That afternoon, I was collecting my laundry from the balcony.

Sean walked over, a malicious smile spreading across his face.

“Miles, you really have no shame, do you? Everyone hates you, yet you still have the nerve to stay here?”

I ignored him and turned to leave.

Before I could, he grabbed my wrist and leaned close to my ear. His voice was like a devil's whisper.

“You probably don’t know this, but Vera has never forgotten you all these years. Her phone is still full of pictures of the two of you.”

A flicker of surprise crossed my mind. Then, he continued.

“I hate you so much, Miles. Why don't you just die?!”

Suddenly, Sean yanked me hard.

However, he did not expect to lose his own balance as well.

The two of us crashed to the ground.

My body lurched forward, and half of me tipped over the balcony railing.

The wind howled around me as my feet dangled in the air. One wrong move, and I would plunge to my death.

Sean panicked immediately and screamed in terror, “Help! Miles’s trying to push me!”

Everyone inside rushed out as though they had gone mad.

The three of them ran straight toward him. Not one of them looked at me, even though I was the one hanging over the edge.

They crowded around Sean, their voices shaking with fear.

“Sean!”

Vera pulled him tightly into her arms. Her eyes were filled with relief and concern.

Our mother looked at him, tears already gathering in her eyes.

Our father pointed at me furiously.

“Miles, you vicious little b*stard! What will it take for you to leave him alone?!”

Half my body was still hanging off the balcony. The wind stung my eyes. My arm felt like it was about to be torn from its socket.

Summoning every last bit of strength, I called out, “Vera...”

At last, she turned to look at me.

For a brief moment, hesitation flashed across her face. She started to reach for me, but my mother slapped her hand away.

“Vera, if he’s capable of something as horrible as murder, then let him stay there and think about what he’s done!”

Vera hesitated for a moment. Then, she slowly withdrew the hand she had reached out to me.

Even though I expected this outcome, my eyes still burned, and my heart still stung.

I looked at the four of them, so perfectly united on the same side against me. Suddenly, I let it all go.

“Maybe it'll take my death for you to finally believe me.”

I released my grip and let myself fall.