Chapter 1
To make sure my sister married my fiancé, my family planned everything.
The night before the wedding, I was tortured by two asholes for three hours.
My father raged, swearing revenge.
My doctor brother promised to help me recover.
But lying in the ER, I heard my brother whisper to my father-
“Dad, wasn’t it too cruel to let those bastards do this to Grace?”
Reed paused before replying quietly,
“I didn’t expect them to go that far. But this works. Antonio won’t accept her anymore so that Nicole can take her place.”
I closed my eyes in despair.
Fine. If that’s how they want to play it, I won’t hold back.
***
Travis’s assistant checked me over and hurried out.
“Travis, she’s got multiple wounds. Shall we operate right away?”
“Okay, let’s “Travis began, but Reed cut him off.
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“Hold on. Wait until Nicole and Antonio’s wedding is over.
“Grace’s injuries aren’t that serious. You guys can treat her quickly after. If you do it now, she might try to ruin their wedding.”
The assistant was stunned.
“We can’t delay the surgery. There might be other risks,” he urged.
“I agree. We need to do it now. I won’t let anything happen to Grace,” Travis said firmly.
Reed smacked him, and the sharp slap echoed in the room.
“You fool! We’re too far in to back out now. Grace needs to stay here for this plan to work. Nicole has to marry Antonio first.
“Just do what I say. Find Grace the best painkiller you can and push the surgery to tomorrow night,” Reed demanded.
Their conversation sent a chill down my spine.
When Reed divorced my mother, he refused to let her take
- me.
I thought it was because he loved me and couldn’t bear to lose me.
I never thought he would hurt me for his so–called adopted daughter.
And Travis? He used to fight for me when we were kids. Whenever he had something good, he always thought of me first.
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But now, he stood by as the thugs abused me and event delayed my surgery on purpose.
How did it come to this?
Before I could figure it out, they walked back in.
I shut my eyes, pretending to be unconscious, but my fists clenched involuntarily.
Reed noticed immediately. He grabbed my hand. “Grace, are you awake? How are you feeling?” he asked.
To keep up the act, he called out, “Travis, why are you just standing there? Check on her! Make sure she gets the best painkillers.”
Travis leaned over, tending to my wounds. He stopped the bleeding and wrapped them with care.
They acted concerned, but I knew the truth.
Their pretense only made me sick and sad.
The thugs had pulled out my teeth, and my mouth was still bleeding.
In great pain, I looked at Travis. “It hurts so bad down there. When can I have the surgery?”
“Grace, we’re waiting on a key drug. Travis already ordered it, but it might not arrive until tomorrow night.
“Don’t stress. He’ll stay with you and keep an eye on everything,” Reed said before Travis could answer.
I was so disappointed. I turned to Travis again and asked, “Is
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that true? I feel like I’m dying, and you can’t operate now?”
He avoided my eyes, guilt written all over his face.
But in an instant, he composed himself. “Why? Dad already told you everything. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
