2. Big Sis, Please Come Home

The next day, I discharged myself from the hospital.

Standing across the bustling street outside the hospital’s skyscraper, my eyes squinted at the burning sun.

For thirty minutes, not a single taxi stopped.

Then, suddenly, a convoy of black luxury cars swept onto the street, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. 

The leading car was a black Rolls-Royce Phantom, its polished exterior gleaming under the afternoon sun.

It stopped in front of me.

And a soft sigh escaped me as the driver came out and opened the back door, revealing a young man inside.

His posture was rigid, one leg propped against the other one, his eyes fixed on the newspaper in his hands.

He didn't look up but only gave a single nod.

On cue, the driver gestured to me, “Please don't refuse this time. This is the hundredth time already.”

I folded my hands.

But then, my gaze darted between the burning sun and the cool comfort of the backseat of the Rolls-Royce.

“Fine!” 

I got inside, and the driver closed the door.  

In the past, I would have instantly objected, but I feared standing any longer under the sun would only worsen my health.

Inside the car, 

The man sitting beside me didn't put down the newspaper or say a word. I didn't say anything either but focused my attention on the road.

Fifteen minutes later,

The cars pulled over in front of an enormous hotel. And before we got out, all the bodyguards had already left the other cars, swarming in front of this one to shield us from the reporters and paparazzi.

Because the man sitting beside me was no ordinary man.

He was the great Alexandra Sterling, who single-handedly took the Sterling Business Empire from a struggling regional company to the largest corporate empire in the country in just three years.

He became a national sensation, and his popularity was at its peak. Wherever he went, the paparazzi followed. 

The driver came out and held the door open, but this time, I hesitated to go out.

“Don’t worry. Nobody will see your face,” the man sitting beside me spoke at last. 

He left the car, came to my side, and extended his hand. I took it without hesitation, and he used his jacket to cover my head while leading me inside the hotel.

Behind us, the paparazzi were in an uproar!

“No way! Alexandra Sterling is with a woman!”

“Mr. Sterling, are the rumors true that you are finally settling down?”

“Although many women have come out to declare themselves your girlfriend, you were never seen with one in public! Is she your rumored fiancée?”

“Mr. Sterling, can you do the honor of letting us see the face of the beautiful lady who has captured your heart!?”

Hmmm!

If I knew this was his plan, I would have remained inside the car. 

As soon as we entered the hotel, he removed the jacket from my face and I could finally breathe!

He led me to a private dining room, his expression blank, his footsteps steady yet fast. 

But as soon as we got inside the room and the waiters all left after serving the food, the all-mighty Alexandra Sterling got down on his knees and began whining like a baby.

“Big Sis, please come home!”

My arms folded across my chest, not moved a bit by this “dramatic” gesture.

“Sis, when did you plan to come back?” He hugged my leg, crying uncontrollably. “Mom and Dad miss you! Grandpa misses you a lot! Home has become a barren land without your presence!!!”

Missed me? 

I chortled and moved to the nearby chair, then sat down.

“Come on, Sis!” Xander crawled up to me, still holding my legs. “Are you still mad at Grandpa for chasing you out three years ago? Please come home and save my poor soul. Grandpa is working my ass out, and I swear I’m gonna die from pressure. I’ve missed the old days when I could fly around the world and go on vacations.” 

I didn't leave because Grandpa chased me out.

I left because I wanted to…

“Stop wasting your time.” I stood up. “I’m not going back.”

“But Sis!” Xander sprang to his feet and blocked my way. “You’re clearly living a miserable life out here. Look how skinny you've become. It hurts my heart to see that you're suffering. Please don't torture yourself any further. I'll protect you this time. I won't let Grandpa bully you again.”

A sardonic smile spread across my lips, my thoughts wandering back to three years ago.

Once Grandpa had made a decision, it was final.

Lifting my hand, I patted his shoulder gently, staring at the frustration in his eyes. “I’m sorry. But even if Grandpa comes to beg me, I can't go back, Xander.”

“Why not!?” 

“Big Sis, wait!”

“Aren't I your little brother anymore!?”

“Big Sis, stop acting as if you don't care! I know you're the one who has been secretly sending those brilliant strategies. The company’s success wasn’t a miracle—it was you!”

“Sis, please don't go!” 

His voice faded behind me as I walked out of the room.

Taking a slow deep breath, I resumed walking down the hallway.

But I hadn't walked far when two familiar figures appeared in my sight. 

Today, he was wearing a navy blue tuxedo that matched her luxury navy blue accessories. One hand settled carefully on her waist, his other hand held her handbag.

Aiden and Cassandra looked like a couple straight out of a Hollywood red-carpet event.

I didn't linger to dwell on their appearance. Instead, I turned to take a different direction.

But,

“Aiden, that's Annalise, right? Isn't she supposed to be in the hospital?”