The Don’s Fake Sister in Law Chapter 05

The Don’s Fake Sister in Law Chapter 05

I hesitated, then let out a soft, resigned laugh. “Probably not. Honestly? I just hope he finds

someone who makes him feel safe. That’s all I want for him.”

Nathan couldn’t hold back the tears anymore.

His shoulders shook as he turned his back to me.

I played dumb. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “Just… allergies. It’s nothing.”

He wiped his face roughly. “It’s late, Claire. You should get some sleep.”

He grabbed a blanket and headed for the living room.

I turned off the lights and settled into bed.

Ethan waited until he was sure Nathan was gone before slipping out of the closet.

With Nathan in the living room, leaving now was a risky move. His face darkened as he locked the bedroom door and came over, shaking me awake by the wrist.

Too much had happened.

Before today, Ethan had never imagined anyone would swing at his face-least of all his own

brother, for stealing his girl.

He let out a bitter, furious laugh. “Claire, had your fun yet?”

His grip hurt. “You’re hurting me,” I whimpered.

“I haven’t killed you-you should be grateful,” he snarled.

I blinked up at him, letting the tears fall.

“Ethan, do you see me -some foster kid-as an easy target? People like me get crushed and nobody fights for us.”

“You said I couldn’t love Nathan, couldn’t date him, couldn’t even be upset. Now you’re yelling at me, and I’m not even allowed to complain.”

Ethan’s brow creased, uncomfortable.

He let go, seeing the red marks forming on my wrist.

I murmured softly, “I never wanted anything except a home, someone to love me, someone to protect me.”

He said nothing, his face grim.

With a resigned sigh, he sat on the bed, unable to stand my tears.

He changed the subject. “Does your wrist hurt? Let’s get you to the family hospital.”

I shook my head. “Just rub it. It’ll help.”

He sighed again and gently massaged my swollen wrist.

“Ow… lighter.”

His face pinched with annoyance. “Better?”

I nodded. “You can go deeper.”

He shot me a look. “You mean harder.”

I was about to fire off another dirty joke when he cut me off, irritated. “Shut up. Just deal with the pain. You deserve it.”

When I just blinked at him, he realized how harsh he’d sounded.

He mumbled, half-apologetic. “First time doing this. Cut me some slack.”

I nodded. “You do you. I’ll manage.”

He frowned, sensing something off, but didn’t want to nitpick.

He dropped it, focused on my wrist instead.

He had his back to the door; the crack of light beneath it was partly blocked by someone’s shadow.

Nathan stared at the locked door, silent. Our voices drifted through faintly.

He stood there, a cigar burned down to ash between his fingers, the ember blistering his skin without him noticing.

After a long moment, he let out a bitter whisper. “I don’t have a right to be jealous, do I? My choice. My fault.”