Chapter 3
They all froze for a second when I said that.
It was like they figured I didn't even need to say it out loud; they already got it. That was probably why they had rushed to the hospital in the first place.
"Of course, Charlotte. You were so brave that day. All of us brothers are truly grateful you saved us," Andrew said gently.
Ethan and the rest nodded along.
"Charlotte, I can't thank you enough for saving Andrew, Ethan, Ryan, and Lucas. Seeing them safe is everything. If I had to trade my life for yours, I'd do it without hesitation," Emily said, gripping my hand tightly.
As Emily called out each of their names, the guys looked at her, their eyes practically overflowing with tenderness.
I gave her a wry look as I gently pulled my hand back. I said, "Relax. I just woke up; your life doesn't do me any good right now."
They all frowned slightly, clearly not happy with what I said.
I just looked at them and said, "So, if you really want to thank me, how about giving me 30 thousand each? That's all I'm asking. Sound good?"
They all froze again at my words.
"Charlotte, why are you talking about money the moment you wake up? You're a Langley; do you really think you'll ever have to worry about money?" Mom said, frowning.
"Yeah, Charlotte, right now the most important thing is for you to get better. You're the Langley heiress; you'll have everything you want, you know?" Dad said gently.
My eyes flashed with sarcasm.
Honestly, at first, I didn't care about any of this. I never tried to use what happened three years ago to ask for anything. I always felt like bringing it up would just make things weird between us.
After returning to the Langley family, my allowance and all expenses were constantly withheld. They always blamed me for bullying Emily or other faults, leaving me unable to afford class activities. Whenever they felt like punishing me, they just did it. My life was hell.
So if I didn't get money for myself now, all the times I saved them would just get erased the next time they accused me of hurting Emily.
In my dreams, a voice whispered to me, saying it could help me get back my parents', brothers', and childhood friends' affection.
I ignored that voice.
I couldn't be bothered to fight for that so-called favor.
I said, "I've been out cold for three years, and now I'm finally eighteen. I just want a little cash of my own, so I can buy whatever I feel like and maybe treat myself for once. Is that too much to ask?"
When they heard me say that, the tension in their faces eased up a bit.
"Charlotte, Mom and Dad gave me some pocket money, almost 30 thousand bucks. I want to give it all to you. Is that okay? I finally get to do something for my brothers," Emily said, her face lighting up with excitement.
"Emily," Andrew said, shaking his head with a smile. "There's no need for you to use your pocket money for this."
Ryan grinned and gave her a gentle tap on the head. He said, "You little dork, how are you so cute?"
They all just shook their heads, smiling.
"I just wanted to do something for you guys," Emily said with a playful pout, sticking out her tongue.
Mom gave her a loving hug.
In the end, they each handed over 30 thousand.
I was going to put this money to good use.
This time, I wouldn't end up left out in the cold, with no one to turn to, as I did in my dreams.