Chapter 3

Because from now on, Julian would only be my brother-in-law.

I don't know how much time passed, but I finally unclenched my hands, covered in nail marks, and saw Julian, fully dressed, walk up to me.

“Did you see clearly? My heart only belongs to your sister. Remember your place. I am your brother-in-law. Don't ever do those shameless things again!”

My face was devoid of any expression.

“I saw clearly, and I understand.”

Julian paused, seemingly surprised by my calmness.

A moment later, he picked up an invitation from the bedside table and handed it to me. "Celeste's and my wedding is next month. I hope you can come."

I took the invitation. "I'll be there on time. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness."

Julian stared at my face, his brows slightly furrowed.

For some reason, I was unusually compliant today.

But he didn't ask anything. He took Celeste's hand and left the hotel. I followed behind, my steps heavy.

My head was down, my mind in a daze, when I heard a scream nearby.

The next second, the giant overhead light fixture crashed down.

Julian instinctively shielded Celeste, stepping back, perfectly avoiding it.

I was left standing alone, struck by the falling fixture, covered in blood, collapsing to the ground.

Waves of pain surged over me like a tide, tearing at my nerves, making me tremble uncontrollably in the pool of blood.

Large tears welled up, blurring my vision. I watched him shielding Celeste, and then I closed my eyes.

The boy whose heart was once only for me was never coming back.

And I, I could finally truly let go.

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a hospital.

A nurse was changing my dressing. Seeing me awake, she let out a sigh of relief.

“You were unconscious for two days. Glad you're finally awake. How do you feel? Your sister fainted from shock the day she brought you here. Your parents and brother-in-law are in the next room taking care of her. Should I call them over?”

At her words, my eyelashes fluttered. I shook my head.

“No need. They wouldn't want to see me, and I don't want to see them either.”

A flicker of pity crossed the nurse's eyes before she turned and left the room.

“Oh, they're biological sisters, but the younger one was hemorrhaging badly and ended up in the ICU. Yet her family didn't even ask about her, only fussing over the 'shocked' older sister. They haven't visited even once in two days.”

“I heard her brother-in-law is the CEO of Sterling Group. It's normal for a sister marrying into a wealthy family to neglect her sibling, I guess. But her brother-in-law is really devoted, isn't he? He's been with her sister constantly, personally feeding her medicine and porridge, and he even hired a retired psychologist to help her with her emotional distress. Gifts to cheer her up are constantly being delivered to the room…”

Their hushed comments clearly reached my ears.

But I remained expressionless the whole time.

I was already used to such situations.

In the afternoon, the doctor called me for a follow-up check-up. With no one to accompany me, I had to force my weakened body out of bed on my own.

As I passed the next room, I saw my parents and Julian all gathered around Celeste, showering her with concern.

Mr. Henderson was tucking Celeste in, Mrs. Henderson was peeling grapes and feeding them to her.

Celeste's face broke into a sweet smile, her voice deliberately娇娇 (soft and娇弱 - delicate).

“Dad, Mom, you've been taking care of me all these days and haven't checked on Aria. I'm full now, so why don't you take the rest of this fish soup to her? She was so badly hurt; she definitely needs some nourishment.”

“Oh, don't worry about her. She can survive anywhere. This soup your mom simmered all night long. Taking it to her would just be a waste.”

Mr. Henderson rejected the idea without a second thought, and Mrs. Henderson nodded in agreement.

Julian gently adjusted Celeste's bangs, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

“Celeste, the doctor said you fainted from too much worry. Aria has always been cold and heartless, never caring about your sisterly bond, even daring to desire your brother-in-law. Why bother with her?”

Hearing his cold evaluation, I let out a self-deprecating, bitter smile.

I've been allergic to seafood since birth; I can't eat any aquatic products. But Celeste loved fish, shrimp, and crab, so our family always had seafood for every meal.

I couldn't eat any of it, only greens and white rice, and I'd still be blamed by my parents for being a picky eater.

In front of others, Celeste would act extremely concerned about her younger sister, but whenever we were alone, I would be subjected to endless taunts, and occasionally, physical abuse.

And what's worse, after hitting me, Celeste would cry and run to our parents, twisting the truth.

My parents, without even asking, would punish me by making me kneel in the rain all night.