Chapter 4

Ruby glared at me with pure venom, her eyes like daggers trying to pierce through me. I lay sprawled on the deck, gasping for air, my own gaze icy cold. If only my beloved older brother had stood so resolutely by my side back then, I wouldn’t have become this person I am now. Love that comes too late is always worth less than weeds. Ruby screamed, "She's lying to you! She's just jealous! Alfie, you have to believe me! Don’t you remember what she did to me before? You said you’d only ever love me..." "Enough," Alfie's voice was as cold as his eyes. "I said I would marry you, and I will. But you shouldn't have bullied Alice." He roughly shoved Ruby aside and strode towards me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I put on a pitiful expression. "Alfie, don’t blame Ruby. You’re getting married soon. Don’t let me cause problems between you." "Don’t talk. I’m taking you to the hospital first." Alfie draped his jacket over my shoulders and then scooped me up into his arms. I shuddered violently, fighting the overwhelming urge to shove him away. After all those years in prison, I despised being touched by others. The contact of strangers made my skin crawl, nauseating me. Because of the "special care" from the two people I’d loved most, everyone in that place—inmates and guards alike—had felt entitled to hurt me. It was one of their few entertainments. The one who was supposed to be best to me turned out to be the worst, and now, when my heart was ashes, he pretended to be the best again. Alfie took me to the best city hospital and summoned top specialists for a full examination. But all I had was a soaking; at worst, a mild chill. "Miss Morgan has no serious issues. Just keep her warm these next couple of days," the doctor concluded. Alfie pressed, "Are you sure nothing else needs checking? My sister doesn’t look well." "Miss Morgan suffers from significant anemia. She needs to pay attention to her diet; recovery will take time. I’ll administer glucose and saline via IV. Try not to let her get overly agitated." After the specialist left, Alfie and I sat in heavy silence. We both knew exactly why I was anemic, why my body had deteriorated so drastically over the years. It was a past we tacitly agreed never to mention—a scar not just on me, but on Alfie too. My dear brother, my family's adopted son, who claimed to love me while choosing his own interests over me, unable to give up Ruby. And all I felt for him now was hatred. The scant respect I once held had dwindled to almost nothing after he personally sent me to prison. I grasped Alfie’s hand, forcing a frail smile onto my face. "Alf, I'm okay." "Ali, wait for me. Just wait a little longer." Alfie stroked my cheek. "I'm sorry. I made you suffer. You know me... I was afraid..." "I know, Alf. I understand." My words were sweet, but inside, I seethed with hatred for his hypocritical expression. How much did he love me? Less than he loved himself, clearly. But I was leaving soon. Playing the obedient role to lull him into complacency was a small price to pay. Not long after, Theo burst into the room, having heard the news. The sound of the door slamming open shattered the strained pretense between Alfie and me. I breathed a silent sigh of relief. Thank goodness Theo arrived; I wasn't sure how much longer I could maintain the act. Seeing either of their faces made me want to vomit. Alfie frowned. "How did you know she was here?" "You think you could hide it from me forever?" Theo shoved past Alfie and marched to my bedside. I shrank back timidly, unable to meet his eyes. "I didn't bully Ruby. She slipped... and I lost my footing." Theo opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Alfie slammed him hard against the wall. "Even if you want to protect Ruby, look who's lying in the hospital bed—my sister!" Theo sneered. "And now you pretend to care? You had a hand in sending her to prison in the first place!" "Enough!" A nurse pushing a medication cart entered briskly. "Take your argument outside! This is a hospital. Don't disturb the patient!" Alfie released Theo. "Apologies." Theo fixed his piercing gaze on me. "Morgan, you'd better not be playing any tricks." I met his eyes directly, a cold smile playing on my lips. "I won't. After all, I have no desire to return to that living hell. And I won't provoke Ruby again." I won't provoke her... but she will pay for everything she owes me.