The Price of a Birthday: A Five-Year HellChapter 1

On the day of my birthday, after I stormed out in anger, my brother went looking for me—only to be kidnapped and murdered.

All that was left was a bloodstained suicide note.

I refused to believe he was dead. I plunged headfirst into the dark world of human trafficking.

I survived brutal beatings and unimaginable torture, barely clinging to life.

I scoured every red-light district and remote mountain village, rescuing countless trafficked victims, but I never found Liam’s shadow.

Five years later, my body was covered in scars, and I couldn't search anymore.

But just as I was about to collapse from starvation, I saw him holding a cake, celebrating our adopted sister's birthday with the rest of the family.

My adopted sister, Chloe, cheered with delight:

"Thank you, Liam! You're the best!"

"Because Maya refused to share her birthday with me five years ago, you punished her for five whole years. But today, I’ve decided to forgive her!"

My brother smiled and praised her:

"Chloe is so kind. Your birthdays are only a day apart; what's the big deal about celebrating early together?"

"But after this, she should have learned her lesson. She'll even thank you for bringing me back."

"But... is Maya going to be okay out there all by herself?"

"Don't worry, I pulled some strings. She's just going through a little hardship. When she comes back, we'll throw her a solo birthday party. It's her only wish; she'll be thrilled."

My empty stomach cramped with hunger, and the scar where my kidney had been removed throbbed with a dull ache.

They didn't know I was a "System Traveler," and I still had one wish remaining in my balance.

[System: Host, are you sure you want to use this wish?]

My voice was hoarse:

"I'm sure. Let Liam and Chloe's lie become reality."

* * *

[Ding~ Granting wish...]

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the family looked like the picture of happiness. But soon, my brother Liam received a phone call.

"Yes, I'm Liam."

"What do you mean, 'your husband'? I'm not married! Who is this scammer?"

I knew the wish had started to take effect.

He hung up the phone impatiently and smiled, reassuring Chloe:

"It's nothing, just a spam call. But it reminded me, I should check in on Maya."

He dialed his phone while handing Chloe a slice of cake.

"Is Maya still looking for me?"

"Find a way to let her know I've been rescued. A five-year punishment is enough; it's time she came home..."

He wore a relaxed smile, but the moment he turned his head and saw me, his entire body froze.

Standing outside the window, I forced a mocking smile through my cracked lips.

The joyous atmosphere inside shattered as my brother and the rest of the family rushed out.

"Maya! What happened to your hand?!"

Liam's hands trembled as he grasped my left arm—it was nothing but a twisted stump.

It was the price I paid to rescue a boy who looked just like him. The villagers had hacked it off.

My mother supported me, her face pale with disbelief as she sobbed hysterically:

"Call an ambulance! Maya, Maya, stay awake!"

My body had reached its absolute limit. I completely lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I heard a doctor asking in surprise:

"Is this the young girl you rescued? She's severely dehydrated and malnourished; her body is failing on multiple fronts."

Liam’s lips moved, but no sound came out.

The doctor explained the treatment plan, using Chloe as a comparison:

"Take this young lady, for example. You can tell she's well-nourished and comes from a wealthy family."

"This poor girl's digestive system is incredibly fragile. She's starved for too long. We can't just give her rich food; her body can't handle it..."

I offered a silent, bitter smile.

It was true. Chloe had been raised in the lap of luxury.

Five years ago, the moment Liam got home from work, Chloe had begged him to cook a lavish dinner.

I had scolded her for being so demanding, mimicking how my parents used to discipline me.

But Liam instantly frowned in displeasure:

"Maya, who do you think you are? Chloe has a poor appetite. It's a good thing she's willing to eat my cooking!"

He then casually informed me:

"Tomorrow is Chloe's birthday. We're celebrating yours together to save time."

I just glared at Chloe.

The next day, she cried secretly on her birthday, which resulted in my birthday privileges being revoked for ten years.

I left in a fit of rage on my birthday.

I never expected that my mother would arrive, smash my cake on the ground, and tell me that Liam had been kidnapped and murdered while searching for me.

From that moment on, my entire family had orchestrated a massive lie against me.

Just moments ago, looking through that window, I heard them refer to my five years of living hell as an "educational method."

A burning pain pierced my heart.

I forced myself off the hospital bed, intending to leave.

Liam rushed to hold me back:

"Maya, lie down! Your body is too weak..."

I looked up at him, my expression devoid of emotion:

"Didn't you always say I need to be strong even when I'm sick? I can manage."

I saw the tears in my family's eyes. They choked back sobs and said:

"You've been incredibly strong. Thanks to Chloe, we finally found your brother. You can rest now."

Liam grasped my hand, his eyes welling with tears:

"Tomorrow is your birthday. We'll throw a party just for you, okay?"

I didn't say a word, just gave a slight nod.

After tomorrow, everything would become a reality anyway.

There was no rush.

Through the crowd, I caught Chloe's venomous glare.