South Condola, the Dobbs family estate. "Valery, are you sure you want to come live with me?" The call came from Italy. Valery gripped her phone tightly and turned her gaze toward the window. Today was Bryce’s engagement day. The Dobbs family estate was alive with celebration. Fireworks burst in the sky as everyone rejoiced in his happiness. "Yes, Grandma. You’re getting older, and I can’t stop worrying about you. Besides, my brother is getting married. I can’t keep depending on him forever." The word "brother" carried the weight of unspoken bitterness in Valery’s heart. But she had no other choice. Her parents had perished in a car accident when she was just a child. While others stood by and sneered, Bryce had reached out and taken her hand, pleading with their parents. "I want her to be my sister." Mr. Dobbs, who cherished Bryce above all else, decided to take Valery in and protect her like his own. From that day forward, Valery carried the Dobbs surname and grew up by Bryce's side. He told her stories when she was scared, stood up for her whenever she was bullied, and gave her a childhood filled with warmth. Bryce was the source of all her happiest memories. But now, everything had changed. "Alright, alright," her grandmother replied warmly. "It’s good that you’re thinking this way, Valery. I’ll wait for you here. And make sure to let your brother know." The call ended. Outside the window, drones lit up the sky, forming the silhouette of tonight’s protagonists—Bryce and Hanna. The two leaned into each other with blissful smiles, a sight so piercing that it made tears stream down Valery’s face. She remembered the first time she had seen a drone show. Bryce had orchestrated it to cheer her up, and that night, the Dobbs family drones had painted the sky for hours. It was a declaration to the world of how cherished this so-called adopted daughter was. Tonight, the drones would perform once more, but this time, she was no longer the star. The joy outside, intertwined with the cheers of the crowd, filled the air. Valery’s phone slipped from her grasp and thudded to the floor. She wiped away her tears, as if trying to erase the scars that shouldn’t exist. On such a perfect night, Bryce hadn’t sought her out. Perhaps he feared she would ruin the day. After all, on her eighteenth birthday, she had lost control and confessed her feelings to him, only to be met with harsh rejection. "Valery," he said, his tone cold. "We grew up together. I think of you as my sister. I can’t believe you’d have such thoughts—it’s disgusting." The word "disgusting" had struck her like a dagger, making her tremble and driving her to the brink of madness. Gripping Bryce’s shoulders tightly, she demanded, "I’m only three years younger than you! You’ve treated me so well all my life—don’t you feel anything for me?" She searched his face desperately for a hint of emotion, but all she found was disdain. Bryce didn’t love her. Her confession only made him despise her. Defeated, Valery let go of his shoulders, her tears falling uncontrollably. "Why?" she whispered. "Valery, have you had enough?" His voice was icy. "I’ve told you before—I’m your brother, and that’s all I’ll ever be. I don’t want to hear this again." With that, Bryce had walked away, leaving her standing under the shower for the rest of the night. She tried to wash away her feelings and come to terms with reality. But the more clearly she saw the truth, the more it hurt. She loved him—loved him so much it was driving her mad. Now, two years had passed. Bryce was getting married, a move that would finally extinguish any lingering hope she had. He hadn’t even allowed her to attend his engagement party. Valery had spent the entire night crying in a dark corner. Outside, the festivities continued, the air filled with blessings and laughter. But who could hear her silent screams? How ironic. The next morning. "Miss, breakfast is ready," a maid called. When the maid entered the room, she found Valery burning with fever, her body flushed red. Her temperature had soared to the point of delirium. "Miss, are you okay?"