Chapter 1

When my parents sent me abroad, Oliver Lloyd was participating in the freshman basketball tournament at college.

My sister, Cristiana Lloyd, and my fiancée, Rylana Watson, were there and cheering him on.

That glory should have been mine.

The jersey with a star player's autograph he wore should have been my fourteenth birthday gift.

Oliver and I had been rivals for most of our lives. Whether I was right or wrong, my parents would unhesitatingly side with him and blame me, as long as he played the victim.

But I was their son.

It wasn't until I died alone overseas that I realized if I had another chance, I would never compete with Oliver for the biased love my parents had given him.

1

When I opened my eyes again, I was reborn at thirteen, on the day Oliver officially joined our family.

Oliver was the only son of my uncle. When his parents had a trip with him, they died in a car accident. Although Oliver survived, he became frail.

My father and my uncle were brothers. My father was afraid that Oliver would suffer in the care home, so he decided to adopt Oliver.

Oliver sat beside my mother, and his tone was full of joy. "Am I really going to have a family? They won't call me an orphan anymore, right?"

My mother lovingly patted his shoulder. "Yes. We're your parents from now on, and this is your home."

I stood on the stairs and coldly watched the harmonious scene downstairs until my father noticed me.

He frowned, and his face looked wary, as if he had already confirmed that I would make things difficult for Oliver. "What are you doing by standing there? Do you need me to invite you downstairs? Oliver is your younger brother. He's frail and has been through a lot, so you must be considerate of him. Don't let me catch you bullying him."

Hearing the same words as in my previous life, I felt my heart sink.

Oliver was frail, and I had to be considerate of him as his elder brother.

I had heard those words so often in my previous life that they became ingrained in my ears.

My parents had once loved me dearly, but after they adopted Oliver, they favored and loved him in every way.

Because of his pitiful experience and poor health, I had to be considerate of him in every aspect.

In the end, even the little love that was left for me was completely given to him.

But I was only half a month older than he was.

Moreover, Oliver was originally just my cousin, so why did my parents treat him as their son and fulfill his every request? Just because he was weak?

I still remembered that my parents didn't listen to a word of my explanation after Oliver schemed against me in my previous life. Instead, they rushed to comfort him.

In the end, under his accusations, my parents condemned me and sent me abroad. They said they didn't want to see me anymore.

They claimed that they had done their best for me and didn't have such a malicious son.

Perhaps because I was lost in my memories, I didn't respond to my father. So my mother began to scold me as well. "Caleb, be good. Stop bullying Oliver anymore."

A hint of smugness flashed in Oliver's eyes.

Seeing my silence, he pushed me further. "I won't go into your room anymore. Please don't hate me, Caleb."

Then I remembered that a few days ago he brazenly entered my room and smashed my collectible right in front of me.

When my parents showed up, he reverted to his fragile demeanor and cried. He pretended to want to return to the care home because I didn't like him.

My parents then scolded me without figuring out what had happened.

I let out a cold laugh and turned to go upstairs.

My mother called after me, but my father interrupted her. "Leave him be. Just make sure to protect Oliver so he doesn't get bullied. Caleb is not a little boy anymore, but he still doesn't understand us."

My hand paused on the banister, and then I calmly returned to my room.

Even though from the moment I was reborn, I decided to give up seeking my parents' love, my heart still felt pierced by my father's words.

2

I didn't pay attention to Oliver. Having been given a second chance, I didn't want to waste it on him.

As long as I studied hard, I could have the means to leave the family.

I wouldn't hinder the others from being a happy family.

While I was in my room working on my academic problems, there was a knock at the door, followed by Oliver's deliberately lowered voice outside. "Caleb, don't think you can solve everything by hiding in your room like a coward. Your parents will be mine sooner or later. Just wait and see how I kick you out."

Ignoring his arrogant remarks, I pretended to hear nothing.

After all, I had no interest in competing with him after I was reborn.

But soon, I heard Oliver crying outside the door. "Cristiana, is Caleb still mad at me? I brought him a drink, and he told me to get lost." I shouldn't have touched his collectible... I know I'm not worthy. Maybe I should just go back to the care home. You've all been so good to me, and I'll repay you in the future. I hope once I'm gone, Caleb can forgive me."

My mother rushed over to comfort him. "It's not your fault. Caleb is spoiled by us."

Cristiana chimed in. "Caleb just has a bad temper. I'll teach him a lesson for you later. You're part of our family now, so don't say things that will make us sad."

I was annoyed by the noise and opened the door. "Can you stop being so overly dramatic outside my room?"

Oliver apologized frantically, saying, "Caleb, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I'll pack up and go back to the care home right away. Please don't be mad at me; it's all my fault."

Cristiana frowned and scolded me. "Caleb, your temper is really getting worse. It's just a collectible. Why didn't you let go of it?"

My mother also looked at me. "Enough, Caleb. Even if you're upset, don't go so far. Besides, the collectible was broken by you, not Oliver."

I gripped the door handle tightly. "I'll say it again. The collectible was broken by him, not me."

My father came up the stairs and loudly scolded me. "Caleb, don't blame everything on Oliver. Everyone should take responsibility for their own actions. What benefit does Oliver have in lying to us? Don't think you can bully him just because he's easy to pick on. Oliver is your younger brother now, so stop showing that attitude. I didn't pursue it before to save your face. Now apologize to Oliver immediately!"

I looked at my parents siding with Oliver and Cristiana comforting Oliver. They looked like the real family of four, and I seemed to be just an outsider.

It was absurd. My parents didn't trust me. Instead, they believed someone else. They didn't defend me. Instead, they aggressively forced me to apologize to Oliver, who framed me.

Even Cristiana, who had always doted on me, had become Oliver's sister.

I caught a glimpse of Oliver's slightly upturned lips and refused to listen to my father's reprimands any longer. I slammed the door shut and ignored his calls for me to apologize.

I leaned against the door and tried to calm myself while faintly hearing them comforting Oliver outside.

It was the same as that in my previous life.

Even though I wasn't making things difficult for Oliver like before, my parents and my sister still believed I was bullying him.

As long as he shed a few tears, his wrongs would become mine.

How ridiculous it was!

3

It was my fourteenth birthday.

The gift my parents prepared for me was a jersey with my favorite football player's autograph.

They always knew I was a fan and wanted an autographed item from my idol.

Yet, I felt no joy as I stared blankly at the jersey.

"Caleb, we haven't neglected you. We still love you," my mother said gently. "But you also need to be good to Oliver and control your temper. Okay?"

My father took the opportunity to persuade me. "Look, we went through a lot to get you the autograph. We just hope you'll understand us and take good care of Oliver. You're his elder brother and must be good to him."

I noticed a flash of envy in Oliver's eyes. Then he seemed to long for it as he gazed at the jersey in my hands. "Does Caleb like this player too? I like him as well. But unfortunately, we couldn't afford such things as my family was poor before. Can I touch it? I promise I won't ruin it. Caleb is so lucky. Mom and Dad love you so much."

My parents were immediately filled with sympathy for Oliver. Just as in my previous life, my father took away the jersey, and gave it to Oliver.

He said firmly, "Since Oliver likes it, you should give it to him. You haven't forgotten what I told you about being good to Oliver, right?"

Oliver clutched the jersey and asked excitedly, "Really? Do you really give it to me? I'm so happy, Mom."

My mother patted his head gently. "Why not? We're all family, after all. Whatever belongs to Caleb is yours too; you are brothers."

Just like in my previous life, Oliver took the jersey from me. My parents promised to compensate me with a better gift, but I never saw it.

When I insisted on arguing with Oliver, I was scolded by my parents. They said I wasn't as sensible as Oliver.

But why? He only said a couple of insincere words, and my gift became his. They urged me to be broad-minded. He was not even my real brother. Why should I give my gift to him?

Even though I knew the answer, I couldn't help but ask, "Whose birthday is it anyway, mine or his? Why is the gift for him?"

My father was furious. He pointed at me and scolded me. "You're becoming more selfish as you grow older. We're family, so there's no need to make a fuss over it. Have you ever been short of gifts? All you talk about is the gift. Don't you know how hard we work to make money? You've been spoiled too much."

I was disappointed and nodded silently before going upstairs.

Behind me, I heard Oliver's faint sobs, and my parents were busy comforting him. Even Cristiana took out the birthday gift meant for me and handed it to Oliver.

But it was supposed to be my birthday that day.

Half a month later, my father rented out an entire arcade for Oliver so that he could invite his classmates to celebrate his birthday.

Just because Oliver mentioned that he wanted to hang out there with his friends.

My father generously booked a five-star hotel for dinner, and I heard it was lavish with a three-tier cake.

As their son, I wasn't even on the guest list.

They only gave me twenty bucks to sort out my dinner because they feared that I might cause a scene at Oliver's party, which would be ugly.

They didn't even bring me a piece of cake.

I ate the leftover lunch at home alone.

I didn't complain or quarrel with them, just quietly stayed in my room, reading and preparing for the day I'd leave the family.

4

When the midterm exam results came out, I achieved first place, as I had hoped.

The school also scheduled a parent-teacher meeting.

As soon as I got home, I heard Oliver's dejected voice. "Mom, I'm so stupid. I can't even catch up with Caleb. Will you abandon me? But I really can't learn well... I'm too dumb, not worthy of being your son."

My father comforted him. "It's okay. Scores aren't everything. Besides, you know Caleb's grades. He has never worked hard. He might have cheated to achieve that."

My mother echoed, "That's right, Oliver. You're doing just fine. Don't overwork yourself with academic learning. Your health can't take such strain."

They claimed to love me, but they undermined my achievements to comfort Oliver.

If they weren't my parents, I'd have to commend them for being such indulgent parents.

I stood at the door with a sarcastic smile.

Oliver finally broke into a smile. "You are so good to me. I don't have to worry about going back to the care home."

My mother tenderly pulled him into her arms. "Of course not. You'll always be part of our family.

I will support you, so don't worry." Cristiana assured him while puffing out her chest.

Oliver smiled shyly and looked hopefully at our parents. "Can you both come to my parent-teacher meeting?"

"Of course, we'll both be there," my father said.

Only then did Oliver seem to notice me. He called out, "Caleb."

The atmosphere in the living room turned cold instantly.

I pretended not to hear it and walked straight into the living room. "The school is holding a parent-teacher meeting. Who's going to mine?"

My mother hesitated and said apologetically, "Caleb, your dad and I are going to Oliver's meeting. As for yours..."

I interrupted her without hesitation and asked while tilting my head up, "Is it necessary for both of you to attend his meeting?"

"Why are you being so unreasonable? You know Oliver's health condition, and the doctor said he needs to be well taken care of. As his elder brother, why can't you be considerate? Why do you have to argue about this?"

I knew the result would be the same as in my previous life, but I still clung to hope. But it just ended up being embarrassing.

I went back to my room and ignored the insults behind me.

And my heart grew colder.

5

My fifteenth birthday arrived.

When I returned home from school, the house was empty and quiet.

As soon as I took out my phone from my room, a call from my mother popped up. It was a bit noisy on her end. "Caleb, your dad and I are working overtime. We can't celebrate your birthday this year. Oliver and Cristiana are here with us. I sent you a digital cash gift to your phone. Make sure to collect it and grab something to eat. We won't be coming home tonight, so don't wait for us."

I heard Oliver shout "Mom!" loudly, and she hurriedly hung up.

I swiped my phone screen and saw the digital cash gift she sent me. I smirked and didn't bother to collect it.

It wouldn't exceed 200 bucks, so what was the point?

As I finished cooking instant noodles and was about to start my academic learning, I suddenly saw Oliver's post on social media.

I had forgotten about that. In my previous life, it was the same on my birthday as today. A fairly famous singer was holding a concert in the neighboring city. When Oliver mentioned he wanted to go, my parents took him and Cristiana there without hesitation.

It wasn't until later that my mother remembered it was my birthday. So she sent me 200 bucks. She even lied that he and my father were working overtime.

The next day, I saw Oliver's social media post. When they returned, I made a fuss.

Oliver cried and said that he wanted to go back to the care home. My father made me bow my head and apologize to him.

Snapping back from my memories, I clicked his social media post.

Oliver was holding a shining stick and flashed a big peace sign at the camera.

There was also a family photo of the four of them at the concert.

That was right. The four of them, without me.

Each of them was laughing happily.

My mother said she and my father were working overtime and couldn't celebrate my birthday. She sent a digital cash gift capped at 200 bucks.

Yet, they took Oliver to a concert on my birthday without me. They even lied about it.

It was the same in my both lives.

It suddenly made me feel sick.

6

Time flew by, and I successfully got into the best high school in my city. I applied for boarding as I had expected.

To avoid Oliver, I didn't even go home on holidays but worked on part-time jobs like handing out flyers to earn pocket money.

But with the summer vacation, I had no reason not to return home, so I packed my belongings and went home.

It seemed that in the half-year I was away, the four of them had grown closer.

They were more like a family than when I was home.

When I arrived home, no one was in the living room. I didn't mind and headed straight upstairs with my suitcase.

As I opened the door to my room, what greeted me was not the familiar space I used to stay in.

My bed and my desk were gone, replaced by several expensive computers and gaming chairs, with a white screen for movie projections.

Oliver heard the noise, took off his headphones, and raised his eyebrows smugly when he saw me. "Well, Caleb, you finally came back. Did you see? Your room has been changed by Mom and Dad into my gaming den. Sometimes, the whole family watches movies here. As I told you, I'd drive you out of the family. This is just the first step."

I slammed the door open with a bang and looked at him coldly.

He curled his lips, sat on the floor, and looked up at me.

"This place is no longer your home."

I was about to retaliate out of anger when he suddenly started crying loudly. "Caleb, please don't make me leave..."

Cristiana rushed in after she heard the noise. She pushed me aside to crouch next to Oliver. "Oliver, what's wrong? Who bullied you?"

Oliver leaned onto Cristian's shoulder and said with his eyes red, "It's all my fault. I just wanted to play games to relax... Don't quarrel because of me. Families should get along peacefully. Caleb hasn't been home for half a year; he must miss Mom and Dad. If he minds, I can leave. After all, I should have been independent at my age."

With that, Oliver coughed a few times and swayed as if he might faint at any moment.

Cristiana immediately supported him and yelled at me, "Caleb, do you have to make the house a mess? You come back and upset Oliver right away. You're such a bad luck charm." When you're home, everyone feels uneasy. Oliver owes you nothing. He even speaks well of you. And what do you do? You walk in and try to kick him out. Are you even human?"