6

I had to be strong, pretend that Bastian and Sophie's betrayal didn't affect me. My parents shouldn't suffer because of the selfishness of those two.

"Mom, they are adults, they are responsible for their actions."

"I know, my daughter, but he was your fiancé, Sophie crossed the line this time," she said, furious.

"Mom, you know how impulsive my sister is, besides Bastian is also guilty, if he really loved me, he would never have betrayed me like that."

She sighed, looking regretful.

"What hurts me is your sister's attitude, Juliette. She didn't consider your feelings and the pain she would cause you."

"Mom, Bastian is part of the past, as parents, you need to support Sophie, otherwise she will get angry with you."

"You are too kind, my daughter. Sophie will have to listen to us, she can't do these things, there are consequences for everything and this will come back to her."

"I know, so let's leave things as they are and don't worry about it."

"You are very mature, my daughter, I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, mom, let me talk to dad, to make him understand."

I went up to my parents' bedroom, my father has always been a very serious person and full of principles, he is my greatest pride.

I saw my father sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked anxious, it hurts me to see my parents so worried because of my sister.

"Dad, may I come in?"

"Go ahead, my daughter."

"Dad, mom already told me everything."

"Your sister sometimes doesn't realize the consequences of her actions, this time she really disappointed me."

And me too, but I didn't want my parents to suffer the consequences of that foolish girl and that little man who couldn't break up with me in time.

"Dad, my relationship with Bastian is over, besides, you can't force love. I admit that his betrayal hurt me but on the other hand, she is my sister, but I can't blame her for long, and as mom said, every action has its consequences."

"Juliette, I apologize on behalf of Sophie.”

"Dad, the only one who needs to apologize is her, you shouldn't have to bear her mistakes."

"My daughter, please, don't hold a grudge against your sister."

"Of course not, dad, there's no room in my heart for such feelings, it's not worth it. Dad, it's better if you support Sophie."

"I suppose it will be okay."

"Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Yes Juliette, you know you can ask anything."

In some ways, I know it's silly, but Sophie told me something that has been on my mind.

"What did she say?"

"She told me we're not sisters, is that true?"

My father's face turned pale, his eyes darkened, and suddenly, I could see an expression of pain.

"Juliette, I'm sorry."

My father started to feel severe chest pain, and I immediately saw him collapse in front of me.

I screamed like crazy, and my mother rushed into the room. I called an ambulance, which arrived quickly, and my father was rushed to the hospital.

***

Gérard’s POV

Luc rushed into the house.

"Mr. Durand, I have important information for you."

"What is it?"

"Apparently, Miss Juliette's father has been rushed to the hospital."

"Do you know the reason?"

"A heart attack."

"I want all the details, Luc."

"Yes, sir."

Maybe I should go support Juliette.

I immediately grabbed my car keys and left the house, but on the way, I ran into Vincent.

"Why the hurry, cousin? I thought you would join us for dinner."

"I have important matters to attend to, Vincent. Apologize to Grandpa Simon for me."

Just as I was about to get into my car, a female voice stopped me.

"Gérard, can I talk to you?"

"Alice, I'm in a hurry. I can't talk to you right now."

She took my hand.

"Gérard, I still haven't been able to forget you."

I was quite amused by her words.

"You say you can't forget me, but you're marrying my cousin," I raised an eyebrow. "You're a hypocrite, please don't bother me with your false words," I said.

"It's true what I'm telling you, Gérard, if only you would let me explain how things happened..."

"Everything that comes out of your mouth is a lie, I don't want to have anything to do with you anymore, besides, you are now my cousin's fiancée, I don't want trouble because of you."

"Gérard, you are very cruel to me, I need you to know the truth, please listen to me."

"No, excuse me, I'm in a hurry, my girlfriend needs me."

"Your girlfriend?" she spat incredulously. "You're lying, you don't have a partner. You say that just to hurt me, I know very well that you still love me."

"Stop this nonsense, I stopped loving you when I realized the kind of person you are, you now only inspire disgust in me."

I turned around and got into my car. I was in such a bad mood that I didn't realize I was driving too fast, I almost lost control, but luckily I came to my senses and arrived at the hospital where Mr. Moreau was.

There, my assistant was already waiting for me.

"Mr. Durand."

"Luc, what information do you have for me?”

"Mr. Moreau urgently needs open-heart surgery, but here in Italy, there are few surgeons capable of performing such an operation," he said.

"So his condition is delicate."

"Exactly, unfortunately, the doctors are extremely overloaded and they haven't been able to find someone capable of operating on Mr. Moreau. Moreover, there is another problem."

"What is it?"

"The operation is very expensive and apparently, the family doesn't have that kind of money."

"Alright, you can leave now, I'll take care of the situation."

***

Juliette's POV

I was extremely sad because my father had a relapse in his illness.

I didn't think he would be so affected by my question, which really makes me doubt if I am his daughter or not.

And if Sophie was telling the truth, what am I supposed to do with my life?

To top it all off, the doctor gave us bad news: my father's surgery is very complicated and costly. I have to think of an alternative, unfortunately, the family's savings are not enough to cover the operation's expenses.

"Juliette, good evening."

I heard my name and found myself facing Gérard.

"Mr. Durand, good evening. What are you doing at the hospital, are you sick?" I asked.

"Not at all, I was visiting an old friend. And you, are you sick?"

"No, it's my father, he fell ill."

"Can I help you with anything?"

"No, thank you, the doctors are already taking care of him."

Sophie appeared at that moment.

"Sister, good evening."

"Sophie, you only show up now. Where were you? I've been trying to reach you for over two hours."

"Don't be dramatic, Juliette, I was busy looking at wedding dresses."

"You only think about yourself, Dad is very sick."

"You're exaggerating, besides, I've already solved the money problem, Bastian is going to pay for Dad's operation, after all, he's my future husband."

She said this mockingly, just to annoy me.

"That's not necessary, Sophie, I'll take out a loan, I don't want to owe anything to Bastian."

"You're lying. Where are you going to find such a large amount of money?"

I couldn't stand Sophie's mocking gaze, I had to swallow my pride and accept Bastian's help, after all, Dad's life was at stake.

I lowered my eyes and clenched my fists, but just as I was about to accept defeat to Sophie, I heard Gérard's voice.

"I will cover all of Mr. Moreau's hospital expenses.”