"What do you mean?"
I sneered, picking up the fruit knife from the table and lowering my voice.
"First, give me back my wages. Second, I want a written guarantee stating clearly that the debt is yours—it has nothing to do with me. Third, I'm moving out tomorrow. Whatever happens after, I won't come looking for you. Just pretend I don't exist."
"Otherwise, I'll go out and do something stupid, and Ryan won't pass his background check. Ever."
"If you won't let me live in peace, none of us will."
They clearly didn't expect me—the girl who only ever cried and caved—to suddenly snap. Ryan shot to his feet, then looked at Dad in panic.
Dad was shocked and furious. He reached out to hit me. "You're rebelling!"
I'd seen truly ruthless people inside. I knew he was all bark and no bite. I pointed the knife at him.
"Take one more step. Find out if I dare."
He froze. Mom clutched her phone, voice trembling. "Fine, fine! It's just a few thousand dollars. I'll transfer it now, okay?"
"Ungrateful wretch. Your brother making something of himself benefits the whole family! Don't come crying to us later!"
Making something of himself? You already destroyed your precious son's chances yourselves.
I kept my guard up. "The written guarantee too. Write it. Now."
When it was done, Mom and Dad's eyes burned with hatred.
I tucked the paper carefully into my pocket, turned, and walked toward the door.
I only made it a few steps before sharp pain exploded at the back of my skull.
I spun around. Ryan stood there holding a vase, his face twisted.
"We can't let her go. Words mean nothing—she's already had this idea. She'll sabotage me!"
"I worked so hard for this exam. I'm one step away! If she ruins it, I'd rather die!"
I struggled to run, but Dad reacted instantly, slamming me to the ground.
My face smashed into the floor. The bridge of my nose felt shattered. Blood dripped onto the tile.
"He's right! This damn girl stays under our roof until it's over."
"Once results are out, we throw her out. Wherever she dies is her problem."
They dragged me by my hair. My vision went black.
When I woke, I was in the basement. My phone was gone.
At mealtimes, the door cracked open. I gathered every ounce of strength and rushed it.
But Ryan was ready. He shoved me hard. I hit the ground and my ankle twisted—the pain was blinding.
He tossed several steamed buns and a water bottle at my feet.
"Still alive? Gone crazy from jealousy?"
"Relax. Once I'm in, I'll let you out. Be smart and disappear. My record can't have a stain like you."
I lifted my head and smiled.
I couldn't wait to see that stupid face when he learned the truth.
I lost track of how many days I spent in that basement. The wounds on my foot and head had gone numb. The fever burned so hot even my bones ached.
As long as Ryan saw I was still breathing, he didn't care. I forced myself to hold on, fighting to stay conscious.
Finally, I got what I'd been waiting for.
The house had thin walls. The phone's ring was crystal clear.
Ryan's voice trembled with excitement. "Yes, yes—I'm Ryan Gilbert. The review results are out?"
A long silence. Over a minute.
His tone plummeted.
