Once we left, Jasmine's stepsister hired thugs to harass us constantly. To protect herself from her stepfamily, Jasmine feigned madness—smashing shopkeepers' goods, causing chaos wherever we went.
I worked three jobs a day, only to come home to the wreckage she left behind. I spent my life on my knees, apologizing and compensating strangers for the destruction she caused.
Now, I watched a family member of the patient scold my brother for his rough movements.
"I'm disabled!" Landon shouted, eyes red-rimmed as he shoved them away. "You make a cripple do heavy labor—have you no heart?"
The family sneered. "If we didn't pity you for being lame and dragging that stupid wife around, we wouldn't have hired a novice like you. If you won't do the work, get lost."
Landon spun around in a rage—
And locked eyes with me.
He froze. Then, taking in my pale, hospital-gown appearance, a sick glint of excitement sparked in his gaze.
"Brother!" A cruel grin spread across his face. "I *told* you. Sooner or later, you'd end up like me. Trying to ride the coattails of the rich, provoking those second-generation heirs!"
He limped closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Why are you here? Did they push you into a pool? Throw you down the stairs?" His eyes rolled. "I'll give you some advice. If you want to survive school, stay away from those rich girls. Don't think about climbing the social ladder. Trash like you isn't even fit to be their toy."
When I remained silent, he grew agitated, desperate to prove his superiority. He started bragging about how good Jasmine was to him. How much she loved him.
He claimed she felt sorry for him, so she stopped smashing things and secretly helped with chores. He swore that Jasmine's biological father would acknowledge her soon.
Then, he would be rich.
And I? I would be chased back to our hometown like a dog because I offended the elite. Destined to die miserably.
As he ranted, Jasmine McLaughlin emerged from the stairwell.
The moment she saw him, her eyes welled up. She threw herself into his arms.
"Husband! What's wrong? Who made you angry? I'll bite them to death!"
She turned, ready to attack the elderly patient and his family. "I'll beat you bad people to death!"
That protective ferocity... I had seen it in my past life.
But what good was it?