Chapter 2

Ruth leaned into my brother's arms, tears streaming down her face:

"I felt sorry for Carter, being lost all these years. I wanted to take care of her when she came back. Who knew she would do this to me? I don't even want to live anymore!"

My brother's arms tightened around her, his eyes fixed on me with deadly fury:

"Don't worry. I'll make sure Carter gives you an explanation today. Family or not, I won't cover for her!"

I couldn't take it anymore. I rushed up to my brother and pointed at my own face:

"Are you confused? Look at me! What am I to you?"

Ruth saw me approaching and cried even harder, shrinking into my brother's embrace:

"I'm pregnant, how could you..."

My brother couldn't take it anymore and shoved me away.

My dad seized the opportunity to step forward and brought the bat down on me without hesitation, his face dark:

"You heartless thing! You're a disgrace! Let's just pretend the White family never brought you back!"

The pain made cold sweat pour down my face. Seeing my dad raise the bat high again, I quickly shouted:

"Stop! I'm not even a man—"

"You're not just not a man, you're not even human!" Ruth interrupted me with a trembling voice.

She clutched her stomach and tried to throw herself against the wall, but my brother caught her just in time:

"Ruth, don't do this! Whatever happened, I'm on your side!"

My mom couldn't stand watching anymore. She turned away wiping tears, then walked up to me and pointed:

"After what you did, don't blame us for calling the police and reporting you for assault!"

A neighbor immediately pulled out her phone: "Ruth, don't be scared! I'm calling the police right now! My husband works at the station—I'll make sure this bastard goes to prison!"

Ruth's face changed. She quickly grabbed my brother's arm, her tone urgent:

"Don't call the police... Carter is family after all. If this gets to the station, it'll look terrible. I can handle some suffering—it's not good for the family if word gets out."

She sounded considerate, but her eyes flickered with uncertainty.

A million curses were racing through my mind!

I'm 5'10" with short hair and androgynous features.

But I'm definitely a woman!

Before bringing me back, couldn't they at least confirm my gender?

And this Ruth—I shouldn't have let her into my room this morning to bring milk.

I thought she was just being nice to me on my first day home. I didn't realize it was all a setup.

"You've really got it wrong. I couldn't possibly—"

"Enough!" Thomas cut me off sharply. "Stop making excuses! After doing something so vile, the law won't let you off!"

I looked up at the sky, feeling completely wronged.

"Are you all done yet?"

"You say I assaulted Ruth—where's the proof? Just because she ran out of my room this morning? I should report her for breaking into my room!"

My brother hesitated. Ruth immediately covered her face and sobbed:

"Carter, how long are you going to twist the truth? Are you trying to force me to kill myself?"

"This morning I came to the living room for water. You said you didn't know where the towels in your room were and asked me to help you find them. After I went in, you gave me a glass of drugged milk... When I woke up, you were on top of me..."