In A Wheelchair, They Still Can Only Look Up to Me Chapter 03

In A Wheelchair, They Still Can Only Look Up to Me Chapter 03

The next day, the fever had blurred my vision to the point of near blindness.

I had to complete my physical exam today, along with my final pre-departure medical evaluation.

In my condition, I could barely stand on my feet, let alone walk across this sprawling estate. I had no choice but to call for a rideshare to pick me up.

Authorization form in hand, I knocked on the study door.

Dad was going over some documents.

“Father. I have business today, I need to go take care of some paperwork. I’ve called a car. Please sign the temporary access permit.”

Dad frowned and was just reaching for the pen when Maelis came.

“Dad!” Maelis came running in from the living room, clutching her chest, gasping for air, her face flushed bright red.

“What’s wrong, Maelis?” Dad dropped my permit form without a second thought and strode over to steady her.

“The air in here is too stuffy. My chest feels so tight, I can’t breathe.” Maelis leaned into Dad’s arms, gazing weakly out the window.

“I heard there’s a harvest bonfire party at Moonshadow Peak tonight. Dad, can we take the family car and go watch the fire? Just for some fresh air? Please?”

“Of course. I’ll take you right now.” Dad didn’t hesitate for a second. He scooped Maelis up and headed for the door.

“Dad.” I reached out and blocked the doorway. “It’s just one signature. It won’t even take a minute. My car is almost here, I’m in a hurry.”

Dad stopped. His eyes were heavy with disappointment.

He picked up the authorization form from the desk, right in front of me, crumpled it into a ball, and tossed it perfectly into the trash can.

“Isolde, you’ve been acting out way too much lately. Some of your behavior needs to be corrected.”

“The family car is taking Maelis to the bonfire party now. If your rideshare comes in and blocks the private drive, and Maelis can’t get down the mountain in an emergency, who’s going to take responsibility for that?”

He carried Maelis past me, brushing me aside with his shoulder.

“If it’s really that urgent, then walk yourself out of here and and get to the main gate before you call your ride. You used to be so tough. What happened? Are you jealous that Maelis is getting all the attention now that she’s sick? Don’t disappoint me. You’ve always been a good kid.”

“But I had surgery too.”

The front door slammed shut.

I leaned against the wall and bit my lip so hard I tasted blood.

Outside, the rain was pouring down in sheets. I clutched my bleeding lower back and walked out the front gate, one step at a time.

I stepped into a puddle and fell.

Just then, the family SUV rolled past me, slowly.

The window rolled down. Mom frowned and handed me a pack of antiseptic wipes and an umbrella.

“Isolde, can’t you even hold an umbrella?”

I didn’t take them. I didn’t have the strength.

Her hand hung in the air for a moment. Then she said flatly, “Just drive. She’s adopted after all, she was never going to put Maelis first.”

The words cut straight through my chest. I opened my mouth, desperate to deny it, to scream that wasn’t true. But her tires hit a puddle and sent muddy water splashing all over me. Her words cut through me like a slap. I couldn’t say a single thing.

In that moment, the last faint flicker of warmth inside me died for good.

I didn’t look back at the home I’d lived in for over a decade. My hands shaking, I pulled out my phone and called the contact person directly.

“I can’t walk anymore. Come pick me up for my physical exam.”

By the fourth test at the hospital, the Vale family showed up. They were there to accompany Maelis for her checkup.

My luggage sat beside me, packed by the staff.

They spotted me, and the easy laughter and chatter they’d been sharing froze in an instant.

Evren strode over and knocked over my suitcase without a second thought.

“Running away from home again? You think dragging a suitcase out the door is gonna scare Maelis?”

“Have you lost your mind? You’ve thrown away every bit of decency just competing with Maelis for attention!”

“We’re here to take Maelis for her lung scan. We don’t have time for your little stunt.”

Dad pointed at the main entrance and barked, “You’d better stay right outside that door and think about what you’ve done. Once we’re finished, we’re going to have a serious talk about your attitude these past few days. If you refuse to apologize, don’t even bother coming back home!”

His words no longer hurt me. They just left me numb.

The whole family crowded around Maelis, draping her coat over her shoulders and guiding her toward the other tests.

I pulled the signed bone marrow donation waiver out of my pocket, smoothed out the creases, and dropped it into the trash can.

Without hesitation, I picked up my suitcase and walked toward the staff member waiting nearby.

Without looking back, I got into the black pickup car idling at the intersection.

Goodbye, my family.

But this time, I’m choosing to let you go.

At eight that night, the whole family came home after a lavish holiday dinner with Maelis, laughing and chatting as they pushed through the front door.

Dad flipped on the lights, and his face went dark the instant he saw the handwritten letter sitting on the dining table.

“She’s getting bolder by the day. Does she think this is some kind of threat? Call her right now. Freeze her trustfund card and revoke her estate access. Let’s see how long she lasts!”

Mom pursed her lips and pulled out her phone, dialing my number.

“Ring… ring…”

The moment the call connected, her tone turned sharp.

“Had enough of your tantrum yet? If you’re done, get your ass back here and apologize! You don’t seriously think this family can’t survive without you, do you?”

But the voice that came through the receiver wasn’t my apology.

The whole family froze.