll give you 150 dollars–no payback needed. How about that?”
Before I could say no, his hand was already on my cheek.
Just as I hesitated, Calista’s painful face on the hospital bed flashed in my mind. Before I could react, Scarface lunged, pinning me to the ground.
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Chapter 4
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“No!” I screamed.
“You’re here now, so whether you want to or not, it’s happening!”
In front of a circle of thugs, Scarface ripped open my shirt, exposing my pale skin.
Whistles and cheers rang out around me, slicing through my nerves like knives.
“Come on, Scarface! Don’t tell me you’re going to let some chick take you down.”
“Hahaha…”
Their taunts only fueled Scarface’s rage. When I didn’t cooperate, he slapped me across the face a dozen times until all resistance drained from
- me.
***
Meanwhile, outside the video, the three siblings stood frozen, eyes wide with fear, watching Kirana suffer such cruel humiliation in the memory playback.
