“Azalea, why didn’t you wait for us to go to the hospital together? We’re on our way. Where are you?”
Hearing the urgency in her voice, fury surged through me, burning away the last remnants of my restraint.
I curled my fingers into fists, my nails digging deep into my palms.
“Oh, I just thought I shouldn’t inconvenience you my whole life,” I said, my voice light, almost mocking. “So this time, I decided to come for rehabilitation on my own.”
“We’re family! How could you ever be a burden to us? Have you reached the hospital yet? We’re nearby; we’ll be there right away!”
Family.
Before, every time I came for rehabilitation, my parents had always been by my side.
I had once mistaken their actions for love and concern. But now, the truth lay bare before me.
“Hmm, I just arrived. I’m about to enter the lobby.”
I maneuvered my wheelchair around the corner and deliberately paused.
As expected, their voices turned sharp with panic. They told me not to go inside, saying it was too crowded and too unsafe. They reassured me they were close and that they would come to find me right away.
A cold smile tugged at my lips.
I replied indifferently and ended the call.
Just then, I saw Elijah answering his phone. His expression tensed immediately. He whispered something to Scarlett, handed their son over to her and then slipped out through the back door in a hurry.
Scarlett, too, disappeared into the crowd.
Understanding struck like a blade to the chest.
The call had come from my parents.
They weren’t stopping me out of concern for my safety.
They were afraid I’d see Elijah and Scarlett together.
A wave of shock and sorrow crashed over me, threatening to pull me under. My whole life, every word, every gesture of kindness, had been nothing but a carefully woven lie.
And all of it was for Scarlett.
The true culprit. The one who had taken everything from me.
I curled my fingers, nails biting deep into my palm. The sharp pain steadied me, cutting through the haze.
Since they had gone to such lengths to deceive me, I would return the favor completely.
I pulled out my phone, pressed record and then guided my wheelchair toward the hospital entrance just as my parents came rushing over.
Mom’s eyes flickered with unease.
“Azalea, why didn’t you wait for us before going in?”
Dad’s frown deepened beside her. “Didn’t we tell you the hospital is packed and chaotic? We can’t let you go in alone; it’s not safe.”