Chapter 5

Before I even entered the hospital room, I could hear Iris's joyful laughter.

"Liam, it's so adorable!"

I pushed the door open.

Liam froze, his mouth moving as if to say something.

My eyes swept past him, settling gently on Iris, who was clutching a plush toy on her bed.

The plushie was adorable, a mischievous little rabbit.

It looked a lot like the one Dad bought me.

"Iris, I came to see you." I placed the flowers in the glass vase by her bedside.

The atmosphere in the room instantly dropped.

"Skylar's here." Iris forced a weak smile.

I nodded, taking a seat on a nearby stool.

Liam stopped what he was doing and offered her a peeled apple.

For a moment, the three of us in the room were silent.

I looked at Liam.

"The hotel called. We need to finalize the wedding venue soon."

He nodded.

Iris, beside him, seemed to choke, coughing repeatedly.

Liam reacted quickly, patting her back and getting her water with practiced ease.

Another long silence.

"Iris, Liam, you're in for a treat today!"

Mom pushed the door open, her voice light, but the moment she saw me, her smile froze.

"What are you doing here? Haven't you caused your sister enough trouble already?"

She threw the lunchbox onto the table with a bang.

"Mom," I softly called out.

"Don't call me Mom. It's getting late, and Iris has her IV soon. She's not like you, spoiled rotten. If you have nothing important to do, you should leave now."

"Ma'am," Liam started, trying to interject.

"Liam, quick, help me open it! I'm starving," Iris said, laughing.

Liam's words of protest remained unsaid.

"Mom, I'll go then."

I numbly stood up. Just as I reached the door,

"Liam, yesterday was my birthday."

*Smack!*

The lid of the lunchbox was flung straight at me.

Liam rushed over with tissues, his face full of guilt.

Grease from the food smeared down my hair and onto my face.