Chapter 2
"And Claire is the sister I've spoiled and protected since childhood. A cold-blooded monster like you, who's never known what family warmth feels like, could never understand our bond," Ethan said.
I froze.
He was right.
I had been switched at birth by Claire's mother and dumped into an orphanage.
After I was brought back, my parents either ignored me or looked down on me, complaining I was unrefined and small-minded.
They loved the graceful, elegant fake heiress Claire more.
I learned to stay quiet, to hide, afraid of being in their way.
Of course I never felt their love. Of course I never belonged.
It felt like needles stabbing into my heart.
But my legs hurt more.
Ethan didn't stop until both of my legs were completely broken.
And then he left.
I begged my parents, crying, asking them to take me to the hospital.
Instead, they slapped me over and over again, then stepped on my shattered legs and ground them into the floor.
As I screamed in agony, they looked at me with pure disgust.
"Who do you think you are, interfering in our family's business? If you hadn't stopped Ethan from saving Claire, our family wouldn't have fallen apart."
"All that talk about protecting your brother. Please. You were just jealous that Claire took your place. You wanted her gone."
"If we'd known this would happen, we never would've taken you back from the orphanage. Our family has only one daughter, and that's Claire. A vicious thing like you should've died with her."
They threw me into the mountains, deep in the wilderness, and left me there.
When the wild dogs tore into my flesh and I died screaming, their words echoed in my head.
They carved themselves into my soul.
They became hatred.
This time, I learned my lesson.
I wouldn't be the heartless monster they accuse me of being.
I'd fulfill their precious family bond.
Let my brother trade both his arms for Claire's legs.
And I'd just sit back and watch.
When he couldn't lift his shoulders, couldn't use his hands, couldn't even eat, drink, or take care of himself without help,
I really wanted to see how deep their love for Claire still runs.
The truck driver got out to check.
I rushed over, forcing myself into a full breakdown, wailing at Ethan like the world was ending.
"Ethan, hang in there. Please. I already called 911. The ambulance is on the way. You're gonna be okay," I said.
All his usual calm was gone. Ethan's handsome face twisted up in agony, every breath looking like it hurt.
My screaming snapped Claire out of it. She finally reacted and tried to step forward to check on Ethan.
I shoved her away, tears streaming down my face as I broke down completely.
"Claire, I know I'm an eyesore to you," I said. "I know you hate that I came back and stole everyone's attention. If hitting me or yelling at me makes you feel better, fine. I can take it. I'll even leave if that's what you want.
"But you never should've stormed out like that. You never should've run into the road just to throw a tantrum. And now look at what you did. You dragged Ethan into this."
I choked on my tears. "If anything happens to him, what are we supposed to do as a family? Mom and Dad only have one son."
Claire opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out.
She stumbled after being pushed and fell hard to the ground.
In an instant, gravel scraped across her pale thigh, tearing the skin open. Blood seeped out.
She was a dancer. Everyone in the family had always treated her legs like they were priceless.
If this were any other day, if I dared lay a hand on Claire like that, Benjamin and Helena would have rushed over and slapped me without hesitation.
But now, with their beloved son injured, they couldn't care less about Claire.
Benjamin had just shaken Helena awake. The two of them rushed to Ethan's side, breaking down.
"Sweetheart, please hold on. The doctors are coming," Helena cried, her voice raw, like she wished she could take his pain for him.
Benjamin frowned, tears slipping silently down his face.