Chapter 4
517words
Despite his paralyzed legs, he commanded every bit as much presence as his brother.
"Do I need your permission to be somewhere, little brother? Besides, aren't you the one who can't stand hospitals? What brings you to this germ-infested place?"
Evan Growth's fists clenched.
Lynn Miller piped up. "He's here with me, obviously. My hand needed treatment."
I stared at the tiny cat scratches on Lynn Miller's hand, a bitter taste filling my mouth.
The favored ones always get away with everything.
Leo Growthn's gaze flicked to Lynn Miller's hand. "Better hurry, Miss Miller. Those devastating wounds might heal on their own if you wait much longer."
After that day, Evan Growth never returned to the hospital. When I was discharged, I texted him.
"We need to talk."
For once, his reply came quickly.
"Fine. When?"
I checked the date—the day after tomorrow would mark exactly five years together.
"Day after tomorrow."
"Okay."
I blinked back tears.
"I'll make dinner and wait for you at home."
"Hmm. How are your... injuries? Still hurting?"
His tone was gentle, briefly reminding me of our early days together.
"I'm fine now."
That day, I washed my hands three times and prepared all his favorite vegetarian dishes.
I waited from four in the afternoon until ten at night.
I watched the food grow cold. Just as I was about to call him, I saw Lynn Miller's social media post.
"Someone who truly loves you will love you no matter what."
The photo showed a man's hand.
I recognized Evan Growth's hand instantly—the ring on his middle finger was the one I'd given him.
I couldn't tell if I felt numb or heartbroken.
Just then, a livestream notification popped up on my phone.
I clicked it. They were at some party playing Truth or Dare.
Evan Growth and Lynn Miller sat in the center of the group.
"Brother Sheng, tell us who you love most in this world."
Evan Growth hesitated, glancing at Lynn Miller, then at the ring on his finger.
Just as he opened his mouth, Lynn Miller cut him off:
"Love? What love? My boy here doesn't believe in that sappy stuff. I'll take the penalty shot for him."
Lynn Miller downed the shot in one gulp.
Evan Growth started to protest, then dropped his hand without speaking.
Another voice called out, "Brother Sheng, what's the craziest thing you've ever done?"
Evan Growth paused, then his lips curved into an unexpected smile.
"Chasing after Cecilia Jones in college."
"Whoa, your girlfriend? How'd you win her over?"
"That's not crazy! Tell us the story, Brother Sheng!"
Evan Growth's usually cold eyes softened. "I used to wait outside her dorm building every day—"
Before he could finish, Lynn Miller wrapped her arm around his.
"Oh, I know this story! My boy here was desperate. Cecilia Jones was this uptight bookworm, totally unapproachable. So Evan Growth hired some drunk to try and rape her, then swooped in to save her. That's how he got her, hahaha!"
Evan Growth's face turned to stone.
