Chapter 4

I closed my eyes and sank into absolute darkness.

When I opened them again, blinding white light filled my vision.

The sharp scent of antiseptic burned my nostrils.

Before I could process my surroundings, a figure threw himself beside my bed.

It was Lucas.

His eyes were bloodshot, his jaw covered in rough stubble, looking utterly wrecked.

Seeing me awake, he trembled violently with relief.

"Summer! You're awake!"

"The doctor says you're out of immediate danger for now. I've already contacted top specialists. We're doing surgery right away!"

I stared at him with cold detachment, saying nothing.

The door swung open, and Richard and Eleanor walked in.

They carried expensive supplements, wearing timid, appeasing expressions.

"Summer, Mom made this soup for you herself. Won't you have a little sip?"

Eleanor's eyes were red, her voice shaking.

I turned my head away, closing my eyes.

"Get out."

Richard and Eleanor froze, looking completely lost.

"Summer, don't be like this. Mom and Dad truly know we messed up..."

Richard pleaded.

"I said get out."

I repeated, colder this time.

An awkward silence filled the room.

Just then, the door opened once more.

Chloe walked in.

Looking at me in the hospital bed, a flicker of resentment flashed in her eyes before melting into a frail, wounded pout.

"Summer, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have asked for the necklace."

"If you just forgive Mom, Dad, and Lucas, I'm willing to leave the Hayes family."

She sobbed softly, her body trembling right on cue.

In the past, Lucas would have immediately jumped to shield her, yelling at me for making her cry.

This time, however, Lucas spun around and slapped Chloe across the face.

*Smack!*

The sharp crack echoed through the entire room.

Chloe was knocked to the floor, clutching her stinging cheek in shock.

"Lucas... you hit me?"

Lucas's eyes were blood-red as he glared down at her.

"Shut your mouth!"

"You lying bitch! If it weren't for you, Summer would never have ended up like this!"

"Get out! Get the hell out of here right now!"

He pointed at the door, screaming hysterically.

Terrified by his fury, Chloe scrambled up and ran out crying.

Lucas turned back around, falling to his knees beside my bed once more. Grabbing my hand, he wept uncontrollably.

"Summer, I kicked her out. From now on, you're my only sister."

"Please forgive me, Summer... I'm begging you..."

Looking down at him, I only felt a deep sense of pity and scorn.

Too little, too late.

"Lucas, if I hadn't gotten cancer, if I were still working myself to the bone for you guys, would you have slapped her?"

I asked quietly.

Lucas's sobs stopped instantly.

His mouth opened, but no words came out.

I closed my eyes as a single tear rolled down my temple.

"You don't love me. You're just putting on a show to soothe your own guilt."

"I will never forgive you."

"Never."