Chapter 6 The Other Daughter

Caius' POV

It had been a long time since I last saw Aeris, and she looked even worse than before.

She wore a fuzzy knitted sweater, her chin was pointy, and her once-round face was now gaunt. Her complexion was pale, and her clothes hung loose on her frail frame.

For a moment, I was dazed. I still remembered how she looked when she was 17 or 18 years old. Back then, she almost always wore a bright smile that lit up my world.

She would lean close to me, asking, "What are you reading? Why don't I keep you company?"

Her eyes had been so bright, and I would lose myself in them again and again. But somewhere along the way, Aeris stopped looking at me like that. Her eyes lost their sparkle, which was replaced by coldness and numbness.

Through my daze, I heard her icy voice.

"I once treasured it more than my own life. But now, I know it's nothing but a stone."

Her forehead was slick with cold sweat. Her lips were drained of color. She looked as though she was enduring pain with sheer force of will.

Even so, she straightened her back and started to walk out the door.

I didn't know why, but a wave of panic suddenly surged through me. I had never felt anything like this before. It was as though something vital was about to slip from my life forever. I couldn't stop myself from grabbing her arm.

The moment I touched her, I froze. Her arm was so thin! It felt as if I could snap it with the slightest pressure.

What happened to her? When did she become like this?

I couldn't remember.

Ever since Aeris had stubbornly refused to sever our mate bond, I had hardly seen her. I hadn't heard anything from her either.

With the gentlest tug, Aeris stumbled and nearly collapsed. I put a hand on her back and pulled her into my arms. She was far too thin. Her body was nothing but skin stretched over bones.

"What's wrong with you?" I stared at her, getting the feeling that something was very off with her.

But Aeris pushed me away without so much as a glance.

She flung off my hand forcefully and spat, "It's none of your business."

As I watched her walk away, something clenched hard in my chest.

"Wait—"

"Caius, you promised to get a gift for my mom today. Say, why would Aeris suddenly try to sell your bonding ring?"

Freya looked up at me, her eyes sparkling. A strand of her hair brushed my cheek as she turned her head slightly.

She continued, "Mom wants me to bring my fiance home tonight. You'll be there on time, won't you?"

I was going to go after Aeris, but my steps faltered with that reminder.

…

Aeris' POV

After leaving the jewelry store, my vision blurred completely. I could only drag my heavy legs along. Guided by instinct, I rushed into a deserted corner where I crouched down. From my bag, I pulled out a vial of dark green liquid.

It was the painkiller Blake had given me. I had kept it close ever since.

I spat a mouthful of blood and rinsed my mouth at a public faucet. I made sure every trace of blood was gone, and only then did I down the liquid.

I knew it couldn't cure me, but at least they would dull the pain a little.

Slowly, after waves of agony, the medicine took effect. My trembling fingers stilled. Only then did I notice the dried and stiff bloodstains on my sweater. I could imagine how awful I looked.

Thankfully, I had left the jewelry store before anyone could see me like this. My dignity wouldn't allow it.

Thinking of Dad's hospital bills, I sighed helplessly.

Caius would rather stroll through shops with Freya than get our mate bond severed and done with. The pack affairs he had said he was busy with earlier was clearly just an excuse. He had no intention of giving me the money.

My nose stung, and my chest felt tight. All he had to do was give me ten million dollars, and he could be with Freya for good.

I had only one last option left.

Years ago, I received a phone call from someone. Since then, we'd had no contact. It remained the same until last month, when she sent me a message and an address. She said she was willing to meet me.

I didn't know if she would help Dad. But I had to try.

…

Perhaps thinking of her triggered some very bad memories, for I had a terrible nightmare that night.

It was my eighth birthday. I came home excited, only to hear about news of her and Dad severing their mate bond.

She left our home without hesitation, saying that she had found her true love.

I hadn't understood what it meant back then. I only knew my mother was leaving. I had tumbled down the stairs chasing after her. I ignored the pain in my knees and clung to her leg, wailing with all the strength I could muster in my little body.

"Mom, don't leave me! I'll be good. I promise. Please don't go!" I begged, sniveling brokenly.

But she only knelt down and stroked my hair while saying with finality, "Aeris, I've found real happiness. Goodbye."

Then, a stranger put his hand over her shoulders and hugged her tight. Hand in hand, they left our house. I chased after the car, falling again and again. My hands and knees were all scraped and bloody. I kept chasing until the car disappeared into the horizon.

I sat on the road, crying inconsolably until Dad came and carried me away.

The grief jolted me awake, and I found myself drenched in tears. After that, sleep evaded me.

…

Early the next morning, I drove to her residence. I had sworn never to see her again. But now, for Dad's sake, here I was.

"Aeris? What are you doing here?" Mom looked surprised when she saw me standing at her doorway, hesitating whether to go in.

I looked up and froze when I saw her.

She had taken good care of herself over the years. Her perfectly curled light chestnut hair fell just above her shoulders. She wore a camel cashmere coat and a tailored silk blouse beneath. There was also a rose gold watch on her wrist.

The moment she saw me, she seemed shocked. Then, she reached out and took my hand gently. Stiff as a robot, I let her lead me to the couch.

It had been so long… so very long since I'd felt my mother's touch. I could feel the warmth radiating from her hands.

"I know James got severely injured. Life must be hard for you. Don't worry, Aeris. I'll take care of you, alright?"

The moment she said that, I felt a lump in my throat. It took everything I had not to break down.

One line from her, and I no longer had it in my heart to hold a grudge against her anymore. With trembling lips, I called out in a raspy voice, "Mom…"

She patted my hand, smiling gently as she introduced me to her new life. "Let's have dinner tonight, shall we? I go by Jenna Brooks now. David treats me well."

Her eyes gleamed, and her face glowed with happiness.

She continued, "He has a daughter who's just two years older than you. She'll be coming over with her fiance."

I didn't want to intrude on her joy, but I had to ask.

I pressed my lips together and forced the words out of my mouth. "Mom, you know Dad's injured. He needs money for treatment. I can't manage right now. Could you lend me some money? I swear I'll pay you back."

After I pleaded, I waited anxiously for her reply.

But then, a familiar voice cut in, "Aeris, have you fallen so low that you've come to beg at my house?"

Was that Freya?

I turned around stiffly in disbelief. There she was. The one standing next to her and holding her hand was none other than Caius.

So, my mom's other daughter… was Freya.