Chapter 3

3.

I was startled awake by a loud crashing sound.

I opened my eyes to see the hospital door being kicked open. Landon walked in with a face made of stone.

"Gia, stop faking it. Get up now!"

Before I could react, he grabbed me and hauled me out of the bed.

The IV needle was still in my arm. The sudden yank caused a sharp, white-hot pain to explode in my wrist.

Blood started seeping out from under the tape, staining my hand.

Landon didn't even glance at the blood.

"Sienna has been emotionally unstable since you caused that scene yesterday. The doctor said she needs to stay for observation."

"This is your fault, Gia. You're going to her room right now to take care of her. Consider it your penance."

I looked at him, wanting to laugh through the pain.

Sienna's excuse was so pathetic, yet they fell for it every single time.

It was hilarious.

"I'm not going! If she's sick, hire a nurse. Why the hell should I do it?!"

My voice broke. I was becoming hysterical.

I couldn't understand how two people who loved each other so much ended up like this.

Landon frowned and ripped the IV needle out of my hand himself. He started dragging me toward the door.

"Gia, we didn't raise you to be this cruel to family. You're going, whether you like it or not!"

The commotion drew a crowd in the hallway. Nurses and security guards came running.

"Mr. Landon, this is a hospital! Let go of her immediately or we're calling the police!"

Landon clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Right then, Jax appeared with a squad of bodyguards.

"My sister is having a mental breakdown. She's not fit to be here," Jax stated coldly.

The bodyguards surged forward and pinned me down.

I fought with everything I had, but it was useless.

The onlookers didn't know what was happening, and the security guards hesitated.

The Jaxson Group owned 70% of this hospital's shares. Crossing Jax meant losing your job―or worse.

The crowd began to disperse, and I felt the last bit of hope die.

Jax gripped my chin, his eyes full of malice.

"See this, Gia? Nobody is going to help you."

"If you don't start behaving, I'll have you committed to a state asylum. You'll never see the sun again."

I closed my eyes. Tears of pure despair rolled down my cheeks.

When I spoke, my voice was hollow.

"Fine… I'll do it…"