Chapter 3
Jordan’s cries for help drowned in the chaos.
She watched helplessly as Maxwell’s figure disappeared into the crowd, feeling as if someone had physically turn her heart open.]]
The woman dragged her out of the theater, continuing to beat her mercilessly
Jordan curled up on the ground, consciousness fading, until the woman finally lifted her matted hair.
“Oh my God! It’s not your The woman panicked. “Who said you were the thief? I’m so sorry
From a distance came another shout: The thief is over there
The woman hastily stuffed some money into Jordan’s hand before running of
Jordan pulled herself up against the wall, her body covered in bruises, blood seeping from her split lip, and limped toward the hospital
the emergency room, the nurse applied ointment to her wounds, asking sympathetically. “Where’s your family? How could they let you get hurt like this and not come with your
jordan remained silent, her gaze drifting to the adjacent examination room.
Maxwell was kneeling beside Vanessa, carefully applying an ice pack to her ankle, his brow furrowed as if she’d suffered a grave injury
dont have any family” Jordan finally said, her voice eerily calm
The nurse followed her gaze and sighed, “That officer really cares about that girl doesn’t he? All that fuss over a simple sprain…“]
Jordan’s lips twitched into something resembling a simile, but the said nothing
yes, he did care. Enough to make her finally, completely give up
After receiving treatment, Jordan returned home alone.]]
For the following day, she locked herself in her room, quietly waiting for the start of the school term.]
Until Vanessa’s birthday arrived—||
Early that morning, the house buzzed with activity
Her parents busted about preparing a feast, and the living room overflowed with presents for Vancisa.
Jordan stood at the landing, watching their joyful expressions, a heavy weight pressing on her chest.
Today
y was her Earthday too.||
She and Vanessa were twins, yet their fates couldn’t be more different!]
From childhood, her parents ad decided that Jordans had stolen Vanessa’s nutrients in the womh, causing her sister’s delicate health. From that point on, all their love went to Vanessa, while Jordan became virtually invisibile
Jordant What are you standing around for? Come down and help her mother snapped upon noticing her
Jorban silently descended the stairs and helped set de table
One dish after another appeared–all Vanessa’s favorites
Seafood, mushrooms, chives… Jordan was allergic to every single item []
“Jordan, why aren’t you eating? Vanessa asked sweedy, though her eyes held a challenging gleam ||
Her other glanced at her irritably. “Stop
p looking so miserable on such a happy day! Eat something!“||
Maxwell finally noticed Jordan and casually placed some e shrimp in her bowl. “Here“]
Jordan stared at the shrimp and suddenly suited ||
- g. “I’m allergic to senfood-||
She slowly removed the shrimp from her bowl and said quietly.
Then, pointing to the dishes on the talde, she added, “To all of these, actually ·||
Instantly, an uncomfortable silence fell over the table{}
Her mother’s fare darkened. “Why didn’t you say something eater? ||
Jordan didn’t answer.
Say something earlier
She had mentioned her allergies hundreds of times over the years, but not once lind anyone remembered.||
She set down her fork and returned to her room, nehind her, the laughter quickly resumed, as if she had never existeil.
In the middle of the night. Vanessa’s seams shattered the silence:||
My necklace is gone
The entire housing compões. lit up its an instant]
Jordan was awakeard by the commotion. Opening her door, she saw everyone searching for the necklace–Maxwell’s expensive birthday gift to Vanessa
Have you found 11r||
וד
No! We’ve searched everywhere“]]
“You don’t think……. Someone looked meaningfully toward Jordan’s room.
