chapter 3

The entire ward fell silent, everyone stunned by her words. Who would have guessed a little sister could hit on her brother-in-law and still act so self-righteous?

Linda stepped protectively in front of Isabelle. “It was my idea. Blame me if you must,” she declared. “However, Leon was originally Isabelle's fiancé before you stole him. After everything she has endured for your sake, it's time you surrendered the position of his wife.”

Isabelle murmured, “It isn't Elena's fault. I'm just not blessed enough. I've already enjoyed our parents' love for over twenty years...”

Her words brought tears to Linda and Richard's eyes.

Linda's tone sharpened. “If you refuse to apologize, we'll sever our relationship.” Isabelle nestled against her, shooting me a smug little grin.

Once, those words would have sent me begging on my knees for forgiveness. Now, I merely watched their performance with calm detachment. I'd been given a second chance in life. I would make those who mistreat me pay.

“Fine!” I sneered. “But before we sever ties, give me back my kidney, Isabelle.”

At that, Isabelle trembled in Linda's arms. “Elena, I never imagined you hated me enough to wish me dead!”

Heartache overwhelmed Linda, and she shot me a vicious glare. “You donated that kidney willingly. No one forced you. The Walker family has no place for a daughter this cruel.” Then, she cooed at Isabelle, “You're our treasure. Let's get you home and rested.”

Linda and Richard wheeled Isabelle away. The nurse, witnessing such parents for the first time, comforted me. “Some people don't deserve to be parents. Rest, Ms. Walker. Don't give them what they want.” I managed a smile and thanked her.

Three years ago, there had been a more suitable kidney donor. Yet, Isabelle colluded with the surgeon into claiming her condition had worsened. Richard and Linda, frantic with worry, coaxed me onto the operating table. They focused all their care on Isabelle, completely neglecting me, even sending me, stitches still fresh, out into a rainstorm to fetch Isabelle's favorite stuffed toy from home.

I ran a fever, yet Linda tossed me into the hallway so I wouldn't disturb Isabelle's rest. “Look at you pretending you're dying,” she snarled. “What a useless freeloader. You won't even fetch a toy without excuses.”

That should've been the moment I recognized their true colors.

Six months ago, after years of factory work, I was diagnosed with acute leukemia. When I brought the report home, my parents were celebrating Isabelle's birthday.

Linda's gaze turned frosty. “It's Isabelle's birthday. Wipe that sour face off. You're ruining the mood.”

Summoning every ounce of courage, I showed them the report. “The doctor says I won't live a year if I can't find a matching donor within six months. Isabelle and I share the same Rh-negative blood type, so—”

“Don't even think about it!” Richard's hand cracked across my cheek. “Haven't you harmed Isabelle enough? She was frail her whole life because of you, and even suffered from kidney failure! And now you want her marrow? There's no sister more vicious than you.”

I clutched my cheek, years of grievance spilling out. “Dad, I'm your daughter too! All I want is to live. How is that wrong?”

Richard widened his eyes and snapped, “How dare you talk back, you wretched girl!” He raised his hand again.

Marcus stepped between us. “Elena panicked, Dad. Calm down.”

Hope flickered in my eyes. Marcus was a surgeon. Surely he'd save me. The next moment, that hope froze solid.

“Elena, since you're sick,” Marcus began. “Why not let Isabelle manage the company, and maybe transfer your shares?” Perhaps realizing how callous that sounded, he added, “I'm looking out for you. Mom and Dad are getting older, and Isabelle's health is delicate. We have to think ahead...”

Linda and Richard chimed in, “Your brother's right. Sign the shares over to Isabelle.”

Isabelle's eyes lit up. She demurred softly, “The company is Elena's hard work. I couldn't possibly take it.” Linda patted her hand. “We're family. What's yours is hers.”

Meeting their calculating gazes, I couldn't help but laugh. “I'd rather die than let any of you get a single dime.”