Bad news

I sat by my brother Dan’s bedside, my fingers intertwined with his as I watched him sleep. The sterile hospital room felt suffocating, the rhythmic beeping of the machines serving as a constant reminder of Dan’s fragile state. It had been a difficult few weeks since Dan’s diagnosis with the same disease that had claimed our mother’s life.

Gavin had been surprisingly supportive during this time, offering his assistance without hesitation. Despite our unconventional marriage, his concern for my family’s well-being hadn’t wavered. He had even taken care of the necessary arrangements, ensuring that Dan received the best medical care available.

As I pondered over the recent events, Gavin’s words echoed in my mind. His proposal to turn our marriage into a business arrangement had initially seemed absurd, but now, with Dan’s condition weighing heavily on me, I saw the practicality in his suggestion. Gavin’s resources and connections could be invaluable in ensuring Dan’s treatment.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice Gavin’s arrival until he gently touched my shoulder. I turned to see him standing there, concern etched on his face. “How is he?” he asked softly.

I sighed, my eyes returning to Dan’s pale face. “He’s stable for now, but the doctors say it’s going to be a long road ahead.”

Gavin nodded, his expression grave. “I’ve arranged for the best specialists to consult on his case. We’ll do everything we can to help him.”

I watched over my brother, a mixture of fear and determination in my eyes. The disease that had already taken our mother loomed over us like a dark shadow, threatening to snatch away yet another loved one. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing Dan, not after everything we had been through.

Gavin stood silently beside me, his presence a reassuring anchor in the storm of emotions raging within me. I knew that his offer to turn our marriage into a business arrangement was driven by practicality, but in that moment, I was grateful for his support. The resources he could provide might be our best chance at fighting the disease that had already taken so much from us.

As I sat by Dan’s side, I made a silent vow to do whatever it took to ensure his recovery. I would navigate the complexities of my marriage with Gavin, using it as a means to an end if it meant saving my brother’s life. For now, all that mattered was Dan’s well-being, and I would do everything in my power to protect him from the same fate that had befallen our mother.

I stood up, my mind racing with questions as I faced Gavin. “What’s next after the contract signing?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

Gavin’s expression remained unreadable as he responded, “You need to prepare. You’ll be meeting my family soon.”

The news hit me like a sudden gust of wind. Meeting Gavin’s family was not something I had anticipated, especially given the strictly business nature of our arrangement. I had assumed that our relationship would remain distant and professional, without any personal involvement.

“Meeting your family?” I repeated, trying to process the information. “When is this happening?”

Gavin’s response was casual, almost nonchalant. “There’s a party next week. I’ll be bringing you with me.”

I nodded, masking my inner turmoil. Gavin’s sudden decision to involve me in his personal life left me feeling uneasy. His demeanor revealed nothing about his intentions, leaving me to wonder about his motives and what this could mean for our arrangement.

As we left the hospital room together, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of apprehension that lingered within me.

As I walked home, the sight of Jane’s favorite cake in the bakery window caught my eye. Without hesitation, I bought it, eager to surprise her. I couldn’t wait to see the smile on her face when she saw the treat I had brought for her.

Entering our cozy kitchen, I noticed the sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. The familiar scent of home filled the air, and I felt a surge of comfort. Placing the cake on the counter, I called out for Jane, expecting her to be home since she had no classes that day.

However, there was no response. Confused, I made my way upstairs to look for her. As I reached Jane’s room, I heard soft, muffled sobs coming from inside. My heart skipped a beat, and a sense of unease washed over me.

Pushing the door open, I found Jane sitting on her bed, her shoulders shaking with tears. In her trembling hands, she held a pregnancy test with a positive result. I was stunned into silence as I took in the scene before me.

“Jane,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

She looked up, her eyes red and puffy from crying. There was a moment of shock in her expression as she registered my presence. “Eli,” she said, her voice breaking.

I stood there, rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak. The sight of Jane in such distress, coupled with the news of the pregnancy test, left me speechless. My heart ached as I watched her, knowing that she was facing something life-changing and uncertain.

As I stood there, my initial shock turned to anger. “Jane, how could this happen?” I blurted out, my voice rising with frustration. “You should have been more careful.”

Jane looked up at me, her tear-streaked face filled with anguish. “Eli, I didn’t…” Her voice trailed off, and she dissolved into sobs.

Confusion and concern flooded my mind as I tried to comprehend what Jane was trying to tell me. Despite my anger, I couldn’t bear to see her in such distress. “Jane, what’s wrong?” I asked, my tone softening as I stepped closer to her.

Between sobs, Jane managed to utter the words that shattered my anger into a million pieces. “I was raped, Eli,” she whispered, her words barely audible.

Time seemed to stand still as her words hung in the air. My mind struggled to process what she had just revealed. The anger I had felt just moments ago was replaced by a deep sense of sorrow and empathy. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, but I felt paralyzed by the weight of her revelation.

“Jane, I’m so sorry,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. “I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Jane shook her head, her sobs intensifying. “I was scared, Eli. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I could handle it on my own.”

My heart ached for her as I realized the magnitude of what she had been through. I knelt beside her, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. “You don’t have to go through this alone, Jane,” I said softly. “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

As Jane continued to cry in my arms, I gently asked her what had happened and who had done this to her. With a trembling voice, she began to recount the horrifying events of that night.

“I attended a party with one of my schoolmates,” Jane started, her voice barely above a whisper. “Brian was there… he’s one of the most influential guys in school. You know how he is, always acting like he’s above everyone else because of his parents.”

I listened intently, my heart sinking with each word she spoke.

“He… he put something in my drink,” Jane continued, her voice shaking with emotion. “I don’t remember much after that. The next thing I knew, I woke up in a room, and I was… I was naked. Brian was there, trying to… trying to…”

Her voice trailed off, and fresh tears streamed down her cheeks. I felt a surge of anger and helplessness rise within me as I listened to her harrowing account.

“I tried to push him away,” Jane sobbed, her body trembling in my arms. “But he was too strong. I couldn’t… I couldn’t get away from him.”

My heart ached for her as I held her close, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Anger, sorrow, and a deep sense of protectiveness washed over me, knowing that someone had violated my sister in such a cruel and despicable manner.

“We will get the justice that you deserve, Jane.” I said and gritted my teeth.

Fuck him.