Chapter 3

William's words were full of disdain, and the mockery in his gaze struck like an invisible slap.

The first time I met William was at Jonathan's 18th birthday party. That day, Jonathan had brought me back to his home and introduced me to his family.

"She's part of our family now," he'd said. "As long as I'm here, I'll protect her for life."

William, who'd been engrossed in his game, looked up as soon as he heard that.

He had given me a long, measuring look, then broke into a grin. "Well, if Jonathan says so, then Cherry is my family too. I'll look out for you as well."

For a moment, everyone's gazes—some curious, some dismissive, some envious—had fallen squarely on me, and I had felt utterly lost.

Then, William tossed his phone aside and took my hand. "Come on. Let's go out and get to know each other better."

Before I could say anything, he'd bundled me into his car and driven me around the city. If Jonathan hadn't called, he might have taken me all the way to the beach.

As I had gotten out of the car, William had pinched my cheek and spoke sincerely, "Cherry, don't just stick to Jonathan. I can be a brother to you, too."

From that day on, I had lived with Jonathan, while William became a regular visitor to our home. He often took me out to play. When we'd exhausted places domestically, he had taken me abroad.

On my college graduation day, both William and Jonathan had attended the ceremony. Surrounded by admiration, I had been the center of attention.

That night, William had set off fireworks by the beach and confessed his feelings. I had felt a spark and a fleeting impulse to answer him, but a hand had clamped over my mouth.

William's smile had faded as Jonathan pulled me toward him and said, "Cherry is still young and not ready for relationships. Stay away from her, William."

William had looked down with a wounded look flickering in his eyes. I had felt a pang of sympathy, but Jonathan had held me back, as controlling me as always.

I had assumed William and I might grow distant after that night, but the next day, he had appeared as usual and invited me out. Meanwhile, Jonathan hadn't stopped him.

It had been as if nothing had changed.

That was until Rebecca returned. After that, I saw less of William, and Jonathan started staying out. The place that used to feel like home eventually became a space I occupied alone.

I licked my lips to moisten the dry, cracked skin.

"I'm not angry," I rasped.

Though it was only a few words, my throat felt like it was tearing, and my voice was hoarse and ragged.

William let out a breath, his expression softening. "Good. When you're better, I'll take you out again."

I managed a small smile and kept my expression neutral.

In truth, ever since his confession, William hadn't referred to himself as my brother, nor did he want me to treat him like one. Instead, he preferred if I called him by his nickname, Will.

He'd once told me it made him feel warm. However, the day Rebecca came back, his face had darkened in displeasure when I'd used his nickname.

"You shouldn't call me that," he'd reprimanded me.

Since then, he'd started acting like we were siblings again, and he insisted I do the same.

A suffocating ache settled in my chest. The memories were so vivid and sweet that even now, recalling them left me wistful. But there was always someone to remind me of my place.

Jonathan glanced at his watch and said in a gentler tone, "Get some rest, Cherry. Don't overthink it and just sleep. You'll feel better after that."

Would sleep really fix everything? Would a nap erase what had happened?

I nodded but didn't agree with his casual approach to "solving" this.

Jonathan left, and after staying for a while, William was also called away by work.

Soon, it was just Rebecca and me in the ward.

I was surprised she hadn't left; she usually avoided me as much as possible.

From the very first day she returned, she'd shown nothing but disdain for me. I could still recall the look on her face—haughty and filled with contempt as though she were staring at an insect.

It was the same look she wore now.

I looked away, but her voice clung to me like a shadow.

"Charlotte, you're lucky you survived that. But it's good you're alive. Now you can see with your own eyes just how foolish it is to think you could ever take my place."

Take her place? I'd never even considered it.

"You're mistaken. I've never wanted to replace you," I replied.

Rebecca scoffed. "Is that so? Then why won't you leave them? Don't tell me it's out of gratitude. Don't tell me you still think Jonathan saved you out of pity. Haven't you noticed? You look a lot like me."

My eyes widened in shock as I stared at Rebecca.

She raised an eyebrow, looking as if she'd suddenly had an epiphany.

"You really don't know? Oh, Charlotte, you're so naïve. Did you ever ask Jonathan why he brought you home in the first place? Aren't you even a little curious?"

Of course, I'd asked. At Jonathan's 18th birthday party, I had a few drinks. Feeling a little bold, I had raised the question. He'd hesitated for a few seconds, then gently touched the corner of my eye.

"I was drawn to the emptiness in your eyes when we first met. You were like a withered flower, and I wanted to bring you back to life, to see how you'd bloom.

"And now you have bloomed—bright and beautiful, just like the rose you held back then. That was why I brought you home, Cherry. That's all there is to it."

Was that really all?

I carefully observed Rebecca's face, particularly her eyes. They did look like mine.

So, that was it. I owed my survival to Rebecca, it seemed. All the affection I'd received was because of her. To Jonathan and William, I was just a substitute for Rebecca.

It all made sense now. The real one had returned, and I was no longer needed.

I let out a small, relieved smile.

In a way, it was good; leaving would be easier without any burdens.

After all, these years with them were just a transaction. They found comfort after losing Rebecca, and I got a second chance at life through them.

From here on out, let the bygones be bygones.

I stayed in the hospital for two weeks.

Jonathan came by occasionally, but he'd only sit for a few minutes before leaving. William hadn't visited at all, though I saw updates of his travels with Rebecca every day.

After two weeks of overtime at work, Jonathan finally freed up his schedule and joined them.

My phone buzzed again with another message from Rebecca.

Strangely, I felt nothing.

In the photo, William and Jonathan flanked her like two knights guarding their princess, while she sat in the middle with quiet elegance.

Her eyes were soft and serene, and I could see how alike we seemed.

Jonathan used to say he liked my calm nature. Now I understood what he'd really meant.

Setting down my phone, I went through my final discharge procedures, gathered my things, and bought a plane ticket to the farthest city from Denwick.

Just as I boarded, I received a call from Jonathan. I switched off the phone, took out the SIM card, and tossed it in the trash.

The moment the plane took off, I felt a wave of relief.

At last, the ties between us were severed.