A Sister's Battle
1214 Words
The morning after Khloe’s late-night visit, Khan barely had time to process everything before her phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand.
She frowned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before checking the caller ID. The hospital.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
Without hesitation, she answered. "Hello?"
A firm yet professional voice greeted her. "Miss Khan Coco?"
"Yes," she breathed, already fearing the worst.
"I’m calling from New York General regarding your sister, Mei. Her condition has worsened overnight."
Khan’s world tilted. "W-What do you mean worsened?"
"Her oxygen levels dropped significantly, and she experienced difficulty breathing. We’ve stabilized her for now, but we need to discuss further treatment options. Are you able to come in?"
Khan shot up from bed, already grabbing a coat. "I’ll be there as soon as possible."
She ended the call and tried to steady herself, but her hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
Mei. Her only family. The reason she had agreed to this marriage in the first place.
She had to get to the hospital. Now.
Just as she reached the door, it swung open, and Liam stood there, dressed in crisp business attire. He arched a brow. "Where are you rushing off to?"
Khan barely looked at him as she pulled on her shoes. "I don’t have time to explain. I need to go."
His brows furrowed. "Go where?"
"The hospital."
That made him pause. "What happened?"
Khan exhaled sharply, not wanting to break down in front of him. "It’s Mei. She had complications last night. I need to see her."
Liam didn’t hesitate. "I’m coming with you."
Khan blinked, surprised. "You don’t have to—"
"I’m coming," he repeated firmly. "Harold already has eyes on you, and the press is watching. If you disappear alone, rumors will spread."
She wanted to argue, but he was right. Harold would use any excuse to turn this marriage into a scandal.
Without another word, Liam grabbed his car keys, and they headed out.
—
The drive to the hospital was quiet, tension thick between them. Khan stared out the window, fists clenched in her lap.
Liam finally broke the silence. "Tell me about her."
Khan swallowed hard. "She’s… everything to me. The only family I have left."
Liam glanced at her. "How long has she been sick?"
Khan hesitated before answering, "She was diagnosed last year. Lung cancer. We lost our parents years ago, and since then, it’s just been us. I promised I’d take care of her."
A flicker of something unreadable crossed Liam’s face. "That’s why you agreed to this contract, isn’t it?"
She exhaled, nodding. "The treatments, the surgeries—they’re expensive. I had no other choice."
Liam didn’t respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter. "You could have asked for help."
Khan turned to him, eyes burning. "From who, Liam? The world isn’t kind to people like me. People who weren’t born into wealth and power. No one helps unless there’s something in it for them."
His jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Moments later, they arrived at the hospital. Khan didn’t wait—she practically ran inside, with Liam close behind.
—
Mei’s hospital room was painfully sterile, the beeping machines a constant reminder of her fragile state.
Khan’s chest ached as she saw her sister lying there, her once vibrant face pale, her breathing shallow.
A nurse stepped forward. "She’s stable for now, but the doctors need to speak with you about her next steps."
Khan nodded quickly. "Where are they?"
Before the nurse could answer, a small, weak voice interrupted.
"Khan…"
Khan turned to see Mei’s tired eyes flutter open. Relief flooded her, and she rushed to her bedside.
"I’m here, Mei," she said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her sister’s forehead.
Mei managed a faint smile before her gaze drifted past Khan—to Liam, who stood silently at the doorway.
Mei blinked, then looked back at Khan, a mischievous glint in her tired eyes. "He’s real?"
Khan huffed a small laugh. "Unfortunately, yes."
Liam stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You must be Mei."
Mei nodded slightly. "And you must be the famous husband."
Liam’s lips quirked. "So they say."
Even in her weakened state, Mei’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "I thought you’d be taller."
Khan snorted, and for a moment, the heaviness in the room lifted. But then Mei coughed, her body shaking violently. Khan immediately gripped her hand, fear tightening around her chest.
A doctor entered at that moment, his expression grim. "Miss Coco, we need to talk."
Khan turned to him, her heart pounding. "What is it?"
He motioned for her to step outside.
Liam, noticing her hesitation, gently squeezed her arm. "I’ll stay with Mei."
Khan hesitated, then nodded before following the doctor into the hallway.
—
The doctor wasted no time. "Mei’s condition is deteriorating faster than we expected. Her current treatment isn’t working as effectively anymore."
Khan’s stomach dropped. "What does that mean?"
"It means we need to consider alternative options—experimental treatments, perhaps a more aggressive approach."
Khan gripped her arms. "And how much will that cost?"
The doctor hesitated. "The experimental treatment we’re considering is expensive. Without insurance, it could reach seven figures."
Khan felt like the ground had been ripped from beneath her.
Seven figures. Even with the money from the contract, it wouldn’t be enough.
Her breath hitched. "Is there any other way?"
The doctor’s expression softened. "We’ll do everything we can. But time is running out."
Khan nodded stiffly, barely holding herself together.
When she returned to the room, Liam was still there, sitting beside Mei, who was speaking to him in a hushed voice.
Khan approached, her face carefully blank.
Mei looked up at her. "Everything okay?"
Khan forced a smile. "Of course."
But Liam saw right through her.
He stood, excusing himself, but as he passed Khan, he murmured, "Tell me the truth later."
Khan didn’t respond.
Because the truth was unbearably
-------
Later that evening, after Liam had driven her back to the Carter estate, Khan sat alone in the guest room, staring blankly at the wall.
She needed more money. Fast.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
She turned as the door creaked open—Harold.
Her stomach twisted. "What do you want?"
Harold stepped inside, his expression cold as ever. "I hear your sister isn’t doing well."
Khan’s fingers curled against the sheets. "That’s none of your business."
He smirked. "But it could be."
She narrowed her eyes. "What are you getting at?"
Harold stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "I’m offering you a deal, Miss Coco. A simple trade. Your sister’s life… for your silence."
Khan’s breath caught. "Silence about what?"
Harold’s smirk deepened. "The truth. About this marriage. End it. Walk away from Liam. Publicly humiliate him, and I’ll make sure your sister gets the best treatment money can buy."
Khan’s blood ran cold.
Harold tilted his head. "Or… you can stay in this game. And watch her die."
A beat of silence.
Khan clenched her fists, her heart hammering.
She had fought so hard to protect Mei. But now, she faced an impossible choice.
Betray Liam. Or lose her sister.
And no matter what she chose, she knew one thing—
Harold Carter never made empty threats.
- Writer
