Chapter 3

As luck would have it, the caller was Heather. Her voice trembled on the other end. "Something's happened at home." Without a word, Emmett spun around and walked out. I watched his silhouette fade from view, a quiet sigh escaping my lips. Each step he took felt like a needle pressing deeper into my chest. After racing through the hospital corridors for what felt like forever, I finally learned that Ambrose's ward was on the top floor. The nurse glanced at my sweat-drenched face, her eyes softening with a hint of pity. "Patients up there are usually in critical condition," she said. "Visitors aren't allowed at this time." Dizzy and weak, I shook uncontrollably. Tears slipped down my cheeks before I even realized. Determined to see Ambrose, I stayed at the hospital for several days. Eventually, I landed a job as a nursing assistant. Since I lacked experience, I was assigned to the general ward. It was there that I saw Emmett again. He was still in his hospital gown, his expression dark with irritation. The moment our eyes met, his frown eased just a little. Then, he led me to a quiet corner by the elevator and placed a document in my hands. "Don't think you can manipulate me with such petty tricks. If you want to stay by my side, it's not entirely off the table." I stared at Emmett, convinced he'd lost his mind. He continued talking, gesturing toward the agreement. "But here's the deal—you can only assume the identity of my younger sister. That's already my biggest concession. After all, Heather and I are getting married." Hearing that, I froze. But he went on speaking, as if I wasn't even there. It turned out that Heather's father, Paul Barnaby, had accidentally hit someone with his car. The victim was revealed to be the Talerico family's long-lost heir. Because of the accident, Paul soon found himself targeted by the Talericos. Determined to keep him safe, Emmett had even confronted the Talericos head-on. The only way to resolve the situation now was for him to marry Heather. By doing so, their two families could come together and end the feud. "Being my sister isn't so bad. I've always treated you well, haven't I?" I met Emmett's eyes with a blank expression. But inside, I was drowning in feelings I couldn't begin to untangle. Emmett was right. If he had truly hated me, I wouldn't have been able to hold on for seven years. He used to bring me gifts from summer camp. After school, he would tutor me and make sure I had all the study materials I needed. To boost my chances of getting into university, he had even painstakingly handwritten hundreds of pages of revision notes. Those words had once anchored me through the storm. But now, they stirred only bitterness. I didn't know how to respond. "Actually—" Emmett paused, struggling to find the right words. "After I 'died' in my last life, my consciousness lingered for a while. I saw what you did, and I'm determined to make it up to you." "Enough!" I cut him off, breaking free from my trance. "Emmett, I don't need your pity or gratitude. Haven't we already settled our debts?" Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away. He remained rooted in place, not chasing after me this time. A few days later, I finally received permission to access the top floor. As I pushed the treatment cart down the corridor, Jolene stopped me. She pulled a check from her bag, her voice tinged with regret. "You haven't reached out to me all this time. I suppose there's no chance for you to join our family now. Here's a small token." I glanced at the numbers on the check and shook my head. "Mrs. Reid, you've already given me money before. Emmett and I have been square for a long time. I don't need this." Just as I turned to walk away, the door to a nearby ward swung open abruptly. Emmett stood there, fury blazing in his eyes. "Don't bother wasting your breath on her!" he barked. "Danielle's always putting on that high-and-mighty act! She visits me every day but refuses to own up to it! "I'm telling you—Heather and I are getting married!" He held my gaze, his voice steady and determined. I felt my whole body tense. Even though I had long expected this moment, it still felt like a thousand needles piercing my heart. My fists tightened, but my voice remained calm and composed. "Is that so? Congratulations." Suddenly, Jolene smacked Emmett and frowned. "What's the matter with you? Just the mention of Danielle gets you riled up. You're completely heartless." She then reached out and gently grasped my arm, her voice softening with a hint of regret. Going back to what she had asked before, she said, "And what about your fiance? Has the wedding date been set? Please accept this check as a gift." Suddenly, Emmett's sharp voice pierced the room. "What?"