Chapter 3

I had thought that as long as I didn't go to the Thompsons', Gary Thompson wouldn't set his sights on me.

But late that night, I overheard my parents and Jake talking.

And that's when I finally understood why, in my previous life, they had been so heartless, drugging me and delivering me to that old, ugly, disgusting Gary Thompson's bed.

My dad: "So, Gary Thompson wanted all that money just to buy himself a young new wife."

My mom: "No wonder he was asking for three hundred thousand dollars. He's truly selling his daughter, worse than an animal."

"Oh, my son, you should just give up on this. With our family's finances, where would we get three hundred thousand dollars?!"

My parents sighed, a heavy, desperate sound, repeatedly.

Jake remained silent for a while. Then,

His voice, lowered to a whisper, came through the wall.

"Mom, what if we married Daisy off to him? Then he wouldn't demand three hundred thousand for Brittany, would he? Daisy's so pretty, and she's even in college – Brittany's dad would be thrilled!"

"Nonsense! Daisy is your sister! How could she marry Gary Thompson, who's even older than me?!"

My dad's words held a hint of accusation towards Jake.

"What sister? She's just a stray you picked up, not your real daughter! You've raised her all these years; now it's time for her to repay you!"

"Mom, Dad, don't forget, I'm your real son. You'll be relying on me for your old age! Once Brittany and I are married, we'll give you beautiful grandkids to make you happy!"

My mom seemed to waver.

"But Daisy's grown up now, not a child. Will she agree?"

"Exactly. If she doesn't agree, are you just going to tie her up and take her there?"

"I'm telling you, forget it. Give up on marrying Brittany."

My dad poured cold water on Jake's idea.

"Mom, Dad, do you want to watch me die? If I can't marry Brittany, I won't live!"

"I'll be honest with you: Brittany's pregnant!"

"What? What did you say? Is that really true?!"

My parents almost simultaneously exclaimed to Jake, then quickly lowered their voices, realizing they were too loud.

"It's true!"

"Oh... then what should we do?"

Inside, I heard my dad start smoking.

"I know a type of sleeping pill. We just give it to Daisy, then take her to the Thompsons' and she won't be able to refuse."

"Don't worry too much about Daisy. There are so many of us; we can handle one girl, can't we?"

Then, a dead silence filled the room.

After a while, the three of them started talking again.

My parents and Jake had reached an agreement.

They were willing to sacrifice me for Jake's marriage.

Next, they quietly discussed the details of the plan.

I pressed my ear to the wall, listening carefully, remembering every single thing.

The next day, Jake called Brittany over, probably to tell her the plan.

She'd go home and inform her dad beforehand.

When Brittany came out, her eyes on me had changed.

I could tell she was subtly pleased that her wedding to Jake finally had a chance.

That day, Jake ran out and didn't come back until late afternoon, almost dinner time.

I knew he'd gone to get the knockout drops. I pretended to be my usual self, going about my day.

After dinner, my mom came into my room, bringing me a bowl of chicken soup.

She said I looked a bit thin lately and she'd specially made the soup to nourish me.

She urged me to drink it quickly, saying it would get cold.

I picked up the bowl and, right in front of her, drained it in one gulp.