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Chloe was sitting by my bed, her head propped on her hand as she dozed.
She and Sophia are twins, they shared the same striking features—an elegant, cool beauty that could captivate anyone.
I'd been infatuated with their beauty once. But now, looking at her, I felt… nothing.
Chloe opened her eyes, meeting my gaze. Her surprise quickly turned to annoyance.
She sat up straight, crossing her arms coldly.
"Ethan Foster, you really are an idiot. Staying out in the rain for a day and night. You give yourself a nasty fever, and cracked your head open."
"Did you think we'd feel sorry for you?"
I turned my head away dismissively, my throat dry and raspy. "I won't do it again."
She let out an annoyed huff, and forcefully turned my head back to face her.
"Listen, Ethan. If you stop pulling these stupid stunts, maybe we'll keep some shred of kindness for you. We might even pay to keep you housed."
"But if you don't know your place, don't blame us for being harsh!"
I almost laughed. They lived in my house, spent my money, and had the audacity to talk about them supporting me.
My own fault. I'd been a fool for three years. Not only did I lose my position as head of the Foster family, I handed over all my assets.
I stayed silent, refusing to engage.
She should have been pleased with my subdued compliance, but she kept studying me, like she sensed something was different.
She opened her mouth to say more, but Lucas arrived then, with Sophia following behind. Chloe immediately stood up, her voice full of concern.
"The hospital is so dreary. Why did you come?"
How ironic. Hospitals where babies are born, and Chloe calls it "dreary."
She'd twist anything for Lucas, make black seem white.
Lucas held up a thermal container.
"I was worried you'd be tired, honey, looking after Ethan. I made you some tomato soup."
Chloe gave a faint smile, as if Lucas had moved mountains for her, then turned to scold me.
"Ethan, even a fool should learn to be considerate. If you were half as good as Lucas, we wouldn't be in this mess!"
I opened my mouth, wanting to ask… Hadn't I been good to her before? What did all I'd done for her and Sophia count for? They said their debt was paid… Did they really believe that?
Lucas suddenly walked over, took my hand, his face a mask of apology.
"Ethan, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were this sick. I shouldn't have let you stay out in the rain You can hit me, yell at me, I deserve it."
He looked like he was about to cry. Sophia couldn't stand seeing him upset. She grabbed my hand and flung it away. The IV needle tore from my skin, sending a streak of blood across the sheets.
I gasped in pain, clutching my hand, and reached for the nurse call button. Sophia stopped me.
"Ethan, enough! Is this Lucas's fault? Why make him apologize?"
My voice was sharp with anger.
"Did I ask him to?!"
Sophia raised her hand like she was going to hit me.
"You idiot! You're talking back now?!"
My body flinched instinctively. I knew Sophia wouldn't actually hit me, but over these three years, she'd used that threat to scare me countless times.
She'd even deliberately mocked my fear to amuse Lucas.
The memory made my eyes burn with humiliation and anger.
