Every birthday since then, his curses echoed in my ears like a spell.
Tears streamed down my face, and my brother hurried home, took the keys, and opened the door.
Freya came out of the kitchen with a smile on her face, holding a dessert she had baked.
There was a light in her eyes when she saw my brother.
"Harry? What are you doing back? I haven't finished making this yet!"
The scent of cream filled every inch of the living room, and I couldn't stop trembling.
My fear of her had become a physiological response ingrained in my bones.
But my brother only frowned for a moment, and his gaze fell on the baking tray in her hands. He rushed towards her like an arrow.
"These things are too hot. They can pose great danger to you. Don't make these alone at home. If you want desserts, just send me a message, and I'll bring them back for you."
As he spoke, he presented the pastries he had just bought to Freya as if they were treasures.
I bit my teeth so hard that they almost broke.
"Why is he acting like a different person in front of Freya?
He even let her bake desserts in my parents' house and trample on my self-esteem." I wondered.
Although he spoke blaming words, his tone was full of concern and worry.
"Why didn't you reply to my messages? I thought you were mad at me for leaving early on your graduation ceremony."
"Why would I be? It must have been a major case for you. So, I won't be so ignorant to be mad at you."
Looking at Freya's charming smile, my brother felt relieved and said, "I almost forgot. You're not Molly."
Freya handed the dessert she had just baked to my brother, but this time, he didn't seem to take the dessert as a taboo.
He took a bite of the cake and didn't forget to compliment Freya.
Just as my brother finished eating a piece of bread, Captain Lewis called.
"You'd better come over. There's a package for you at the bureau with Molly's name on it and a birthday card wishing her a happy birthday."
Ever since my body was found in delivery boxes, all packages at the police station had to be opened in the presence of the task force.
As soon as my brother heard my name, his face turned cold, and he retorted sternly,
"Don't mention Molly to me. From the day we got the case until now, I haven't received any news from her. Now, she's sending me a package. Is it her ashes?"
A bitter smile appeared on my face.
"It's not ashes. It's the only clue I left behind." I said silently.