Fallyn’s POV
The next day, I dressed neatly and was about to head out when I ran into Garth coming back with Heisley.
Seeing me ready to leave, he suddenly stepped forward.
“I’ll give you a ride, honey,” he offered.
I hadn’t even replied before he went on, speaking as if my answer didn’t matter.
“About what happened yesterday, you were indeed in the wrong. But I’ve already apologized to Heisley on your behalf. Just don’t let it happen again, alright? Anyway, you’re going to the hospital to see your dad, right? Well, you’re right on time. Heisley’s going there, too.”
With that, he grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the car.
Heisley was quicker than me, slipping straight into the passenger seat. And then she looked back at me with open provocation.
“I get carsick, Fallyn,” she explained. “Please let me sit here, okay?”
Garth nodded in agreement beside her.
I swallowed the bitter laugh that rose in my throat and said flatly, “Whatever.”
When we reached the hospital, I ignored them entirely and went straight into Dad’s ward.
He was still asleep, so I didn’t wake him. Instead, I turned to find a doctor and get an update on his condition.
His previous attending physician had already been sent abroad by Garth. At least now, I could finally get the truth.
A while later, I returned to the ward, gripping Dad’s medical report tightly in hand.
I hadn’t even stepped fully inside when I saw Heisley leaning toward him, speaking in a low voice. Garth stood a short distance away, watching them.
In the next instant, Dad’s eyes flew open, and his face flushed a dangerous red.
I froze for a moment, and then I rushed forward and shoved Heisley away.
“Dad! Dad, what’s wrong?” I cried.
He pointed at Heisley, gasping for breath.
“S-She…”
Before he could finish, he clutched his chest and collapsed.
I didn’t have time to think. I shot to my feet, calling frantically for help.
By the time he was rushed into the operating room, I spun on my heel and stormed toward Heisley.
“What the hell did you say to my dad?!” I demanded.
Before I could even touch her, Garth stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
His entire face was tense as he turned to check on the woman behind him, as though worried I might frighten her.
She gazed at him with pitiful eyes, though a glint of triumph flickered deep within them.
“Garth, I really didn’t do anything!” she swore.
“Garth! Let go of me!” I demanded.
But instead of releasing me, his grip only tightened so hard it felt like he might break my wrist.
I looked into his face, and a wave of despair swept over me.
In his heart, I was worth far less than Heisley. Whether I was right or wrong, he would always take her side.
The thought drained the last of my strength. I let my hand fall limp in his grasp.
For a moment, he seemed to falter when he saw the hopelessness in my expression.
But before he could say a word, Heisley suddenly rushed forward and slapped me across the face.
The force was so strong a sharp crack rang out in the corridor.
My head snapped to the side, and I even tasted blood in my mouth.
“Fallyn!” her eyes brimmed with tears. “I told you, I didn’t do anything! Why did you have to kidnap my mom and my dad?!”
I stared at her, utterly stunned.
