Chapter 3

At the homecoming party, I saw Bella, my childhood friend. She lifted the hem of her dress and ran toward me.

Before my smile could even form, I heard her call out instinctively, "Jess!"

I froze. My outstretched hand remained suspended in midair.

Bella didn't notice her slip until Jessica showed up in full glam. She glanced at me, then at Jessica, and finally let go of my arm as if it were scalding.

An awkward expression crossed her face. "Kayla, congratulations! I'm glad you've woken up," she said half-heartedly.

I forced myself to swallow the pain in my chest and looked up at Jessica. When she saw me, she raised an eyebrow and shot me a provocative look.

My former friends quickly gathered around her. And just like that, I was left alone.

The next moment, Samuel appeared. My parents quickly grabbed my arms and said irritably, "Why did you let her in? Samuel, escort her out."

Jessica stared at my parents in disbelief. Before she could react, Samuel pulled her away with a stern look on his face.

I sensed the subtle, watchful looks my parents cast in my direction, but I was no longer in the mood to play along.

They pretended to despise Jessica in front of me. If I hadn't seen that warm scene earlier, I might have believed them. I found an excuse and followed after them.

"Rory's birthday just ended, and now you're already throwing her a homecoming party? The sign from that celebration is still right over there. How do you think this makes me look?" Jessica asked pitifully.

I stood outside the door, feeling the blood drain from my body. As I glanced around the room, I spotted a sign tucked in the corner that read: "Happy Birthday, Rory."

I was stunned after realizing that my homecoming party had been scheduled almost back-to-back with their child's birthday celebration.

What did they take me for?

Only then did I understand why Samuel hadn't come home these past few days. It was because of their child's birthday celebration. I clenched my fists tightly.

Jessica sobbed and cried, but Samuel showed no sign of comforting her. "I told you, don't let Kayla find out you're here! She just woke up, and if anything happens to her, I'll never forgive you," he firmly said.

Jessica looked even more aggrieved. "I know I'm not supposed to be seen. I'll behave from now on."

Hearing her soften her tone, Samuel let out a sigh and said, "You need to remember your place."

The next moment, the sound of the two of them kissing echoed from inside. I suddenly felt unbearably sick.

A sharp pain of betrayal cut through my heart like a knife. Tears streamed down my face without me knowing it.

I wiped my cheeks messily, but just as I turned to leave, I caught Jessica's triumphant gaze. Panic swept through me. I did not watch my step and suddenly tripped over a plastic ball. I crashed heavily to the ground with a heavy thud.

The noise in the room stopped abruptly.

Lying facedown, I could feel my ankle twisted at an unnatural angle. The pain was so intense that I nearly blacked out.

"Kayla!" Samuel shouted, rushing out in disheveled clothes.

He then turned toward the shadows and snapped, "Don't come out!"

Panic and helplessness filled his face as he picked me up. I didn't know why, but I genuinely wanted to hear what excuse he would come up with.

"I was just heading to the bathroom. I didn't mean to..." I said.

Relief visibly washed over Samuel's face.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

He gave a vague reply, as if it were nothing. "I came to find something. Don't move—I'll take you to the hospital."

As I listened to his lie, I unconsciously loosened my grip on his wrist.

…

My ankle was badly sprained.

Tears welled up in Samuel's eyes as he held me tightly, murmuring apology after apology.

His body trembled, and even his voice was shaking.

"I'm sorry, Kayla. I failed to protect you. This is all my fault…"