I Gave Up The Family Home I Could Never Return To Chapter 1

At my birthday party, my brother organized a game of "Never Have I Ever."

The winner would get to ask him for one favor, no strings attached.

Everyone at the party knew that I had been brought back to the Stone family three years ago, but I still hadn't been officially recognized or allowed to move into the main estate.

They all purposefully let me win, whispering that my brother was finally giving me a chance to come home.

Only the fake heiress, Wendy, fought me at every turn.

"My brother gives me fifty thousand dollars a month for allowance."

"He bid a million dollars on a diamond necklace just for me."

"I get to spend every holiday with the family, front and center."

"My name is officially written in the Stone family registry."

After her four sentences, I only had one finger left up.

She smiled sweetly and delivered the final blow.

"My brother organized this entire game tonight just to make me happy."

My heart hollowed out. I looked at my brother.

He was smiling at her with absolute adoration. Just like every single time over the last three years, he chose her side.

I admitted defeat and put down my last finger.

Suddenly, I realized I didn't really want to go home anymore.

…

A bizarre, heavy silence fell over the private room.

Everyone's eyes landed on me, waiting to see how I would react.

I simply smiled, picked up my shot glass, and downed the liquor in one go.

"I lose."

Someone couldn't handle the awkwardness and tried to smooth things over.

"Actually, didn't Wendy break the rules? Who brings up family drama in a drinking game?"

Wendy raised an eyebrow and shot the girl a glare.

"Why not? Isn't this how the game is played?"

She turned to my brother, her voice dripping with sugar.

"Vance, did I break the rules?"

My brother's eyes crinkled in helpless affection.

"You win."

"I set this game up to cheer you up anyway."

"What do you want? Name it."

Wendy shot me a provocative look.

"Then you have to take me shopping tomorrow. I want a new dress, and you have the best taste."

I set my empty glass down on the marble table.

I lowered my head, expertly avoiding Wendy's arrogant stare.

I had been practicing this exact act of yielding for three years. I was fluent in it.

It was so natural that even my brother didn't notice anything wrong with my mood.

He frowned slightly, looking a bit conflicted.

"But I promised Maya I'd help her move tomorrow."

My chest tightened.

For the three years since I was brought back to the city, I had been living in a small apartment in the suburbs, miles away from the Stone estate.

Last month, my brother asked me what I wanted for my birthday.

I told him I wanted to be officially recognized. I wanted my name in the family registry.

He had patted my head with a sigh.

"Pick something else. You know Wendy is really sensitive about that."

"I've been trying my best to talk her into it. Once she agrees, you can come home."

I had lowered my eyes, taking a step back as always.

"Then... can I at least move closer to the estate?"

"Where I am now is too far. It's inconvenient to go anywhere."

He had frowned, not agreeing immediately, only saying he would think about it.

I knew the truth. He had to go ask Wendy for permission.

This little princess had stolen my life and grown up surrounded by their unconditional love.

Even my own mother walked on eggshells around her, terrified of making her upset.

Sure enough, yesterday my brother told me Wendy had approved the move.

He had already found me an apartment downtown. Once my birthday passed, I could move in.

I had been overjoyed, begging him to come help me.

He had promised.

The dim, shifting lights of the private club washed over Wendy's face.

She scowled.

"Why does she have to move tomorrow? Can't she do it the day after? Or next week?"

Seeing her get upset, my brother immediately softened.

"There's no rush to buy a dress, right? We can go any other day."

"I want to go tomorrow! That dress is limited edition and it's going to sell out!"

Wendy raised her voice, making the atmosphere in the room even more unbearable.

With so many people watching, my brother's face darkened slightly.

A moment later, his lips parted. He was just about to say something.

But I spoke first.

"You guys go shopping tomorrow."

"I'm not moving anymore. Where I live right now is fine."

The moment the words left my mouth, my brother snapped his head toward me in absolute shock.