###7
7
“Nothing. You’re just dreaming, confused,” I murmured, sliding the phone beneath my pillow. Daniel frowned, about to question me further, but his phone rang, interrupting the moment. “Brother Daniel, I woke up and didn’t see you. I was so scared.”
His expression softened. “Be good. Don’t be afraid. I’ll be right there.”
He stood, glanced at me briefly, and added, “I’ll come pick you up when you’re discharged,” before walking out without another word.
He never looked back.
For two full days in the hospital, not a single person came to see me.
When I was discharged, I left alone, took a taxi back-no one waiting, no one asking.
But the house was far from empty.
The living room was crowded. People murmured in sympathy, comforted someone sobbing in the center.
It was Delilah-crying like a grieving child, wringing her hands pitifully.
I didn’t bother with her act. I went straight upstairs.
I was packing when the door creaked open behind me. My brother and Daniel stepped in, one after the other.
Their eyes landed on the suitcase next to me. For a second, both of them froze.
“Ava,” my brother asked, frowning, “where are you going?”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed with unease.
“Just sorting out some things left over from prison,” I replied coolly.
Relief washed over their faces.
My brother smiled, reaching into his pocket. “You hit your head in the explosion. Here-some ointment. Does it still hurt?”
Daniel pulled me gently toward a chair, pressing lightly against my sore shoulder.
“Sit still,” he said softly. “Don’t move, or it’ll reopen.”
Their concern was strange. Too careful. Too sudden. Too… off.
I stared at the two of them and asked flatly, “What’s going on? Why the sudden kindness?”
They exchanged glances. My brother hesitated before finally speaking.
“Ava… Delilah’s sick. Terminally ill.”
I blinked. So that’s why she cried so dramatically.
“She’s loved Daniel since she was little,” he continued. “But she’s never tried to fight you for him.”
“And now… she doesn’t have much time left. Her last wish is to wear a wedding dress and marry Daniel. Just a symbolic wedding. Ava, please… let her have this.”
Daniel quickly added, “Ava, it’s only for show. You’re the one I love. Always.”
My mother entered just then, eyes red from crying. “Poor Delilah… such a hard life. My poor daughter.”
My father followed, sighing deeply. “When our family was in crisis, it was Delilah who stepped up. Without her, we wouldn’t have recovered. As her father, I have to grant her last wish. It’s just a wedding, after all.”
They’d all made their choice.
I stared at them. For Delilah, they’d trade anything-maybe even me.
But I didn’t explode. I didn’t argue.
I just said calmly, “I don’t care. Do whatever you want.”
“Even if you do get married, I’d prefer not to be informed.”
Then I turned and walked out of the room.
They watched me go-silent, uneasy, unsure. My lack of reaction made them nervous.
Daniel rushed after me and grabbed my hand.
“Ava! I swear I only love you. Once Delilah’s ceremony is over, we’ll get married too, alright?”
But I had no intention of marrying him.
“Okay,” I said softly, pulling my hand free and continuing down the stairs.
There were still things I needed to pack.
In the living room, Delilah stood in my path, arms crossed and eyes gleaming with smugness. “Hey,” she said sweetly, “you heard it, right? Daniel and I are getting married.”
gave her a blank look. “Congratulations. I hope that finally puts your mind at ease.”
I moved to step around her, but she kicked my knee hard.
I staggered, and as I bent over in pain, she leaned in, voice dripping with venom.
“I lied. I’m not sick. I made that up to get what I want.”
“I’m going to take everything from you-your place in the Wren family, your man, your future. You’ll have nothing.”
“And prison? That hell you lived in? I made sure every second of it was tailored just for you.”
