Chapter 4%
up to the sharp smell of disinfectant and the steady beep of hospital machines. My whole body felt like it had been broken apart and pieced back together wrong. Every movement sent aches screaming through my muscles.}
When I tried to sit up, a raw, burning pain lanced across my shoulder. I bit my lip to keep from crying out.
Looking down, I saw bruises blooming purple and blue across my arms, and angry red burns along my collarbone. A neat white bandage wrapped around my thigh, and a dull throb pulsed underneath it.
The door creaked open and a nurse peeked in, offering a warm, professional smile.
“You’re awake, Miss,” she said gently. “Please don’t move too much yet. You need rest.“}
I nodded stiffly, my throat too dry to respond.}
She bustled around for a moment, checking my IV and jotting notes onto a clipboard. Before she left, she paused by the small table near the window.
“Oh, someone left food for you,” she said. “You should try to eat when you feel up to it.”
I turned my head.
There, on the table, was a greasy takeout bag from a fast–food place. It wasn’t even opened, much less plated or prepared properly. Just dumped there like an afterthought.
Not even a glass of water. The sight made something cold and hollow bloom in my chest.
“Where’s Cameron?” I croaked out.
The nurse tucked her pen behind her ear and said casually, “In the next room. He’s with the other patient.“}
Katie. Of course.
The nurse left, leaving the door slightly ajar. And despite knowing it would hurt–physically and emotionally–I pushed myself out of bed.
Every step was a battle. My legs trembled under me. But still, I forced myself down the hallway.
When I reached the room next door, I peered inside–and my stomach twisted.}
‘s bedsid
Cameron was sitting by Katie’s bedside, a gentle smile on his face. He was feeding her carefully, each spoonful something homemade. Real food–her favorites. Steamed dumplings, creamy pasta, roasted vegetables–all beautifully plated, just like he used to do for me when he still pretended to care.
Katie’s eyes shone with happiness.
“You’re the best cook ever, Cameron!” she giggled, her cheeks flushed. “No one can beat you.“}]
He laughed softly. “You’re just saying that to flatter me.“}
“I mean it!” Katie beamed, reaching out to grab his hand playfully.
And then–another gut punch. My father was there too, standing near the window, chatting with them, smiling.
My father. The same man who hadn’t even bothered to check if his real daughter was alive after being trampled in a grocery store.
! stood there like a ghost, unseen, unimportant.
Hours passed. Days. Katie was discharged with fanfare–balloons, flowers, gifts. Everyone celebrated like it was her birthday. No one mentioned me. No one offered to pick me up.
So, I signed my own discharge papers. Called my own taxi.
Hauled my bruised, battered body back to the house alone. When I opened the front door, laughter and chatter spilled into the hallway.
Katie was in the living room, surrounded by mountains of beautifully wrapped presents. Boxes piled high, glittering with expensive ribbons.
She twirled around, hugging a giant teddy bear.”
“Can you believe it, Cameron?” she squealed. “Young Master Brown actually favors me! Me! I haven’t even met him yet, but he sent all of this!”
I froze in the doorway.
I knew better. There was no Young Master Brown.
It was Cameron. It was always Cameron. He was just hiding behind the name–creating fairy tales for Katie.
As I stepped inside, Katie spotted me.
Her smile faltered–but only for a second.}
“Oh, Sister!” she cried, skipping toward me. “You’re home! How are you feeling?”
Before I could step back, she reached for my arm, trying to touch me.
I flinched instinctively and pulled away.”
“I’m fine,” I said coldly. “Have fun.”
And with that, I turned and climbed the stairs, leaving her pouting behind me.
Of course, Cameron was there in a heartbeat, comforting her as if I had slapped her.
I didn’t care anymore. Not one bit.
Instead, I went straight to my room. Pulled out my suitcases. Started packing.@
12:15 PM ·
Of course, Cameron was there in a heartbeat, comforting her as if I had slapped her!
I didn’t care anymore. Not one bit
Instead, I went straight to my room. Pulled out my suitcases, Started packing %
I couldn’t stay here any longer. Every second under this roof was another crack in whatever was left of my soul
I was folding my clothes, trying to steady my hands, when there was a knock at the door
Before I could answer, Kalle barged in carrying a tray.
“I brought you soup,” she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. “Cameron made it just for you! You should eat while it’s hot!*%
I barely spared her a glance. “Leave me alone.“#
But she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She pushed the tray closer, stepping into my space.%
“I’ll feed you if you want,” she said brightly. “I just want us to be close, Sister=”
I pushed the tray back.
“Get out,” I said, my voice low and tired.
But Kalie only smiled sweetly and stepped forward and in a deliberate, calculated move, she tilted the tray, sending the steaming bowl of soup spilling across my arm.
Pain exploded instantly. I screamed, stumbling back from the scalding heat burning my skin raw.
Katie gasped theatrically, letting the tray clatter noisily to the floor. She clutched her own hand–barely touched by the splash of soup–and screwed up her face, forcing out fake, pitiful tears.
The door slammed open.
Cameron burst in, panic flashing across his face. He took one glance at the scene and without hesitation, shoved me roughly aside. Thit the dresser hard, the edge jamming painfully into my ribs. I gasped, the breath knocked out of me.
But Cameron didn’t even look at me.
He was already kneeling in front of Katie, frantic, treating her like she was made of glass.
“Are you hurt?!” he demanded, his hands trembling as he grabbed hers.
Katie whimpered, her voice small and innocent. “I didn’t mean to! It slipped… I’m sorry, Cameron…”
“It’s okay,” he whispered, brushing her hair back, his touch so gentle it made my chest ache. “Don’t cry. It’s not your fault. Let’s get you to the hospital, just to be sure,”
Without sparing even a glance at me–Without seeing the burns blooming angry and red across my skin… Cameron scooped Katie into his arms and rushed out of the room.
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