"You've been completely spoiled."
The words cut deeper than they should have
As fragmented memories surged through my mind, my consciousness wavered. The sedative took effect, dragging me into darkness. Just before I lost myself completely, a familiar voice echoed in my head.
Troy.
"You'll come begging me for help."
***
I woke up to the sound of urgent voices outside my hospital room. The moment I opened my eyes, a sharp, searing pain shot through my waist and stomach, forcing a cry from my lips. My entire body felt weak.
Outside the door, I could hear Ava's soft voice. "Sienna's always been so kind to me. I must go see her."
"What's there to see?" My mother's voice was firm. "You're still too weak. Wait until she wakes up—we'll have her come to you instead."
"Exactly! You need to rest yourself," my father chimed in. "Hurry back to bed!"
Listening to their gentle attempts to dissuade Ava, I felt something inside me twist. A dull ache spread through my chest, suffocating and heavy.
The door creaked open. My body moved before I could think. I grabbed the vase on my bedside table and with all the strength I could muster, hurled it toward the entrance.
The crash was deafening.
Shards of porcelain exploded across the floor. Michael moved instinctively, shielding Ava with his body. Droplets of water seeped into his shirt, darkening the fabric.
"Sienna, are you out of your damn mind?!" His voice lashed out like a whip. "Ava came to see you and this is how you treat her?!"
My mother's disapproving voice followed. "How did we end up with a daughter like you?"
"Sienna," my father said, shaking his head in disappointment, "you've changed into something so vile, it makes me sick."
From the doorway, Cassius remained silent. He didn't scold me like the others. But the impatience in his eyes was enough to say everything he was thinking.
"Sis, don't be mad at Mom and Dad. It's my fault for being so weak... If you need to blame someone, blame me."
Ava's voice was filled with just the right amount of trembling to sound pitiful, yet steady enough to ensure everyone in the room could hear.
Before I could respond, she suddenly slipped from her wheelchair, her frail body crumpling onto the hospital floor. Gasps filled the air as she landed on her knees. Her long hair tumbled over her shoulders, framing her pale, tear-streaked face as she bit her lip in pain.
"Ava!" My mother rushed forward, panic lacing her voice. My father followed suit.
Michael, however, did not move toward her. Instead, he turned to me, his eyes burning with fury. Without hesitation, he stormed toward my bed and yanked me up with such force that blinding pain exploded in my abdomen.
A strangled cry escaped my lips as fresh blood seeped through my hospital gown. The wound from my surgery tore open.
Michael's grip froze. His breathing hitched as if he hadn't expected this outcome. For a brief moment, the entire room fell into stunned silence.
Then Ava whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It... hurts..."
That single phrase shattered whatever hesitation remained.
"Sienna, apologize to Ava. Now!" My mother's sharp voice cut through the air.
Apologize?
I felt my blood boil. My fingers curled into fists, shaking from my suppressed rage.
With every ounce of strength I had left, I raised my trembling hand and swung it across Michael's face. The slap rang through the room.
"Why the hell should I apologize?! My voice was hoarse with anger. "I lost my child! I gave her my kidney! What more do you want?!"
"You all deserve to die! I hate you! I will never forgive you for as long as I live!"
My body trembled with anger. The pain in my abdomen pulsed violently, but I refused to show weakness.
Michael's grip on my wrist faltered slightly. Then, a firm hand landed on his shoulder.
"She's too emotional right now," Cassius said coldly. "Let her cool off."
I turned sharply, my gaze locking onto him. Cassius stood there, his expression unreadable. But there was something in his eyes—something I couldn't quite place.
Before I could utter a single word, a sharp sting pricked my arm. A cold numbness spread through my body, the strength draining from my limbs.
Someone had injected me with a sedative.
My vision blurred and my voice—my fury—was stolen from me. My head lolled to the side, but my gaze remained fixed on Cassius.
For the first time, something in his expression shifted. His lips parted slightly as if he wanted to say something. But then his eyes flickered toward Ava.
Cassius hesitated.
Then, as if making a silent decision, he turned away and walked out without another word.
***
I didn't know how much time passed before a deep, familiar voice broke through the fog in my mind.
"Do you need help, Sienna?"
