Family First? Nah. Revenge First. Welcome to My Heatwave Trap! Chapter 02

Family First? Nah. Revenge First. Welcome to My Heatwave Trap! Chapter 02

Until this time, I had bought my own place.

Somehow they found out. Mom called, crying that Ryan had gotten into trouble and needed to crash at my apartment for a few days to hide from debt collectors.

At first, I refused.

Then they sent photos of Ryan with his leg broken by the debt collectors.

He was still my brother. If he was really in danger, I couldn’t just abandon him.

I sent them the address and told them Ryan could stay for a few days.

I never expected it to be another lie against me.

The next day, not only Ryan showed up—Mom, Dad, Brooke, and Tyler came too.

His leg wasn’t even hurt. They had come to take over my home.

They moved in, devoured all the food I had stocked, and eventually forced me out into the deadly heat.

I remembered how thirsty and hot I was. I knelt at the front door, begging them to let me in, asking them to remember all the good I had done for them.

All I got in return was their cold laughter.

Ryan sneered, “What do you mean you did stuff for me? You’re supposed to do that, you worthless girl. Mom and Dad always said everything of yours is mine.”

Dad grunted, “I regret not marrying you off earlier for a fat dowry. What a waste.”

Brooke laughed, “At least when she dies, the apartment becomes ours.”

“Emily Harper, just go ahead and die already.”

I closed my eyes in their mocking laughter, full of resentment.

The memory brought that suffocating thirst rushing back up my throat. I quickly downed another glass of water and finally started to feel better.

Mom stayed quiet on the line for a moment, then asked softly, “Emily, are you still there?”

I curled my lips into a cold smile. “Yeah, I’m listening.”

“So can you let Ryan stay at your new place for a few days to lie low?”

My smile grew sharper.

“Mom, did Ryan really get into debt?”

She paused, then continued, “Of course it’s real, Emily. You know how trusting your brother is. His business partner tricked him.”

“You’re his big sister. You can’t just abandon him.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but Dad’s furious shouting cut me off.

“Emily Harper, if you dare to be so heartless and ignore your own brother, we’ll show up at your company again.”

“Let everyone see what kind of sister you are—won’t even help your own sibling!”

“I should’ve drowned you in the toilet when you were born…”

His words killed the last trace of feeling I had left for them.

In that moment, the Emily who still craved their love died completely.

I heard my own voice say calmly, “Mom, Dad, Ryan is my brother. Of course I’ll help him.”

“I’ll send you the address in a bit.”

“Actually, why don’t you all come—Mom, Dad, Brooke, and Tyler? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I’ve missed you guys.”

Mom sounded shocked and delighted. “I knew you still cared about us, Emily!”

“Great, we’ll all come tomorrow. Don’t you dare complain about us crowding you.”

I swallowed the burning hatred in my chest.

“I won’t mind at all.”

My dear mother, how could I possibly mind?

I couldn’t wait for all of you to come and walk right into death.