3
My question hung in the air, making them all pause. They seemed to think it was something that didn’t need to be said aloud. It was understood. That’s why they had rushed to the hospital in such a panic, wasn’t it?
“Of course, Rory. You were so brave that day. We’re all incredibly grateful to you for saving our lives,” Alex said softly. Caleb and the others nodded in agreement.
“Sister, thank you. Thank you for saving Alex, Caleb, Julian, and Leo. Because of you, I
get
healthy. I don’t know how I can ever thank you enough. If you needed my life in exchange for S
ly,” Celine said, grabbing my hand, her voice fervent and emotional.
to them standing here, whole and yours right now, I would give it willing-
As she spoke their names one by one, the four boys looked at her with such tenderness it was practically pouring from their eyes.
My own eyes held a flicker of irony. I gently pulled my hand away. “Don’t worry. I just woke up. Your life
is
of
no
Use to me ”
05.52
05:52
Chapter 1
Their brows furrowed slightly at my words, a hint of displeasure in their expressions.
I just looked at them. “In that case… could you perhaps convert that gratitude into cash? A million dollars from each of you would be enough. Is that okay?”
They all stared at me, stunned again.
“Rory, why would you say something like that the moment you wake up?” my mother said, frowning. “You’re a Rhodes. Do you really think you’ll ever have to worry about money?”
“That’s right, Rory,” my father added gently. “The most important thing right now is for you to recover. When you come home, you’ll be the young lady of the house, living a life of luxury. You know that.”
Another flash of irony in my eyes.
In my dream, I hadn’t cared about these things at first. I never brought up what I did three years ago; it felt too transactional for people who were supposed to be my family. But after I returned home, they used my “bullying” of Celine, my “mistakes,” as an exc-
yse use to cut off my allowance, to freeze all my expenses, time and time again. I couldn’t even pay for school activities. They punished me whenever they pleased. My life was miserable.
So if I didn’t secure a few million for myself now, the monumental act of saving their lives would soon be erased, canceled out by each and every time I “hurt” their precious Celine.
In my dream, that voice had offered to help me, to help me win back the love of my parents, my brother, my friends.
I had refused it. I had no desire to fight for such fickle affection.
I spoke again. “I was in a coma for three years. I’m eighteen now. I’d like to have some money of my own, so I can buy whatever I want, whenever I want. Just to spend it recklessly for a while. Is that okay?”
Hearing this, their expressions softened slightly.
“Sister, Mom and Dad gave me some pocket money, it’s almost a million dollars. Why don’t I give it all to you? I’m so happy I can finally do something for the boys!” Celine offered, her face bright with eagerness.
“Celine.” Alex shook his head with an amused smile. “We don’t need you to
use your
allowance.”
“What a silly, sweet girl,” Julian said, lightly tapping her on the head.
They all smiled and shook their heads.
“I just wanted to do something for you guys…” Celine mumbled, sticking out her tongue playfully. My mother hugged her dotingly.
In the end, of course, they each gave me a million dollars.
And I would make very good use of this four million.
I would not end up isolated, helpless, and miserable like I did in the dream.
