The Only Family I Ever Had Chapter 07

The Only Family I Ever Had Chapter 07

I was staring at the snow-covered mountains in the distance when I heard a familiar voice behind

“Claire.”

I turned automatically.

Then froze.

I had never seen Sebastian look so exhausted.

His eyes were bloodshot.

Dark stubble covered his jaw.

There was still a red mark across the left side of his face.

“Uncle Sebastian?”

He swallowed hard.

“Why did you leave without telling me?”

His voice was tight with emotion.

“Do you have any idea how worried I was?”

I couldn’t tell whether he was angry or something else.

“I’m sorry. How did you find me?”

His attention caught on the hospital band around my wrist.

“I know everything.”

His voice softened.

“What did the doctors say?”

There was no point hiding it anymore.

“Dr. Williams wants to try targeted therapy combined with radiation for the brain metastases.”

“Will it work?”

“He said it’s the best option I have.”

I hesitated.

“But there are risks. He said the odds are roughly fifty-fifty.”

Sebastian’s mouth tightened.

“I’m staying.”

I stared at him.”

“Where are you living? I’ll take you back.”

It wasn’t really a question. He had already decided I was going with him.

“She’s staying in an apartment arranged through the medical center. There’s no reason for her to

move.”

Evan Mercer walked up behind us and handed me a cup of warm milk.

“Drink this while it’s warm.”

Evan was a student of Dr. Williams who had been assigned as my medical liaison and day-to-day

support.

For now, I was using the guest room in his apartment.

Sebastian gave him a sharp once-over.

“And you are?”

“Evan Mercer. Her assistant.”

Evan’s answer was calm and direct.

Sebastian stepped slightly between us.

“I’m here now. You don’t need to trouble yourself. I’ll take Claire back.”

Evan looked at me.

I nodded.

Only then did he say, “Call me if you need anything.”

He left.

Sebastian waited until he was out of sight before opening the car door.

“Get in.”

Once we were driving, he asked casually, “How did he end up helping you?”

“The hospital assigned him. He’s reliable.”

I held the warm cup between my hands.

“Ask for someone else.”

Sebastian leaned across me and fastened my seat belt.

“I’ll be with you throughout treatment. You don’t need him.”

I said nothing.

I looked out at the unfamiliar streets instead.

Silence filled the car.

Finally, Sebastian spoke again.

“Claire. You don’t want someone else?”

“No.”

I glanced at him.

“And if you have things to handle back in New York…”

His grip on the steering wheel tightened.

When he answered, his tone left no room for argument.

. “I already told you. I’m staying until your treatment is finished, and then we’re going home

together.”

Before he could say another word, a truck ahead of us suddenly blew a tire.

The vehicle swerved violently.

It tipped toward our lane.

Sebastian slammed on the brakes.

A car behind us crashed into our rear bumper, shoving us forward.

“Claire, don’t move!”

His voice cut through the chaos.

I heard the sharp click of a seat belt releasing.

Then came the crash.

Metal screamed.

Glass exploded.