Chapter 13 Faking an Illness?
Caroline held back her emotions, forcing a smile as she met Fabian’s gaze. “Why don’t you ask yourself?
care for
“Have you forgotten? When you broke your leg at the construction site three years ago, I dropped out of school to care for you. I stayed home, helping you walk and exercise every day to speed up your recovery.
Fabian didn’t look guilty at all. Instead, he responded as if it was only natural, “You’re my sister. Taking care of me was your duty. And what does that have to do with you being in the hospital now?”
Rather than getting upset, Caroline remained composed. “Do you have any idea how much you weigh?
“I had to support you every step, carrying most of your weight. Do you think that wouldn’t take a toll on my body over time?”
Back then, she had been afraid he’d fall, so instead of letting him use a cane, she had been his support. She stuck with him until he was back on his feet.
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason for her lumbar disc herniation.
Years of carrying heavy loads at the clothing factory, combined with long nights hunched over her desk studying fashion design, had also played a role.
Fabian scoffed. “Oh, please. You expect me to believe that? You’re just faking an illness so you don’t have to cook! Caroline, when did you turn into such a liar? You’re an embarrassment to our family!”
Hearing those words didn’t hurt her.
Her heart had already grown numb. Nothing they said could hurt her anymore.
A faint sting in her hand caught her attention. She looked down and saw that her IV drip had run dry, with blood seeping. back into the tube.
There was a call button nearby, but she had no intention of pressing it.
Grabbing the IV stand, she brushed past her brothers and walked toward the door, calling out, “Nurse, my IV is finished. I’ve had blood drawn.”
Miguel’s expression shifted when he noticed the blood in the tube.
They had been standing right in front of her, yet neither of them had realized
A few minutes later, Caroline returned to the ward, accompanied by Blake.
Miguel frowned and asked, “Doctor, is my sister truly suffering from a lumbar disc herniation?”
Blake him a cold look. “You didn’t even notice how much blood your sister had lost. Do you think you’re in any position
gave to care about her health?”
Miguel’s face stiffened. “Sorry, I… I wasn’t paying attention.”
“Apologize to your sister, not me.” Blake walked past Miguel, setting a takeout box on the table. He turned to Caroline. “My colleague bought me this, but I’ve already eaten. If you haven’t had dinner yet, you can have it.”
Caroline blinked in surprise before smiling. This… feels a little embarrassing
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re my patient, and it’s only right that I look out for you. Besides, it’d be at shame to waste food” Blake’s eyes curved slightly as he spoke. Even with a mask on, his handsomeness was obvious.
“Thank you, Dr. Sherwood. You’re truly kind.” Caroline was touched, but at the same time, she found the situation ironic.
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1:23 PM & d
Chapter 13 Faking an Illness?
Seeing the scene, Miguel suddenly felt uncomfortable, “Caroline, if you’re hungry, I can buy you food. You don’t have to eat someone else’s.”
Caroline acted as if she hadn’t heard him and continued eating.
Miguel sighed, realizing she was angry. “I didn’t notice the blood earlier. I’m sorry.”
Fabian scoffed. “Miguel, why are you apologizing? She’s the one pretending to be sick!
“Caroline, do you think faking an illness and staying in the hospital will erase what you did to Helen? And don’t assume that pretending to be sick will get you out of cooking! Let me be clear–I won’t let you get away with this. Now, come home with
me!
As he spoke, he stepped forward to grab Caroline.
Blake shot him a piercing glare. “Back off.”
Though his voice wasn’t loud, the authority behind his words was undeniable. Fabian hesitated, instinctively pulling his hand Jback.
After regaining his composure, Fabian scoffed. “I suggest you stay out of our family matters. You have no idea what kind of person my sister is. Be careful–she’s full of tricks”
Blake sneered. “I don’t know about her so–called tricks, but I do know you’ve been badmouthing your sister nonstop since this morning. Tell me, is she even your sister?”
Caroline, who had been quietly eating, paused and glanced at Blake. She hadn’t expected him to take her side.
Fabian caught the sarcasm in Blake’s words and snapped. “What do you know? I’m trying to help her–to keep her from getting worse!”
“Help her?” Blake scoffed. “Your sister gets hospitalized. Instead of worrying about her, you show up to accuse her of lying. Some help that is.” He pulled two medical reports from the drawer and tossed them at Fabian. “Take a look.”
Fabian’s eyes widened as he read the diagnosis.
No way. Caroline had never once mentioned back pain. It must be fake!
Fabian was certain the reports were fake, a trick Caroline had set up to fool him. His anger flared, and he threw them to the ground. “Caroline, I never knew you were this manipulative! You even went as far as forging medical reports!”
Caroline let out a smirk, realizing something.
It didn’t matter if she was truly sick or even dying–if they didn’t want to believe her, they would always find an excuse.
Maybe they just refused to believe.
Her mind drifted back to the day she had died. Even then, her brothers hadn’t accepted it, brushing it off as another one of her stunts.
Thinking about Fabian’s smile that day, an inexplicable rage bubbled up inside her.
Without hesitation, she grabbed the half–eaten meal and hurled it at him. “Get lost!”
She was too fast. Fabian had no time to react, and the box struck him right in the face, food sticking to his skin.
“Caroline, have you lost your mind? I’m your brother!” he shouted furiously and wanted to hit her.
Before he could move, Miguel grabbed his arm. “Enough. Fabian. Go clean up. Let’s leave.”
