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00:02I was the blood servant of a powerful werewolf family.
00:06Behind my back, they bought a new mansion with my earnings.
00:09When I broke several ribs on the border mission,
00:12the family group chat was filled with only one thing messages
00:14telling me to hurry back and wash the dishes.
00:16So I cut them off.
00:18And the moment I walked away,
00:19I was claimed and protected by the most powerful alpha in the world.
00:23When they finally panicked and begged me to return,
00:26it was already too late.
00:27The first day of summer break at Werewolf Academy,
00:29my parents found me another job.
00:31Go work in the family estate supply department.
00:33The pay is good and it'll give you useful experience.
00:36They had said the exact same thing for four years,
00:39from my freshman year to senior year.
00:41Every summer, the first year,
00:42they sent me to organize supplies in the PAC's underground storage facility.
00:46Meanwhile, they took Chloe to Rome for the annual werewolf council gathering.
00:50The second year, they sent me to work at one of the family's convenience stores.
00:54While Chloe was sent to train with elite warriors,
00:56the third year, they made me take care of the younger wolves in the PAC.
00:59And then they took Chloe to Hawaii.
01:02So this year, where would they send me?
01:05Iceland.
01:06Dominic walked in with a smile and handed me a pair of boots.
01:08I specially bought these for you.
01:10They're comfortable.
01:11You can stand for 10 hours without hurting your feet.
01:14I paid for this year's trip.
01:15Chloe is still young.
01:17She deserves to see the world.
01:20Dominic, I knew you loved me the most.
01:22I looked at my parents.
01:23They both silently looked away.
01:25No one cared how I felt.
01:27Even though I was only one year older than Chloe,
01:29I suddenly laughed.
01:30Then I crouched down and put on those boots.
01:32They were surprisingly light.
01:33Light enough for me to leave this family behind.
01:36While my mother was packing Chloe's luggage,
01:38she suddenly remembered something.
01:39She looked up at Dominic.
01:41Dominic, Chloe will graduate from the academy next year.
01:46You need to start preparing a position for her in the PAC.
01:48Nowadays, there are too many werewolves graduating.
01:51Good positions are not easy to get.
01:52She suddenly stopped, as if she finally realized
01:55there was another daughter in the room,
01:56one who was about to graduate too.
01:58But Dominic still didn't notice.
02:00I already arranged everything.
02:01As soon as Chloe graduates,
02:03she can join the family corporation.
02:05He paused.
02:06Then, as if he had finally remembered I existed,
02:08he turned to me.
02:10Jane, do you need any help?
02:11No.
02:12I already found my own path.
02:13I accepted an assignment at the Southern Border Territory.
02:16After I received my graduation clearance,
02:18I would leave.
02:19Dominic nodded, then said nothing else.
02:22My father noticed the awkward atmosphere
02:24and quickly smiled.
02:25My second daughter has always been independent.
02:27She's always been the easiest one to take care of.
02:29My hands froze while tying my boots.
02:31Independent?
02:32No.
02:33I was just someone who knew.
02:34If I didn't handle everything myself,
02:37no one would ever help me.
02:38Dominic was the eldest son, the future Alpha.
02:41He had been the center of attention for six years.
02:43Chloe was the youngest.
02:44The little princess of the family and me.
02:46I was stuck in the middle, invisible,
02:48like someone who could be replaced at any time.
02:51Chloe put down her drink and walked over.
02:52She held my arm.
02:54Her expression was sincere.
02:55Jane, is there anything you want?
02:57Her clear eyes showed a flash of guilt.
02:59I'll bring something back for you.
03:01She knew.
03:02She knew they treated me unfairly.
03:04But I also knew.
03:06She would forget.
03:07Just like every other trip.
03:09She remembered the silk scarf mom liked.
03:11She remembered the watch dad wanted.
03:14She collected antique silver coins for Dominic.
03:17But somehow, she always forgot me.
03:19That guilt disappeared quickly.
03:20I was used to it.
03:22I smiled softly.
03:24Just bring whatever you want.
03:25My mother stopped packing.
03:27Then she smiled.
03:28Jane, look how thoughtful your sister is.
03:31If Chloe is bringing you something,
03:34shouldn't you show some appreciation?
03:37My father immediately followed,
03:39as if he had been waiting for this moment.
03:41How about this?
03:42The first month's salary from your summer job
03:44can be Chloe's spending money.
03:46Oh, no.
03:47That's not necessary.
03:49Chloe glanced at me.
03:50Her refusal sounded polite.
03:51Don't be like that.
03:52But light.
03:52Dominic touched her head.
03:54Just enjoy your vacation.
03:55In only a few sentences,
03:56they decided how my money would be spent
03:58without asking me.
03:59Not once.
04:00Freshman year.
04:01Sophomore year.
04:02Junior year.
04:03Senior year.
04:04Every summer.
04:05It was always the same.
04:06Last year, after paying my academy tuition,
04:08I had nothing left for daily expenses.
04:10I borrowed $50 from Chloe for food,
04:12five minutes after she transferred it.
04:15My mother and Dominic called me at the same time.
04:18You're old enough.
04:18Why are you taking money from your sister?
04:20If you need money, ask your parents.
04:22Don't take advantage of Chloe.
04:23But one hour earlier,
04:24I had already messaged my mother.
04:26She ignored me.
04:27Yet when Chloe texted her,
04:28she replied instantly.
04:29My phone vibrated.
04:31I picked up the boots I had taken off
04:33and walked into my room.
04:34It was a message from the company.
04:36I stared at the screen.
04:37Then replied,
04:39After sending those two words,
04:41there was suddenly a knock on my door.
04:43My sister pushed it open
04:44and walked straight toward my suitcase.
04:46I said nothing.
04:48Jane, my suitcase looks terrible.
04:50Let me use yours for the trip.
04:51No.
04:52I need it.
04:53Need it for what?
04:55You're not even going anywhere!
04:57She didn't want my suitcase
04:58because it was prettier.
04:59She wanted it because she didn't care
05:01if it got damaged.
05:03No matter how carefully I protected it,
05:05every time she returned from a trip,
05:07it was covered in scratches and dents.
05:10The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
05:12She stood there,
05:13staring at me with a cold expression.
05:15When she realized I wasn't going to give in,
05:17she turned around and slammed the door.
05:19I silently counted in my head.
05:21Five,
05:21four,
05:22three,
05:22two,
05:24one.
05:25The door opened again.
05:27My parents arrived right on time.
05:28Jane.
05:29Dominic followed behind them.
05:30Your sister wants to borrow your suitcase.
05:32Why are you being so selfish?
05:35As her older sister,
05:37you can't even lend her something?
05:39Are we even family?
05:42This time,
05:42I didn't back down.
05:44I need it.
05:45Chloe spoke from behind them.
05:46Forget it.
05:47If she doesn't want to lend it,
05:48then don't force her.
05:49Her eyes turning red.
05:50She looked hurt and wronged.
05:52My parents immediately pulled her into their arms
05:54and comforted her.
05:55Dominic stared at me.
05:56Then suddenly,
05:57he turned and walked into his room.
05:58A moment later,
05:59he dragged out a sky blue suitcase.
06:02My fingers tightened around the door handle.
06:04That was the suitcase I had given him as a gift.
06:06Chloe knew exactly what it meant.
06:08She deliberately glanced at me.
06:10Dominic's expression remained calm.
06:12Brother,
06:13maybe not.
06:14Jane might be upset.
06:15Because he did it on purpose.
06:16He was about to say something,
06:18but I spoke first.
06:20I already gave it to him.
06:21He can do whatever he wants with it.
06:23His eyebrows tightened.
06:24The room went silent,
06:25but he didn't say another word.
06:27He grabbed Chloe's suitcase
06:28and left with her.
06:29At dinner that night,
06:31no one called me.
06:32When I walked out of my room,
06:33they were already excitedly discussing something.
06:36My mother finished speaking.
06:38Warm beige is elegant and gentle.
06:41I vote for warm beige for the interior design.
06:44Dominic immediately followed.
06:46Pearl white fits modern aesthetics better.
06:49Minimalistic,
06:50clean,
06:51stylish.
06:51Chloe cut a piece of Wellington steak
06:53and smiled happily.
06:55I don't care what color you choose
06:57for the new mansion.
06:58My bedroom is completely my decision.
07:00My father wasn't involved in the discussion.
07:02He was enjoying his meal,
07:04but when he noticed me standing there
07:05from the corner of his eye,
07:07he suddenly coughed.
07:08The conversation instantly stopped.
07:10That was when I realized
07:11they had bought a new mansion
07:12in the most expensive area of the city,
07:14and I was the only one who didn't know.
07:16I sat down,
07:17picked up the nearest salad,
07:19and forced myself to swallow.
07:21Every bite felt like swallowing needles.
07:23My parents exchanged a glance.
07:25They hesitated.
07:26When you have time,
07:27you can come take a look.
07:28Then my mother finally spoke.
07:30I slowly swallowed the food in my mouth.
07:33My voice came out hoarse.
07:34When did you buy it?
07:35Six months ago.
07:38We just never had the chance to tell you.
07:40Never had the chance,
07:41or never wanted to tell me.
07:43I could tell the difference.
07:44I nodded,
07:45then suddenly asked,
07:47What's the security code?
07:49971-1604.
07:50My father answered casually.
07:52It was the combination of Dominic and Chloe's
07:54first transformation dates.
07:55I looked at them.
07:56My lips moved slightly.
07:57Mom, what's my birthday?
07:59My mother froze.
08:00Her expression became confused.
08:02What's wrong?
08:03You forgot your own birthday?
08:05My father laughed.
08:06He thought I was actually asking
08:07because I forgot.
08:08You were born in winter.
08:10You weren't even supposed to arrive yet.
08:12That day, there was a snowstorm.
08:13Your mother slipped outside
08:14and almost had a difficult delivery.
08:16She suffered a lot to give birth to you.
08:19Your mother always says,
08:21You were born just to collect a debt
08:23from this family.
08:24My mother coughed.
08:26Her expression became uncomfortable.
08:27She avoided my eyes.
08:28Why are you bringing that up?
08:29I lowered my head.
08:30I said nothing,
08:31but my hand was trembling uncontrollably.
08:34Not long after,
08:35Dominic and Chloe finished dinner.
08:37They stacked their plates together
08:38and carried them back to their rooms.
08:40After my father left,
08:42my mother stood up as well.
08:44Jane, according to the rule,
08:46whoever eats the slowest washes the dishes.
08:48After saying that,
08:50she turned and walked away.
08:51The dining table was covered
08:52with leftover food and dirty silverware.
08:54I was always the slowest one
08:55because during meals,
08:56no one ever reminded me.
08:58My mother would call Dominic.
08:59My father would remind.
09:00While I was cleaning the kitchen,
09:02by the time I came out to eat,
09:03most of the food was already gone,
09:04so the dishes always became my responsibility.
09:07While I was cleaning the kitchen,
09:08my grandparents called.
09:10Your father told me Dominic
09:12is taking Chloe to Iceland?
09:13My grandmother's warm voice
09:15came through the phone.
09:16Yes, Mom.
09:17Is there anything you want us to bring back?
09:19My grandmother laughed.
09:20No, no.
09:21I don't need anything.
09:23Then she paused.
09:25What about Jane?
09:27Oh, Jane.
09:28My mother answered without hesitation.
09:30She's not coming.
09:31She wants to work during summer break
09:33and gain some experience.
09:35This child is...
09:37My grandfather sighed,
09:38but he didn't ask anything else.
09:40Jane isn't coming to the amusement park?
09:42No.
09:43She wants to stay home and study.
09:45Because for the past four years...
09:46Jane isn't going skiing with you?
09:48My parents had always answered the same way.
09:50No, she doesn't like outdoor activities.
09:52Jane isn't joining the family portrait session?
09:54She doesn't want pictures?
09:55No, she's been having skin problems lately.
09:56She doesn't want pictures.
09:58In their eyes,
09:59I was the quiet bookworm,
10:01the antisocial daughter,
10:02the invisible child
10:03who preferred suffering alone.
10:05That way,
10:06no one could ever question
10:07their treatment of me.
10:08Because according to them,
10:10that was simply who I was.
10:12The doorbell suddenly rang.
10:14I placed the last plate on the rack,
10:15then quickly wiped the corner of my eye
10:17before walking over.
10:18It was my graduation certificate.
10:20Hello, delivery for you.
10:21Please sign here.
10:22A sudden feeling of relief
10:23spread through my chest
10:24because this meant
10:24I could finally leave.
10:26Dominic's voice suddenly came from behind me.
10:28What arrived?
10:29He stood there holding a cup of coffee.
10:31Graduation certificate.
10:32One hand in his pocket.
10:34His eyes fell on the smile I couldn't hide.
10:36Oh.
10:36He nodded,
10:37then turned to leave.
10:38But after a few steps,
10:39he stopped.
10:40As if he suddenly remembered something,
10:42I froze for a moment.
10:43What gift do you want?
10:44I promised you a graduation gift.
10:46I didn't expect him to remember,
10:47but I had never truly hoped for anything.
10:49After thinking for a few seconds,
10:50I looked up at him
10:51because I was being assigned
10:52to the border territory.
10:54Come with me tomorrow.
10:56I need to get a serum injection.
10:57The company required all field workers
10:59to receive a silver element antibody serum.
11:02That's it?
11:02It was a precaution against possible attacks.
11:04He looked surprised.
11:06I nodded.
11:07That's it.
11:08He casually nodded.
11:09Fine.
11:09The next afternoon,
11:11I packed my bag and waited by the door.
11:12But when Dominic finally came out,
11:14there was helplessness written across his face.
11:16Chloe wants to buy some clothes for the trip.
11:19I'll go with you after I come back.
11:22But the appointment is already scheduled.
11:25Then reschedule it!
11:27Chloe leaves tomorrow.
11:28She needs to get everything ready.
11:30My mouth opened slightly,
11:32then slowly closed before I could say anything.
11:35Chloe's eyes immediately turned red.
11:36She grabbed the edge of her clothes.
11:38Dominic rejected it immediately.
11:40Maybe I shouldn't go shopping.
11:41Brother, you should go with Jane instead.
11:43Don't say things like that.
11:46You're going on a trip.
11:47Of course you need to look good.
11:49After saying that,
11:50he seemed to realize his words sounded unfair.
11:53So he pushed the decision toward me.
11:54Jane.
11:55I looked at his face.
11:56What do you think?
11:57At the pressure hidden behind his waiting gaze
11:59and suddenly, I felt exhausted.
12:00They acted like they were waiting for my choice,
12:02but we both knew.
12:03The choice had never belonged to me.
12:05I stayed silent for a few seconds.
12:07Go with her.
12:07Then I smiled softly.
12:09Dominic let out a sigh of relief.
12:11Chloe ran over and kissed my cheek.
12:13Thank you, Jane.
12:14You're welcome.
12:15I went to get the serum injection alone.
12:17After it was finished,
12:18I booked my flight for the next day.
12:20When I returned home,
12:21Chloe was excitedly showing our parents
12:23everything she bought during her shopping trip.
12:25At the very end,
12:26she took out the gifts she bought for them.
12:28My mother looked delighted,
12:29but the moment she noticed me standing there,
12:31her smile disappeared.
12:34Jane.
12:35I'm not trying to criticize you,
12:38but look at your sister.
12:39She's so thoughtful.
12:40She knows to bring gifts back for her parents.
12:45You never think about us.
12:47I looked at her calmly.
12:48How could I afford it?
12:50Chloe was able to buy them gifts,
12:51because before leaving,
12:52my mother had given her $2,000.
12:54She was simply using their own money to buy presents.
12:57My mother knew that perfectly well,
12:59yet she still chose to use it to hurt me.
13:01What do you mean?
13:03Are you blaming me for not giving you money?
13:07How old are you already?
13:08Why are you still competing with your sister?
13:11My mother clearly didn't expect me to answer back.
13:13She froze for a second,
13:15then immediately became angry.
13:16I'm 24,
13:17one year older than Chloe.
13:20Enough!
13:21My father suddenly raised his voice.
13:23You're an adult now.
13:24How can you still argue with your mother?
13:27Dominic looked at me with a complicated expression.
13:29Jane, why have you become so aggressive lately?
13:32The moment someone defended her,
13:34my mother's eyes immediately turned red.
13:36She turned around and walked into her bedroom.
13:41Jane, you should apologize to mom.
13:44Chloe blocked my path.
13:45She grabbed my arm and spoke seriously.
13:47Let go of me.
13:48She shook her head.
13:49There was judgment in her eyes.
13:50She's our mother.
13:52She gave you life.
13:54How can you treat her like this?
13:58You're being so disrespectful.
14:00A wave of sadness suddenly filled my chest.
14:02In this family,
14:03the person least qualified to judge me was her.
14:05I had tolerated everything.
14:07I stayed silent.
14:08I swallowed every unfair thing,
14:10but even my smallest resistance was not allowed.
14:12Everyone loved her,
14:13so no matter what she did,
14:14she was always right.
14:15You're really noble.
14:17My voice was quiet.
14:18I didn't even look at her,
14:19but those five words made her expression change instantly,
14:22as if I had deeply insulted her.
14:24No wonder mom and dad don't love you.
14:27You're just a freak.
14:30She shouted at me.
14:31Then she shoved me away.
14:32She ran into her room.
14:34My body hit the edge of the table.
14:36Pain shot through my side.
14:38I bent down, unable to straighten.
14:40Dominic immediately rushed after Chloe.
14:42He went to comfort his crying sister.
14:44My father turned around.
14:45He went to check on my mother.
14:47No one cared about me.
14:48No one even noticed I was hurt.
14:50Good.
14:51Really good.
14:52I held my stomach.
14:53Slowly, I made my way back to my bedroom that night,
14:56as usual.
14:57No one called for me.
14:58The pain made me lose my appetite,
15:00so I never left my room.
15:01When I came out to use the bathroom,
15:03the dirty dishes were still sitting on the table.
15:05They were waiting for me to clean them.
15:07Maybe they even thought they were giving me a chance to come back.
15:10They believed I would be like before.
15:12A daughter who acted like a servant just to please them.
15:15But I didn't need to anymore.
15:17The next afternoon, my parents and Chloe happily prepared to leave.
15:21When they saw me, their voices stopped for a moment.
15:24Then my mother sneered.
15:26You walk around with that miserable face every day,
15:28like the whole world owes you something.
15:31Dominic followed me into the bathroom.
15:33He looked at me through the mirror.
15:34His voice was serious.
15:36Are you really not going to apologize to Mom?
15:38Do you really want her to leave for vacation feeling upset?
15:42She seems pretty happy.
15:44I shook the water off my hands after drying them.
15:46I opened the door and walked out.
15:48Dominic followed behind me.
15:50His face was cold.
15:51He looked like he wanted to say something.
15:53But my mother spoke first this time.
15:55Stop wasting your breath on her.
15:57She's like a stray wolf that bites everyone she sees.
15:59The father who usually defended me and Dominic both stayed silent.
16:03I walked out first.
16:04When we reached the driveway, Chloe suddenly froze.
16:08Jane?
16:09Where are you going?
16:11My mother glanced at me.
16:12She's obviously going to work.
16:14Her voice was full of contempt.
16:16Then she pulled Chloe into the car.
16:18But suddenly, my father froze.
16:20His eyes fell on my suitcase.
16:22If I was only going to work,
16:24the family warehouse was only a short distance away.
16:26Why was I carrying luggage?
16:27A strange feeling dropped into his chest.
16:30He quickly raised his hand and waved at me, but I didn't notice.
16:33He hurried toward me.
16:35Jane!
16:36Where are you going?
16:38But the next second, a sharp car horn suddenly exploded through the driveway.
16:41His footsteps stopped instantly.
16:43His face turned pale.
16:44The car had already started.
16:46Only exhaust smoke remained around him.
16:48Dominic rolled down the window.
16:49Dad, what are you standing there for?
16:51Get in the car!
16:52My father looked toward my direction again and again, but finally he sighed,
16:55then turned around and got into the car.
16:57The car drove all the way to the airport.
16:59After boarding the plane, I fell asleep.
17:02When I woke up again, I had already landed.
17:04The company's pickup vehicle was waiting outside the arrival gate.
17:07The driver waved at me.
17:09I looked embarrassed.
17:10Sorry, you must have been waiting a long time.
17:12The driver smiled.
17:13No, not at all.
17:16Maybe because I had been tense for too long, I fell asleep again not long after getting
17:20into the car.
17:21A message notification woke me up when we arrived at the camp.
17:24My parents had arrived in Iceland.
17:27Chloe was sending messages nonstop in the family group chat.
17:29Wow, Iceland is so beautiful.
17:32There's the Blue Lagoon, waterfalls, and so many amazing places.
17:36I'm going to check out the souvenir shops later.
17:39Dominic, do you want anything from the souvenir shop?
17:42Dominic replied almost instantly.
17:44I don't need anything.
17:45Just buy something for yourself.
17:47You're the best, brother.
17:48The sky slowly became darker.
17:50The driver turned to look at me.
17:52Oh, you're awake.
17:54I was wondering whether I should wake you.
17:56The transfer vehicle leaves tomorrow afternoon.
17:58You can still get some proper rest now.
18:00You look exhausted.
18:02My eyes suddenly became warm.
18:03Even a stranger I had just met could see how tired I was.
18:06But my own family had never cared.
18:10After paying the tip, I opened the door and got out.
18:15The sky slowly became darker.
18:17The driver turned to look at me.
18:19Oh, you're awake.
18:21I was wondering whether I should wake you.
18:23The transfer vehicle leaves tomorrow afternoon.
18:25You can still get some proper rest now.
18:26Oh, you look exhausted.
18:29My eyes suddenly became warm.
18:30Even a stranger I had just met could see how tired I was.
18:33But my own family had never cared.
18:37After paying the tip, I opened the door and got out.
18:42The company arranged accommodation.
18:44All the female employees assigned to the border territory lived in the same apartment.
18:48Jane, you're finally here.
18:50We were waiting for you.
18:51They pulled me toward the table full of pizza, then asked,
18:55What kind do you like?
18:57I froze.
18:58My voice got stuck.
18:59At home, I was always the one preparing meals.
19:02I knew exactly what my parents liked.
19:04I knew what Dominic and Chloe preferred.
19:06But I didn't even know what I liked.
19:08The five of us girls sat together.
19:10We talked about our future.
19:12There was nervousness.
19:13There was excitement.
19:14But more than anything, there was the courage of people stepping into a new world.
19:18Before going to sleep, the family group chat became active again.
19:22Chloe posted photos of their dinner.
19:24Icelandic fish stew?
19:25Lobster soup?
19:27Lamb soup?
19:27The pictures were beautiful, carefully arranged.
19:31My parents held their plates and posed for the camera.
19:33They looked like a happy family.
19:35Dominic deliberately joked,
19:37You all look so happy.
19:38I'm stuck eating instant food at home.
19:40My mother immediately replied,
19:43Wait, she didn't cook?
19:45The she was obviously referring to me.
19:47Dominic casually answered,
19:49I don't know.
19:50Probably sleeping.
19:52I looked at the time.
19:53Ten hours had already passed since I left.
19:55And he still didn't know.
19:56My mother replied,
19:58She's so lazy.
19:59She can't even cook one meal.
20:01When she finds a partner in the future,
20:02people will say I failed to raise my own daughter.
20:05My mother kept complaining again and again.
20:07She sent message after message.
20:09It was obvious she wanted me to see them.
20:11But in this family, I wasn't the only daughter.
20:14Chloe had never cooked a meal.
20:15She couldn't even wash dishes properly.
20:17Yet my mother never criticized her.
20:19Whenever Chloe occasionally helped with chores,
20:22my father would immediately feel sorry for her.
20:24Girls shouldn't be too capable.
20:25Otherwise, people will take everything they do for granted.
20:28And at that exact moment,
20:29I was usually in the kitchen,
20:31washing an endless pile of dishes.
20:33They weren't incapable of loving someone.
20:35They just didn't love me.
20:36When she saw that I still didn't reply,
20:39Chloe suddenly mentioned me in the family group.
20:41Jane, what kind of perfume do you like?
20:42I'll bring one back for you.
20:44Maybe because she had always received enough love,
20:46Chloe wasn't someone who held grudges.
20:48She was choosing to make peace first.
20:49But I didn't reply,
20:50because whether I answered or not,
20:52the result would always be the same.
20:53If I said,
20:54Thank you, but no need.
20:55My mother would say,
20:56Your sister was being kind,
20:57and you rejected her?
20:59If I actually told Chloe what I wanted,
21:01my mother would naturally expect me to pay for it.
21:03So I chose not to see it.
21:05Less than two minutes later,
21:06my father tagged me.
21:07Your sister is talking to you.
21:09Why aren't you replying?
21:11And what were you doing with a suitcase this afternoon?
21:13My mother sent a sarcastic emoji.
21:15She thinks she's too important.
21:17Don't bother caring about her.
21:18After mocking me a few times,
21:20the family group became quiet again,
21:22exactly as I expected.
21:24The next morning,
21:25after 24 hours of silence,
21:27Dominic finally messaged me.
21:29Do you need me to drive you to work?
21:30I knocked on your door,
21:32but there was no response.
21:33I already left.
21:35Why did you leave so early?
21:36The warehouse doesn't open until 9.
21:38I looked at his message,
21:39waited a few seconds.
21:40Then,
21:41I still didn't reply.
21:43At noon,
21:44I boarded the transfer vehicle with my coworkers.
21:46As the car crossed through the wilderness,
21:48leaving a trail of dust behind,
21:49I couldn't help but look back toward the direction of home.
21:52But what surprised me was,
21:54there was no sadness,
21:55no hesitation,
21:56no feeling of wanting to go back,
21:58only relief.
21:59When we arrived at the southern border territory,
22:01the camp had already arranged transportation.
22:04Everyone's phones started ringing
22:05almost at the same time.
22:06Their families were checking
22:08if they were safe along the way.
22:09Their smiles never disappeared.
22:11They excitedly shared everything they saw,
22:14every new experience,
22:15every little detail,
22:16with the people who loved them.
22:18The girl sitting beside me,
22:19Nana,
22:20finished her call,
22:21then suddenly looked at me.
22:22Jane,
22:23you're seriously independent.
22:25Don't your parents worry about you?
22:27I stared out the window.
22:29After a few seconds,
22:30I smiled.
22:31No,
22:32they don't.
22:34Nana froze for a moment,
22:36then quickly changed the topic.
22:41On the second day after settling in,
22:43we entered the defense zone
22:45and began learning the procedures.
22:47After one week,
22:48we had mostly adapted to the environment.
22:50But our supervisor repeatedly warned us.
22:53Try not to enter certain areas unless necessary.
22:56Don't go outside at night.
22:57Don't carry expensive belongings.
22:59The security situation here isn't ideal.
23:01The cost of living was higher than I expected.
23:04But the advantages were obvious.
23:06Higher salary,
23:07more opportunities.
23:09On the eighth day,
23:10my parents were on their way home.
23:13Chloe was chatting non-stop in the family group.
23:15She complained playfully to Dominic.
23:17That guy was so handsome.
23:19He asked for my contact information.
23:23But dad wouldn't let me give it to him.
23:25He's so old-fashioned.
23:28You're a girl traveling abroad alone.
23:30Who knows what those guys are thinking?
23:36If it were me,
23:37I wouldn't allow it either.
23:39But I'm already 23.
23:41Even if you were 33,
23:42your partner will still need to pass our approval.
23:45You guys are impossible.
23:47Chloe sent a crying emoji.
23:49Anyway, we'll be home in half an hour.
23:51I bought so many gifts.
23:52You can choose whatever you want.
23:53Dominic was silent for a while,
23:54then suddenly said,
23:56I don't need anything.
23:57Choose something for Jane.
23:58She's probably been busy with work these past few days.
24:00We haven't even talked.
24:02Chloe sent that message,
24:04then immediately deleted it.
24:05A few seconds later, she said,
24:06Okay.
24:07I put my phone away.
24:08Two hours later,
24:09most of the people in the defense zone had already left.
24:12I finished the remaining work and walked outside.
24:14The sky was beginning to darken.
24:16This area was relatively safe,
24:18so I wasn't too worried.
24:19But only a few minutes after leaving,
24:21I sensed someone following me.
24:23The moment I turned around,
24:24a powerful force suddenly grabbed my bag.
24:26The strap caught around my neck.
24:28In an instant,
24:28my entire body was pulled off balance.
24:30I fell heavily onto the ground.
24:32I immediately shouted.
24:34The rogue werewolf kicked toward my stomach.
24:37Pain spread through my body as I curled up instinctively.
24:40But the next second,
24:41a tall man rushed over.
24:42With one punch,
24:43he knocked the attacker to the ground.
24:46The rogue wolf realized he was facing a man with a powerful alpha aura.
24:50Without hesitation,
24:51he scrambled away.
24:55Are you okay?
24:57I'm fine.
24:58But before I could finish speaking,
24:59the pain overwhelmed me.
25:01Everything went dark.
25:02When I woke up,
25:03I found myself in a clinic.
25:04The man who saved me was sitting nearby.
25:06He was working at a desk.
25:07The moment he noticed I was awake,
25:09he turned his head.
25:12How do you feel?
25:13Better.
25:14It doesn't hurt as much anymore.
25:16Thank you for saving me.
25:17The man shook his head.
25:18It's nothing.
25:19My name is Lucas.
25:20From now on,
25:21carry some kind of self-defense tool with you.
25:22The situation here has been unstable these past few years.
25:25I nodded gratefully.
25:26His eyes fell on my dry, cracked lips.
25:30He stood up,
25:31then poured me a glass of water.
25:33After I finished drinking,
25:35he pointed at my phone.
25:37It has been ringing non-stop.
25:39Probably your family.
25:40I touched my lips,
25:41still wet from the water,
25:42then opened my phone.
25:44The first message that appeared was from my mother,
25:46her angry accusation.
25:48Stop pretending you're dead.
25:49Reply immediately.
25:50I gripped my phone tightly.
25:52My whole body trembled slightly.
25:54Lucas suddenly stood up.
25:55He quietly moved away,
25:56leaving me alone with the messages.
25:58I blinked away the soreness in my eyes,
26:01then slowly scrolled upward.
26:02At the very top was when they realized I wasn't home.
26:06My mother was the first to message me.
26:08It's already this late.
26:09Where did you go?
26:10Two minutes later,
26:11my father replied.
26:13Stop throwing a tantrum.
26:15You're doing this just to worry your mother,
26:17aren't you?
26:17Five minutes later,
26:19Dominic joined.
26:20I checked the security footage.
26:22You haven't been home for more than a week.
26:23I asked the warehouse supervisor.
26:25He said you never reported for work.
26:26Where exactly did you go?
26:28No one was truly worried about my safety.
26:31They were only angry,
26:32because I had hidden something from them.
26:34My mother started calling.
26:35After several rings,
26:37I answered.
26:38The moment the call connected,
26:40Jane,
26:40you actually have the nerve to answer?
26:42You are impossible to deal with.
26:43Where have you been causing trouble?
26:44Her angry voice exploded.
26:46Southern border territory.
26:47The other side went silent.
26:49For one second,
26:50no one spoke.
26:51Dominic's breathing became heavier.
26:52Why did you go there?
26:53That's a rogue territory.
26:54It's dangerous.
26:55Work.
26:56My father grabbed the phone.
26:57His voice was full of anger.
26:58Didn't we find a job for you?
27:00What exactly are you doing?
27:01I didn't want that job.
27:03Then what do you want?
27:05My mother's voice became sharp and bitter.
27:07You've become rebellious.
27:08You don't listen to us anymore.
27:09Fine.
27:09From now on,
27:10don't expect us to care about your affairs.
27:12She screamed at me,
27:13as if I was the ungrateful one,
27:14the one who had betrayed the family.
27:16My body had only just recovered,
27:17but exhaustion came over me again.
27:19Did you ever care?
27:20My voice was quiet,
27:21yet every word was clear.
27:23She froze for three seconds.
27:25She couldn't believe what she heard.
27:26I said,
27:27when did you ever care about me?
27:28You!
27:29Before she could answer,
27:30I interrupted.
27:31Did you ever celebrate my birthday?
27:32Do you even know what I studied at the academy?
27:34In my four years there,
27:35did I ever get a single day of rest?
27:37My tuition was paid by me.
27:39How much living expense did you give me?
27:40Was it even one-fifth of what Chloe received?
27:43Who did all the housework?
27:44Do you and dad really have the right
27:46to say you took care of me?
27:47The other side went silent,
27:49completely silent.
27:50Even their breathing became faint.
27:52They looked at each other,
27:53because they had no answer.
27:55Finally,
27:55my father spoke.
27:57You're her older sister.
27:58How can you compare yourself
27:59with your younger sister?
28:00I suddenly laughed,
28:01because they had said this sentence
28:03countless times.
28:03The older sister!
28:04Whenever they had no excuse,
28:06they used my identity
28:07as the older sister as a shield.
28:09A mountain pressing down on me.
28:11Just because I'm one year older than her,
28:13does that mean I should become invisible?
28:15Jane,
28:16you're overthinking.
28:16When has this family ever treated you
28:18like you don't exist?
28:19You all knew about the mansion,
28:20but I was the only one who didn't.
28:22My father paused.
28:24I already explained.
28:25We didn't have the chance to tell you.
28:27Dad,
28:28six months,
28:29180 days.
28:31Which day exactly did you not have the chance?
28:33He had nothing left to say.
28:35My mother looked furious.
28:36She grabbed the phone from me.
28:38Why are you bringing up all these old things?
28:39Are you happy only when you make us suffer?
28:41Chloe's voice came through the phone.
28:42It was filled with tears.
28:44Jane,
28:44it's my fault.
28:46Please stop saying those things.
28:47I felt exhausted.
28:49But more than that,
28:50I felt relieved.
28:52Because I had finally said everything I had kept inside for years.
28:56Sleepiness overwhelmed me again.
28:58Without warning,
29:00I ended the call.
29:03I closed my eyes and rested for half an hour.
29:06When I opened them again,
29:08Lucas had returned.
29:09His expression was calm.
29:11He was carrying a paper box of food.
29:13Eat something.
29:14I looked at him for a while,
29:15then suddenly said,
29:16I know you.
29:17You're the engineer from the defense zone next to ours.
29:20He smiled.
29:21You finally recognize me.
29:22We've run into each other at least five times, Miss Jane.
29:24My face turned slightly red.
29:27I lowered my head and looked at the food.
29:30He had bought chicken broth.
29:34The flavor was light.
29:36Perfect for someone recovering.
29:38After that day,
29:40Lucas and I became closer.
29:41He had been stationed at the border for three years.
29:43He knew far more about this place than I did.
29:45Whenever we had free time,
29:47he taught me self-defense and combat skills.
29:48Sometimes we went to movies.
29:50Sometimes we played tennis.
29:52The border had endless sunlight.
29:53There were countless cafes and vintage markets.
29:56Compared to my previous life,
29:57a life that was busy but empty,
29:59I felt like a hamster suddenly placed into an enrichment environment.
30:02Slowly,
30:03I began discovering the joy of living.
30:05Lucas was always behind the camera,
30:07recording my moments.
30:10In only two months,
30:11I had more photos than I had taken in my entire 24 years.
30:15Lucas was adjusting the camera.
30:16He carefully checked the photos.
30:18When he heard my words,
30:19he looked at me with confusion.
30:20Why?
30:21My eyes moved from the photos to his face.
30:23After a few seconds,
30:24I answered honestly.
30:25Because they never really liked me.
30:27Something flickered in Lucas' eyes.
30:29In the past,
30:29I was afraid of seeing pity in someone else's eyes.
30:32But now,
30:32I could accept that emotion.
30:33He pulled me into his arms,
30:35gently,
30:35like comforting a child who had been hurt.
30:37I like you.
30:38I smiled,
30:39then wrapped my arms around his waist.
30:41Dominic called again.
30:42Two months had passed.
30:44They had believed I would eventually lower my head and apologize,
30:47just like before.
30:48But they never got what they expected.
30:50Mom has cried several times these past two months.
30:53Dad barely talks anymore.
30:54Do you really not care at all?
30:56His first sentence
30:57was still an accusation.
31:00I sighed.
31:02What do you want me to say?
31:04Dominic hesitated,
31:05his voice carried something I had never heard before.
31:08Uneasiness.
31:09Jane,
31:10do you hate us?
31:12No,
31:12I don't hate you.
31:14Then why did you leave us?
31:17Because I resent you.
31:19Dominic fell silent.
31:20Brother,
31:21why am I also your sister?
31:23Why were Chloe treated so differently?
31:25Sometimes,
31:26I even wondered why mom gave birth to me.
31:29I smiled,
31:30but that day I found out something.
31:32I almost killed her when I was born.
31:34So maybe that's why she hated me.
31:37Maybe everything had a reason.
31:40My voice was calm,
31:42too calm,
31:43like I had already sentenced myself guilty.
31:45But Dominic immediately denied it.
31:47Pain filled his voice.
31:48Jane,
31:49don't think that way.
31:51You are a member of this pack.
31:53No one hates you.
31:54He was silent for a few seconds,
31:56then continued.
31:56His voice sounded painful,
31:58like every word hurt.
31:59I did care about you.
32:01When we were young,
32:02I held you.
32:04I even used my allowance to buy you toys.
32:06But after Chloe was born,
32:08mom and dad always talked about their youngest child.
32:11So I slowly got used to following them.
32:13I'm sorry,
32:14Jane.
32:14I forgot that you were also a child who needed love.
32:17I said nothing,
32:18because I no longer needed an apology that came years too late.
32:21Before I ended the call,
32:23Jane!
32:24My father's voice came through.
32:25I don't know if it was my imagination,
32:26but his voice sounded older,
32:28almost like he was asking for mercy.
32:31Come home.
32:33Why would I come back?
32:34My father froze,
32:35but quickly became anxious.
32:37Come back and find a job near the territory.
32:38It's safer.
32:39You can still see your family.
32:41Wouldn't that be better?
32:41I shook my head.
32:43No.
32:44Why?
32:46He sounded genuinely confused.
32:48Even now,
32:49he was still asking why.
32:50I laughed softly.
32:51Go back and wash the endless dishes?
32:53Do endless chores?
32:55Watch you choose Chloe and Dominic over me again and again?
32:57He went silent.
32:58He couldn't find a single reason to argue.
33:01Dad.
33:02The moment I said that word,
33:04my voice still trembled.
33:05Why did you never take me traveling?
33:07I wanted to see Iceland too.
33:09My father's breathing suddenly became heavy.
33:11He opened his mouth,
33:13but nothing came out.
33:14In this family,
33:15my father knew exactly how much my mother favored the others,
33:17but he still allowed it,
33:19even encouraged it,
33:20because he believed,
33:21I would never expose the truth.
33:22As long as I stayed silent,
33:24everyone could pretend nothing was wrong.
33:26He never expected.
33:27The quiet daughter,
33:28the daughter who rarely spoke,
33:29the daughter who always endured everything,
33:31was also a real person.
33:32Someone with emotions.
33:34Someone who could hurt.
33:35Someone whose existence would eventually reveal all his selfishness.
33:38Sorry, Jay.
33:40My father finally cried.
33:41I ended the call.
33:45Lucas held me in his arms,
33:48slowly carrying part of my pain.
33:50After that day,
33:52I blocked everyone in my family.
33:53Chloe once sent me a letter of more than a thousand words.
33:56She apologized.
33:57She said she finally understood my pain.
33:59She had seen
34:01the hardship of my jobs,
34:03the chores I carried alone,
34:04the unfair treatment from our parents.
34:07She even admitted
34:07the mansion was kept secret
34:09because she wanted to choose her room first.
34:11She admitted many things,
34:13and she truly felt guilty.
34:14But what did it change?
34:15Those words could never erase.
34:1724 years of loneliness.
34:19Six months later,
34:20Lucas and I returned to New York.
34:22We completed our mate bond registration.
34:24There was no ceremony,
34:25no family members present.
34:26But for the first time,
34:27I felt truly happy.
34:29When my parents found out,
34:30the entire family exploded.
34:32They even reported me missing.
34:34They claimed I had been kidnapped.
34:36At the security office,
34:37they saw me.
34:39Jay.
34:39My mother rushed over.
34:41She hugged me tightly.
34:42Her swollen eyes carried both anger and sadness.
34:45My father and Dominic saw Lucas.
34:47Their faces darkened immediately.
34:49Without asking anything,
34:50they tried to confront him.
34:51I pulled away from my mother,
34:53then held Lucas' hand.
34:55I turned to leave.
34:59Jane!
35:00Where are you going?
35:02Do you know how we survived these months?
35:04How can you be so heartless?
35:06I'm going back to the border with Lucas.
35:08You can't leave.
35:09Jane.
35:11If you walk away,
35:12I will cut ties with you forever.
35:16I suddenly laughed,
35:17then looked back at her.
35:19For the first time,
35:20I felt completely free.
35:22Okay.
35:23My mother froze.
35:25Her expression collapsed.
35:26My father covered his head,
35:28as if he couldn't accept what he was hearing.
35:30Finally,
35:31I looked at Dominic.
35:33Goodbye.
35:34Then I turned around,
35:35and walked away.
35:36Behind me,
35:37my mother's crying mixed with curses.
35:39My father's angry accusations filled the room.
35:41Perfect.
35:42They hadn't changed at all.
35:43That was why,
35:44leaving them was finally so easy.
35:48Bye.
35:48Bye.
35:48Bye.
35:49Bye.
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