Chapter 3: Love at First Gag

But—

Why is there a snake in the barn—ahhh!

A flash of movement caught my eye—a fat, angry snake slithering right into the path. My heart leapt into my throat. Oh hell, not now.

It shot out and bit my horse’s leg. The horse screamed and reared.

Everything went sideways. I barely had time to register the pain in my ankle before I was airborne, Daisy barking frantically.

Thrown off, I had one regret: If I’d known, I would’ve just kept my nose out of it. Zach only broke his leg in the book, but I might die here.

For a split second, I saw my life flash before my eyes—awkward school dances, late-night study sessions, and Zach’s smile. Not how I thought I’d go out.

At the last second, Zach rushed over and caught me.

He dove, arms outstretched, and we crashed to the ground together. Hay flew everywhere, and I landed in a tangle of limbs and laughter.

We rolled on the ground before stopping.

Daisy bounded over, licking my face, as Zach scrambled to his feet, worry etched all over his face.

Seeing him, hair full of hay, I was touched and almost laughed.

He looked so earnest, so determined to help, even with straw sticking out of his hair. I couldn’t help but smile through the pain.

“Sis, are you okay?” he asked, worried.

His voice shook, his hands hovering awkwardly over me, unsure where to touch.

“No…”

I tried to joke, but the pain in my ankle wiped the smile off my face.

Before I could finish, pain shot through my ankle.

A sharp, burning ache radiated up my leg, making me gasp. Daisy whimpered, pressing close.

I’d sprained it.

Doctor’s orders: no sports, no walking, bed rest for two whole weeks.

He wrapped my ankle tight and gave me a lecture about rest. I tried to argue, but even Daisy looked at me like I should listen.

At least Dad found out after this. He was furious and grounded my brothers. After that, nobody dared mess with Zach again.

Dad’s temper was legendary. The boys spent the next week doing chores and apologizing to Zach at every turn. Order restored, for now.

When Zach visited, I was arguing with the system.

The system’s voice buzzed in my head, nagging me about missed tasks and failed villain points. I was too tired to care.

I couldn’t keep playing the mean girl. If I got punished again, I’d die.

I glared at the blinking HUD, muttering threats I couldn’t keep. Daisy wagged her tail, as if to say, "Let it go."

The system, for once, was reasonable: If I played matchmaker and got the leads together, I could go home too.

A loophole, finally. I grabbed at it like a lifeline, even if it meant playing Cupid. Desperate times.

I agreed, then remembered: This was a tragedy novel—with 2,749 chapters. Are you kidding me?

I wanted to cry.

Two thousand, seven hundred, and forty-nine chapters. Who writes these things? My real life was less complicated than this plot.

Zach sat by my bed, looking worried. “Sis, does your ankle hurt? I’m sorry. If not for me, you wouldn’t be hurt.”

He perched on the edge of the mattress, hands twisting nervously. His concern was genuine, and it made my heart ache.

Honestly? It’s not my ankle that hurts. It’s my soul.

I flopped back dramatically, earning a small smile from Zach and a sympathetic lick from Daisy.

Over two thousand chapters—longer than my real life.

I stared at the ceiling, wondering if I’d ever see the end of it. Daisy curled up beside me, a warm, comforting weight.

He looked even more anxious.

His brows knit together, and he leaned forward, like he could fix everything if he just tried hard enough.

“Chest pain? That’s serious. I’ll get the doctor.”

He half-rose, panic in his eyes. I reached out, grabbing his sleeve before he could bolt.

I grabbed his hand. “No, I just need some air. Open the window?”

My voice was soft, almost pleading. He hesitated, then nodded, moving quickly to the window.

“Okay.”

The cold air rushed in, filling the room with the sharp scent of winter. Zach’s cheeks turned pink, and he avoided my eyes.