Indulgent Love Leaves Scars Across My Sky

Steve Carter and I had only been married for three months, but that was long enough for me to realize how much control he had over my life. Today was the breaking point. He wanted me to donate bone marrow to his half-sister, Amy.

A week ago, Amy had been out drinking. She got behind the wheel of her car and knocked down my brother, Lucas and he died on the spot. Ever since, I had been doing everything I could to make sure she faced justice, but nothing worked. Steve was too powerful. He was one of the biggest names in business, and no one dared to stand up to him. Every time I thought I had a chance to bring Amy to justice, Steve’s influence made it like throwing pebbles at a mountain.

My family was falling apart. My mother was shattered by grief, and when she heard about Lucas, she had a heart attack and ended up in the ICU. My father, got into a car accident while tearing through traffic, and was now in surgery, fighting for his life.

And now, Steve had the audacity to ask me to save Amy.

Steve’s expression hardened as he stood with his arms crossed, blocking the path to the door of in our living room, a space that once felt warm and inviting but now cold and suffocating. "She’s family, Claire," he said coldly. “You know how serious her condition is. You need to understand that sometimes we have to make sacrifice for the ones we love”

“Love?” I scoffed. “Is this love? Forcing me to do something against my will?’

Steve stepped closer, invading my personal space. Lower his voice his voice to a whisper. “You have to help me Claire, she’s my Sister.”

But I wasn’t going to do it. Not for her. Not for him.

It didn’t matter what I wanted, though. Steve always got his way. His men grabbed me and took me to the hospital, ignoring my protests. The smell of disinfectant stung my nose as I struggled against the restraints. We were in a sterile hospital room, bright florescent lights casting harsh shadows on the white walls. Steve himself inserted an IV into my arm. Every muscle in my body tensed, but it was useless to fight.

"Stop being so difficult, Claire," he said without any warmth. He leaned in close, his face just inches from mine. "You’re going to do this for Amy. That’s final."

“I’m not doing this,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “You can’t keep controlling me like this.”

Steve ignored me, wiping a tear from my cheek, as if he cared.“You need to understand that I’m only trying to help my Sister. She needs this.”

That’s when I knew what I had to do. My hand slipped under the blanket, fingers wrapping around the utility knife I had hidden there. With all the strength I had left, I lunged forward and plunged the blade into Steve’s chest.

He gasped, eyes wide with shock. He stumbled back, clutching his chest as blood soaked through his shirt.

“Claire…” he whispered, barely able to speak.

“You deserve this,” I said through gritted teeth, “Don’t you know that I’m resistant to anesthesia?” I stabbed him again. And again. Each stab was filled with all the pain, anger, and grief that had been building since Lucas’s death.

Amy screamed, her voice loud and piercing. “Oh my God, she killed him!”

I pushed Steve’s limp body off me and turned toward Amy, blood dripping from my hands. Her face was pale, and for the first time, she wasn’t smiling. I stepped toward her gripping the knife tightly in my hand. “Do you even have leukemia?”

“Claire, wait! Please, don’t kill me!” she pleaded, backing away in fear. “I’m sorry! I never had leukemia. I faked it. I’m so sorry! Please, don’t hurt me.”

Her begging only made me angrier. Her words were desperate, and I could see the panic written all over her face.

Amy dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face. “I was the one who drove drunk and killed your brother. I didn’t call for help. I just left him there. It was me! ” She cried, looking for any trace of mercy in my eyes. “And it was me who provoked your mum into having heart attack. I was the one who arrange for your dad’s accident. It was all my fault. I’ll confessto everything. I’ll turn myself in. Just don’t kill me!”

“You’re a monster Amy! There’s nothing you can say to make this right!” I snapped. “You deserve to die!”

I raised the knife and slashed her throat. Amy’s eyes widened in shock as she gasped for air, clutching at her neck. Blood poured from the wound as she collapsed.

The room was silent except for my heavy breathing. The smell of blood filled the air, thick and overwhelming. I stared down at their bodies, my heart pounding. It was over.

But even as I stood there, I knew it wasn’t the end. I had crossed a line, and there would be no turning back. The police would come, and I would face the consequences. But for the first time in months, I didn’t care.

The door burst open, and a nurse screamed when she saw the scene. "Call the police!" someone shouted behind her.

I turned to the window, the cool breeze hitting my face as I stared out at the city. There was no place for me here anymore. Nothing left but pain and loss.

With one last glance at the mess I had made, I stepped onto the windowsill. A familiar male’s voice echoed in my mind one last time, but it felt far away, like a distant memory.

And then, I jumped.

Tick-tock.

I opened my eyes, feeling hot and uncomfortable.

"Brother, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know she was allergic to mangoes..." Amy’s voice came through, her tone fake and whiny.

"It’s okay, you didn’t mean it. Claire won’t mind," Steve said softly, as if I was the one who did something wrong.

I turned my head and saw Amy, pretending to be sweet and innocent, clinging to Steve’s sleeve. But her eyes betrayed her; filled with jealousy.

I glanced at the IV bag above me and then back at her. Anger rose inside me. Why was I reliving this horrible moment?

“Claire, you’re awake,” Steve said, rushing over. “How do you feel? Are you okay?”

Amy stood nearby, looking pitiful, but I could see the jealousy burning in her eyes. I had been so blind before, not seeing who she really was.

“Claire, it wasn’t on purpose. Amy didn’t know you were allergic to mangoes,” Steve said, trying to help me sit up. He was being gentle, but it made me mad that he always defended her.

Suddenly, everything came rushing back. I realized I had been sent back six months before the wedding. I had been given another chance.

Amy moved closer, fake tears in her eyes. “Claire, I’m really sorry. I didn’t know…”

Oh, you knew. You always knew.

I must have been blind to believe Steve and fall for his lies. Today had been my birthday in my past life, and Amy insisted on cooking for me. I didn’t want to let her, but she was Steve’s family, so I agreed. Then, after a couple of bites, I had an allergic reaction to the mango juice she secretly added, and I ended up in the hospital.

Worst of all, Steve convinced me to forgive her.

But not this time.

I pulled the IV out of my arm and got out of bed.

“Claire, what are you doing?” Steve asked, his voice sharp now.“I told Amy that it wasn’t intentional, don’t be difficult.”

I shot Steve a cold glance from the side.

“Your hand is still bleeding. I’ll get the nurse,” he said, hurrying out of the room.

The moment he was gone, I sprang out of bed, swiftly shut the door, and lock it.

Amy’s face twisted with fear, but then she smirked. “What are you going to do, Claire?”

I walked up to her and slapped her across the face.

“Ah!” she screamed. Before she could react, I grabbed her hair and slammed her against the wall.

“Help! Steve, help!” she cried.

Steve pounded on the door from the other side. “Claire, don’t be crazy!”

I didn’t stop. Memories of my brother and the pain she caused my family fueled me. If this was my second chance, I was going to make it count.

Bang! The door burst open...