Chapter 3 Three

• CRYSTAL
• This can’t be real.
• I stand there, frozen, watching the chaos around me and whispering the same words over and over in my mind.
• It’s not real. It’s not real. It can’t be.
• But then I feel Kai’s hand tightening around mine. His touch pulls me back to the moment. My father, with Alex’s help, is carrying my unconscious mother toward one of the guest rooms.
• I take a step to follow them, but Alex turns sharply and blocks my path.
• “That’s enough, Crystal,” he snaps. “Your dead mother caused all of this. Give our mother some space. Your presence will only make it worse.”
• I stare at him, stunned...not just by the words, but by how easily they fall from his mouth.
• But deep down, I’m not surprised.
• Alex has never liked me. Not since we were children. My father always favored me...praised my grades, admired my confidence, trained me to take over his empire.
• Even though I’m two years older, Alex has always seen me as competition. And now, I guess he finally feels like he’s won.
• Still, it stings. Especially when I see him allowing Alora to walk beside him. He glances at her protectively, and together, they disappear into the room with my unconscious mother.
• I trail behind them, but I keep my distance. Kai stays close, silently holding my hand as if he knows I might collapse too.
• We all wait outside the room. My grandmother is quiet. My father is on the phone, calling the doctor who had already left, his voice sharp and commanding. A few minutes later, the doctor arrives and goes inside.
• It feels like an eternity before the door opens again.
• “She’s awake,” the doctor says. “She’s conscious and stable. She just needs rest.”
• Relief floods my chest.
• I rush into the room without thinking.
• But as I approach the bed, reaching to sit beside her, my mother turns her head. Her eyes, once so warm, are now cold steel.
• “Get out,” she whispers.
• I stop mid-step. “Mom… please. Don’t push me away. I’m still me. I’m still your Crystal...”
• “Get out of this room before I scream!” she roars.
• I flinch. My knees wobble. I stumble backward, breath caught in my throat, and hurry out of the room.
• I’ve never heard her use that voice with me. Not even when I failed or disappointed her. Not ever.
• I stand in the hallway, shaking, tears blurring my vision. My heart is bleeding.
• My father walks over and gently taps my back. “Give her time,” he says softly. “She’s in shock. That woman may be your biological aunt, but you’re still our daughter. Nothing can change that.”
• I nod, but I can’t speak. I don’t even know if I believe him.
• My gaze shifts and catches Alora watching me. There’s a strange curve to her lips...almost a smirk. Whether it’s intentional or not, I can’t stand the sight of her.
• I drop Kai’s hand and turn, running.
• I don’t stop until I reach my room, slam the door shut, and fall to the floor.
• I cover my face and break down in loud, shaking sobs.
• Kai enters quietly. He kneels beside me, lifts me gently, and pulls me into his arms.
• “Don’t cry,” he whispers. “Crystal, everything will be okay.”
• I look up at him, broken. “What am I going to do, Kai? My mother—she hates me. She doesn’t even want to see me.”
• “I know,” he says, hugging me tighter. “But I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. No matter what happens, I’ll stay by your side. I promise.”
• I grip him like a lifeline, tears soaking into his shirt. He smells like sandalwood and comfort. I never want to let go.
• Then his phone begins to ring.
• He doesn’t move.
• “You’re not going to answer it?” I sniff, pulling back.
• He glances at the screen. “It’s just my dad.”
• “Well, pick it up,” I say, wiping my eyes. “It could be important.”
• He sighs and answers. “Dad, I’m busy.”
• “Kai,” I hear his father’s voice yelling through the speaker. “Come home. Come home right now.”
• “I said I’m busy,” Kai repeats, firmer this time.
• Then another voice joins in...deeper, older.
• “Kai Montgomery!” his grandfather barks. “Come home this instant!”
• Kai exhales and hangs up. “They’ll be fine.”
• “Kai…” I frown. “Something must be wrong. Your dad and grandfather don’t panic over nothing. Please go.”
• “I’m not leaving you like this,” he insists.
• “You have to,” I tell him. “They’re your family. You shouldn’t risk damaging our relationship because of this. We’re getting married soon. You don’t want your family resenting me, do you?”
• He hesitates.
• Then nods slowly. “Okay. Fine.”
• “Don’t worry about me,” I say, trying to smile. “This is still my family. They’re stuck with me, whether they like it or not.”
• Kai brushes his knuckles across my cheek. “I’ll call you when I get home, okay? I love you.”
• “I know,” I whisper. “I love you too.”
• He kisses my forehead and leaves.
• As the door closes, the brave face I’d forced on crumbles. I sink back onto the bed and cry again.
• I can’t stop thinking about the way my mother looked at me. As if I were some stranger. As if I had done something wrong.
• I wipe my eyes, but the memories flood in.
• The way she used to whisper, “You’re my pride, my jewel.”
• The way she demanded perfection from me...because she believed I was worth it.
• I lived my whole life for her approval. And now, it’s like I never existed.
• “Why me?” I whisper. “Why did this have to happen to me?”
• I don’t know how long I cry. When I finally glance at the clock, it’s past 1 a.m.
• I sit up slowly and wipe my swollen face. I can’t sleep. Not like this. Not knowing she’s in pain and I’m the reason.
• I need to talk to her. She’s the only mother I’ve ever known.
• I quietly leave my room and head toward the guest room where she’s resting. The hallway is silent. Everyone seems to be asleep.
• But as I approach the door, I hear voices inside.
• I stop.
• I recognize my mother’s voice. And then...Alora’s.
• I lean slightly closer, heart racing.
• “Tell me, Alora,” my mother says, voice trembling, “all these years… you’ve been through so much. I want to make it up to you, my child. Tell me what you want. Whatever it is, I’ll give it to you. Just say the word.”
• There is a pause.
• Then Alora speaks, clear and calm.
• “I want Kai. I want to marry Kai Montgomery.”
• My blood runs cold.
• And the world shatters all over again.