Chapter 2 - Blood and Betrayal
The ambulance ride was a terrifying blur of flashing lights and sharp turns.
Sophie held my hand tightly as the paramedic monitored her vitals.
Her beautiful white flower girl dress was completely ruined.
Her innocent childhood trust in her family was completely shattered.
"Mommy, why did Uncle Preston hurt me?" she whispered weakly.
Tears streamed down my face as I kissed her knuckles.
"Because he is a very bad man, sweetie."
"But I promise you, he will never hurt you again."
We arrived at Chicago Memorial Hospital in less than ten minutes.
The trauma team was already waiting at the emergency bay.
They whisked her away for a CT scan.
I was left alone in the sterile, freezing waiting room.
My phone vibrated endlessly in my pocket.
Dozens of missed calls from my parents, aunts, and cousins.
None of them were calling to ask if Sophie was alive.
They were calling to demand that I drop the police investigation.
I turned the phone off.
An hour later, the automatic doors slid open.
My parents walked into the waiting room.
My father looked completely furious.
My mother looked embarrassed.
"Evelyn, this has gone far enough," my father hissed, keeping his voice low.
"The police are currently questioning Preston at the hotel."
"His new bride is crying in the bridal suite."
"You have absolutely ruined the most important day of his life."
I slowly stood up from the plastic waiting room chair.
I looked at the people who had raised me.
"Your granddaughter has a severe concussion."
"She is getting seven stitches in her head."
"And all you care about is Preston's precious reputation."
My mother sighed heavily.
"He is your brother, Evelyn."
"Family protects family."
"If you press charges, he could lose his corporate license."
"Just tell the police she tripped."
A cold, hollow feeling settled deep in my stomach.
For thirty years, I had compromised my own happiness to please them.
I had accepted their blatant favoritism.
I had swallowed my pride to keep the peace.
But I would never sacrifice my daughter.
"You are not my family," I said quietly.
"You are just two monsters who raised a third."
"Get out of this hospital before I have security throw you out."
My father scoffed, turning on his heel.
"You will regret this, Evelyn."
"We will cut you out of the will."
I watched them leave, feeling lighter than I had in years.
May you like
I didn't care about their money.
I only cared about vengeance.
