5. The Place I Swore to Leave 

I only glanced at the device once then went about my morning routine.

After I was done, I picked up my phone to find several messages piled up.

[Annalise, where are you? Why aren't you answering my calls?]

[Where did you sleep last night, Annalise?]

[What is going on between you and Alexander Sterling?]

[Are you still sad about losing the child? I already promised I’ll make it up to you.]

[I checked with grandma, and you weren't there! Annalise, answer my calls!]

His phone call came in again right at that moment. Without a second thought, I rejected the call and tapped block on his contact.

For three years, I’d let myself become someone even I couldn't recognize. 

This felt like waking up from a dream… no, a nightmare.

I dropped my phone, sat down, and picked up the TV remote. 

A familiar face popped up instantly when I changed to the Central City’s News Channel, with a headline that had my heart instantly drumming against my chest.

[Is This The Fall of The Sterling Empire?]

“Everyone knows that Alexander Sterling is the young genius who has brought the Sterling Empire to the spotlight after so many years of the family business struggling,” The newscaster revealed,

“However, this sudden turn of events has left the Sterling Empire on shaky grounds again. Most assume Alexander Sterling died in that attack, while others hopefully believe that he was brutally injured but still alive. But the real question is, will the Sterling Empire remain the head of conglomerates in the country for long?” 

Xander…

Dead?

An attack? 

My heart dropped to my stomach, sending waves of raw fear throughout my system that I forgot where I was for a moment.

I stood up and started pacing back and forth, rapidly scrolling through all the news channels to at least find a single news channel that would claim it was false information… a rumor to fool the people.

But no,

Every news channel was airing the same topic.

Xander might be dead.

Last night, his convoy was brutally attacked by a mass of thugs.

Most of the bodyguards lost their lives.

My brother was injured beyond recognition, and everyone speculated he wouldn't survive those injuries.

The only thing I could remember grabbing along was just my phone, as I raced out of my apartment.

By the afternoon, I was already on an emergency flight back to the Central City.

My heart didn't stop racing even after the plane landed at the city’s airport that evening.

My anxiety didn't decrease a bit as I took a cab down to the place I’d promised myself to never return to.

Even after three years, the mansion remained the same.

The towering building. 

The enormous metal gates.

After a whole day of running, I paused, my eyes fixed on the tall walls.

Hesitation replaced the fear that drove me back, and I found myself instinctively taking a step back.

But,

I was only here for my brother.

I must know what situation he was currently in. I would never be myself if I didn't at least glimpse his condition.

No need to announce my presence. 

No need to let others see me.

Fortunately, the security men seemed to be distracted by the group of paparazzi who were fighting to go in.

Not only was the paparazzi here.

The news media crew and some citizens were also here, demanding to know his current condition.

I slipped away from the crowd, walked around the mansion’s walls, all the way to the back. 

No security was patrolling here.

I cleared the small bush by the wall, revealing a small hole, but big enough that I could crawl inside.

After sneaking in, I used the back door of the mansion to enter the building.

Loud voices were coming from the enormous living room.

The family was around, and the fact that they were here, including the paparazzi and the masses outside confirmed my speculation.

Xander was being treated in the house. 

Carefully, I walked up the stairs, straining my ears for any sound nearby. Luckily, I didn't bump into any servants or the Butler.

Soon, I found myself standing in the hallway where Xander’s room was located.

My feet took off as I rushed forward and grabbed the door’s handle, pausing for a second to listen to any voices from the inside.

“Argh! Doc, take it easy! You're killing me!”

Xander!

I barged inside and almost bumped into the physician. 

My eyes fell on my brother, and my heart sank further, the fear inside me amplifying multifold.

They weren't exaggerating. 

My brother was sent to an unrecognizable state, and every bone in his body seemed broken.

“Big Sis!” 

Yet, his eyes lit up the moment I walked in, before they turned into a pool of tears. “You’re actually here, Big Sis! Am I dreaming? I thought I was gonna die without getting to see you again! Big Sis, see how I’ve become! I can't even walk. My biggest fear is that I might never be able to protect you anymore.”

“Oh, Xander…” My eyes clouded with tears, and my feet staggered forward. “Who did this? H-How could they?”

I sat beside him, struggling with words, my heart aching further noticing that I couldn't even hold his hands because they were both wrapped in a thick gauze.

“Ahem!” 

The sound coming from the door pulled my attention. I looked up only to find the once-almost-empty room now filled with more people.

My eyes first landed on the old man standing in the front, his white brows drew together in a deep scowl. 

“Annalise Sterling, you silly girl!!! So you finally remembered that you have a family!!!”