The threat sent a chill down Destiny’s spine, and though she was reluctant, she dialed Heather’s number.
The line rang for a while before Heather finally picked up, her voice groggy and annoyed.
“Who is this?”
“Hi, Heather. It’s me, Destiny,” she said, attempting a sugary tone. “Dad’s really sick… He wants to see you.
There was a long pause. It took Heather nearly a full minute to even recall who Destiny was-
+25 BONUS
Chapter 10:
she had buried any thoughts of her father and half–sister so deeply that she’d nearly forgotten their existence.
Her voice, flat and emotionless, finally came through. “I’ve cut ties with the Longstaff family a long time ago. Whatever happens to him has nothing to do with me. Don’t contact me again.” Destiny’s expression soured, and the fake sweetness in her tone vanished entirely. “No wonder Dad abandoned you. Heather, you’re so unlikable. It’s no surprise you were dumped by both Dad and Mitchell!
The mention of Mitchell startled Heather awake, her tone turning frosty. “Mitchell told you to call me, didn’t he?”
It wasn’t a question so much as a–statement, and Heather already knew the answer.
Destiny scoffed. “Yeah, so what? Heather, I can’t stand your holier–than–thou attitude-” Before she could finish, the line went dead. Heather had hung up, not even giving her a chance to continue.
Mitchell, pale and shivering from the blood loss, barely managed to whisper, “Heather… I’ve never even dreamed of dumping you…” before his strength gave out entirely.
After Mitchell lost consciousness, Destiny, who had been planning to sneak away, hesitated. Fear of being implicated in his death forced her to call Vanessa for help. Thanks to Vanessa’s swift action, Mitchell’s life was saved.
Now, in the quiet hospital room, Mitchell lay motionless, still comatose. He had been unconscious for two days, and Vanessa’s anxiety grew with each passing hour.
“Heather…”
Mitchell’s lips moved weakly, murmuring her name. Vanessa rushed to his side, thinking he was finally waking up, but the doctor explained it was just an unconscious reflex, his subconscious clinging to her memory.
Heather’s departure had become an unhealed wound, festering deep in his soul.
Vanessa broke down, sobbing against the edge of his hospital bed as she looked at Mitchell- so thin and gaunt he was barely recognizable. Her tears fell freely, mixing with the weight of helplessness and heartbreak.
Chapter 21
