Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Holden was completely struck dumb.

My blunt question hit him right where it hurt, leaving him visibly embarrassed.

However, he quickly regained his composure and put on his usual condescending face.

"Getting swapped at the hospital was an unfortunate accident. It had nothing to do with Chloe. Besides, if Chloe hadn't fallen ill and needed a matching donor, you never would have returned to the Vance family."

"Elena, you grew up in a backwater town with no manners. I don't blame you for that. But you need to know when to stop."

My chest tightened. Birds of a feather really did flock together. Spending all his time with Chloe had warped him completely, yet I had foolishly hoped he might see some good in me.

A bitter smile touched my lips, though unshed tears burned the corners of my eyes.

"I understand. I never wanted to compete with Chloe for anything anyway."

My mind drifted. My foot landed heavily on another pile of glass. A sharp, excruciating pain flared up instantly.

Yet, physical pain was nothing compared to the shattered pieces of my heart.

Seeing me admit defeat so easily, Holden was caught off guard once again.

Watching me stand blankly among the shards, his tone finally softened. "Your feet are bleeding. I'll grab the antiseptic and wrap them up for you."

He took a step forward, then froze awkwardly in place.

Holden had no idea where the first-aid kit was kept in our own home.

I ignored him completely, limped into the bathroom, disinfected the cuts, and bandaged my feet. Then, I sat at the dining table and started eating the cold leftover dinner.

Holden sat down across from me, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "The food is ice-cold. How can you eat that? Throw it away. Let's go out to eat."

My fork paused for a second before I looked at him coldly.

"This cold food is meant for uncultured country girls like me. You're a high-and-mighty heir. I never prepared a portion for you anyway."

Before he could accuse me of picking a fight, I added calmly, "Besides, I saw your post. Didn't you already have dinner with my dear sister?"

Holden lowered his head, frantically trying to explain himself.

"It was just a casual dinner between friends. I barely ate anything. Chloe had some wine, and since she just finished surgery, she wasn't feeling well. I had to keep an eye on her."

I nodded like a sensible wife. "I understand. She's fragile after surgery. As her brother-in-law, you naturally should look after her."

Holden fell silent for a moment, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Why aren't you angry?"

Swallowing my last bite, I looked up at him in mock confusion.

"Why should I be angry? Haven't you reminded me countless times? If it weren't for her, I never would have returned to the Vance family or married you. I know my place now."

I paused, pretending to remember something important.

"Tomorrow is the third, right? Make sure to remind Chloe not to eat breakfast before her follow-up exam."