Chapter 6 The So-called Family
1019 Words
"Julia, I can explain. Please, don't be mad anymore."
Evan anxiously grabbed Julia's hand, speaking hurriedly, "There's nothing between Luna and me like you're thinking. You said such things in front of so many people, how is she supposed to face them now? Be reasonable and come back with me. Just say you were jealous of Luna and apologize to her. She's so kind, she won't hold it against you."
Seeing the urgency in Evan's eyes, Julia chuckled bitterly. "Luna? You talked about her so intimately and claim there's nothing between you? What do you mean by jealousy? Is speaking the truth now considered jealousy? Do I need to catch you in the act to prove it?"
'Is Luna really trying to climb to the top by stepping on others?'
"Julia! Do you even know what you're saying? She's your sister. While you were away from the Blair family, she was the one accompanying your parents. Why can't you let go of your prejudice and stop bullying Luna? She even spoke up for you before, and now look at what you've become!"
Julia swayed, her brows knitting together as she battled a sudden wave of searing pain.
Her illness had advanced so quickly that even standing for a while was a Herculean task.
Evan, oblivious to her struggle, tugged insistently at her sleeve, trying to pull her away. "Come back with me and apologize to Luna. If she hadn't spoken well of you yesterday, do you think things would have ended so easily? You're so immature!"
"Don't touch me!" Julia shook off Evan's hand, speaking firmly, "I believe I've made myself clear. We're done, the engagement is off. From now on, you can stay by your Luna's side."
After being repeatedly rejected, Evan began to speak without thinking, "Of course, it's different when you didn't grow up together. Just look at yourself, how do you compare to Luna?"
Facing Evan's disappointed and angry gaze, Julia, for the first time, fully expressed her feelings. "You say that while I was away, Luna was with my parents. Do you think I wanted to leave home and be mistreated? Where were you when I was being abused by Luna's parents?"
They all loved Luna, but why was there no love left for her?
Julia panted, overwhelmed by emotions that made it hard to catch her breath, sweat rolling down her pale cheeks. Evan instinctively avoided her piercing gaze. "It's been so long. Besides, Luna was young and didn't know. You can't blame her for everything."
"Evan, weren't you supposed to go gift shopping with me today?"
Luna suddenly appeared, smoothly slipping her arm through Evan's and resting her head on his shoulder, swaying slightly. "Mom and Dad were so angry yesterday. Luckily, I spoke up for Julia, or they wouldn't have let her back in. She really was joking in such a setting. Oh? Julia, you're here too."
As if just noticing Julia, Luna smirked slightly and said, "Julia, you didn't grow up here, so you wouldn't know. You almost embarrassed Mom and Dad yesterday."
"Luna is right. Don't think that just because Landon spoke up for you yesterday, you can act recklessly. Someone of his status wouldn't even notice you; you're just a pastime for him."
Julia finally closed her eyes at these words.
In Evan's heart, she was just that kind of person.
Luna stepped forward, brushing Julia's hair with undisguised malice in her eyes. "I know you're jealous of my relationship with Evan, but you can't do such things. Besides, my parents raised you for so many years. Isn't it a bit ungrateful to say such things?"
Turning the tables was always Luna's forte, but today, Julia was no longer willing to avoid confrontation.
Enduring her discomfort, Julia spoke slowly, "If kidnapping and abuse count as kindness, then there's no justice in this world. Everything you've enjoyed since childhood should have been mine. If we really count it, you should thank me. Otherwise, you might never have seen any of this in your life."
"Evan, look at what she's saying." Luna said, tears glistening, "How can she say that about me? With Mr. Lynch backing her, she doesn't even consider us family anymore."
'Family?'
Julia found it ironic. None of these so-called family members noticed anything wrong with her.
"Landon is not someone you can provoke. Do you know—"
"Oh, really? I'd love to hear this."
A cold voice sliced through the air from afar, instantly draining the color from Evan and Luna's faces.
"Didn't I tell you to leave her alone?" Landon said as he approached, nonchalantly draping his coat over Julia's shoulders. "The Pierce family? Have the head of the Pierce family meet me at the company tomorrow."
Yesterday might have been a warning, but today it was a blatant threat.
Evan and Luna's faces drained of color.
"That's not what I meant," Evan tried to explain, "Yesterday..."
"I have some private matters to discuss with Miss Blair. You two can leave now," Landon interrupted, gesturing with a welcoming hand. "Miss Blair, shall we?"
Julia paused, savoring the unexpected warmth of the coat.
Under Evan's incredulous gaze, Julia slowly extended her hand, "Mr. Lynch, it's a pleasure."
*****
"Keep your eyes forward," Landon advised, "They're not far off yet."
Julia couldn't quite grasp his intentions. 'What could possibly interest this notoriously aloof figure enough to help me repeatedly?'
She wondered, as someone practically at death's door; why would someone of his stature bother?
"Thank you, Mr. Lynch, for helping me out just now."
Julia spoke weakly, "May I ask why you wanted to see me?"
"Let's head to the hospital first. We'll talk after the check-up," Landon said, glancing down at her with an unreadable expression.
'Could it be her?'
He had searched for her for so many years, and just when he had a lead, it turned out to be this situation.
They remained silent until the doctor finally delivered the test results.
"The prognosis isn't ideal, but there's still a glimmer of hope for treatment. If you're willing to cooperate, there's a chance."
- Writer
