Chapter 2
"Alright, get out of here. You're so clumsy," Jake threw two bills my way.
As soon as they hit the floor, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I bent down, grabbed the money, nodded, and rushed out.
"You're here? I'll come down and get you." Oliver, with the dragon ring on his finger, walked past me, phone pressed to his ear, and the wind he stirred up brushed against me.
He and I brushed past each other again.
"Only Emma could make Oliver actually do something himself."
"That reminds me of when Oliver got into a car accident for someone. I remember that dumb woman cried so much her eyes were swollen, saying she'd give most of her life to him if he woke up."
Someone burst out laughing. "Oliver's little drama had her thinking he was completely in love with her."
I pressed my lips together and quickly made my way out.
I looked back, but there wasn't another path to go.
I hurried downstairs.
As I passed by an open door, I glanced inside and saw part of the room.
It was all pink everywhere. A giant pink bow hung on the piano, the walls were plastered with photos of Emma, and a huge music box lay on the floor, with a trail of gift boxes laid out leading somewhere.
I remembered the room I'd just left—air-freighted fresh flowers and an eight-layer cake.
Strangely enough, I didn't feel that sad anymore.
All I cared about was that Liam, my brother, and I were safe and no one would mess with us again.
At the stairwell, Oliver, Emma, and Jake were going up while I was heading down.
As we brushed past each other, Oliver gave me a quick, sharp look.
I lost my footing, tumbling down the stairs. "Ah!"
I heard Emma scream behind me, totally freaked out. "Are you okay? How do you manage to trip just walking down the stairs?"
As I hit the floor, I tasted blood in my mouth, but I didn't dare make a sound.
I scrambled to my feet, shook my head, and hurried out.
"I swear that cake delivery girl is basically mute. Haven't heard her say a single word, and she just fell all the way down those stairs without even making a sound," Jake said.
That night, I bought plenty of groceries with the cash from Jake. It was easy money, so why not?
At least I could make sure Liam ate well and got his strength back.
Liam coughed as he came out and saw the table piled high with dishes. He froze in surprise. "Sophia, why so many dishes today?"
I handed him a fork and grinned. "Luck was on my side today. I delivered a cake, and they tipped me pretty well."
"Really?"
"Yep, no kidding."
But he immediately noticed something was wrong and grabbed my hand. "Your hand's hurt?"
I tried to pull away, but he held my hand tightly.
"I just tripped while delivering the cake. It'll heal in a couple of days. No big deal," I said.
He let go of my hand and headed straight outside.
"Where are you going?" I called out, worried.
When he came back, coughing hard, he was holding a tube of ointment.
He took my hand again, squeezed out some ointment, and gently dabbed it on my wound.
His touch was so gentle.
Before I knew it, my eyes were getting misty.
He's always been the best brother in the world.
After dinner, he insisted on doing the dishes himself. He wouldn't let me touch a drop of water.
But he was still so weak, he could barely stand for a minute.
Once he finished washing up, I quickly pulled him over to sit on a stool and rested my head lightly on his knee.
We lived on the outskirts of town, where the clear starry sky stretched above us.
"Promise me you'll get better soon, okay?" I whispered to Liam.
He gently patted my head. "I promise."
"Liam, I miss Mom and Dad."
He kept his voice gentle. "Have you dreamed about them lately?"