Chapter 3

The plastic hospital chair was cold beneath me as I took slow, measured breaths. Mother—no, Victoria—was still sobbing uncontrollably, her grief a tangible force in the sterile room. My chest ached for her. Losing the man she loved so suddenly was unbearable.

But I was numb.

I had expected William Sterling to pull through. He always did. He was invincible in my mind, despite the years of indifference, the quiet disdain. Now he was gone, and I didn’t know how to mourn a man who had never truly been a father to me.

Yet, I loved him.

Because he was my blood.

"Are you okay?" Ethan’s voice cut through the fog in my mind as he settled beside me.

He had arrived an hour ago, silent until now. The concern in his tone felt foreign. Since when did he care about my feelings?

"Yeah," I muttered.

Not a single tear had fallen since the doctor delivered the news. Maybe shock had frozen me. Or maybe I’d cried all my tears for him years ago. Right now, I was the only one holding myself together while everyone else shattered.

Movement caught my eye. Nathan stood before me, his expression as cold as ever. No warmth. No sympathy. Just the same old resentment.

"What?" I snapped.

"Mom called Isabella when Dad was shot. She’s on her way," he said flatly. "She doesn’t know he’s gone yet."

Ethan’s sharp inhale was all I needed to hear. The fleeting comfort he’d offered moments ago evaporated. Just like that, I lost him again.

"Figured," I mumbled.

I hadn’t spoken to Isabella in years. She’d rather set herself on fire than share air with me.

"I expect you to be civil and give her space," Victoria interjected, wiping her tear-streaked face.

"Mother, you’re asking the impossible."

"I don’t care. You drove my daughter away nine years ago with your betrayal. I won’t let you do it again. Not now, when we need each other most." Her voice was steel.

I hated this. Hated how they kept weaponizing my past. Hadn’t I suffered enough for the mistakes of a foolish girl?

"Am I not your daughter too? Or am I already dead to you?"

I didn’t wait for an answer. I stood and walked out, desperate for air, for escape.

Outside, the cold bit into my lungs. Tears pricked my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Why was I even here? Why had she called me if I was nothing more than a ghost in this family?

Part of me wanted to leave and never look back.

"Ma’am, are you William Sterling’s daughter?" A nurse startled me.

I nodded, my pulse erratic.

"They’re ready for you to view the body."

"Give me a minute."

She left, and I made my decision.

Despite everything, he had provided for me. I owed him this much. One final goodbye. Then I’d walk away for good.

Inside the morgue, the others had already said their farewells.

William lay still, his face peaceful. Like he was sleeping. Not gone.

"Goodbye, Father."

I turned away before the weight of grief could crush me.

Back in the waiting area, I took the farthest seat. Victoria was buried in paperwork. Nathan stared blankly at the wall. Ethan was gone.

Then the doors burst open.

Isabella.

Long golden hair, legs for days, that perfect heart-shaped face—she hadn’t changed.

Nathan pulled her into a hug, murmuring words I’d never received.

And then Ethan returned.

The moment he saw her, his knees nearly gave out. "Isabella?" His voice cracked.

She turned. Their eyes locked.

And just like that, the world disappeared.

They crashed into each other’s arms.

If Nathan’s embrace had hurt, this was annihilation.

Isabella was back.

And Ethan still loved her.

After all these years.

After me.

The truth was a knife to the heart.