"Look, either you let Thaddeus go, or you get up and make him fall for you all over


    again," Cassius said, his voice sharp with frustration. His dark eyes burned with a


    restless energy. "But wasting your life like this, hiding away in here-what''s the


    point?"


    "You''re so noisy..."


    Evadne buried her face deeper into the pillow. Her dark hair spilled across the


    crisp white sheets, making her look even smaller and more fragile. "Just leave, will


    you? I want to sleep!"


    Cassius, the oldest brother-more like a father than a sibling-felt anger, pity, and


    helplessness all at once.


    He knew: no one could untangle her heart but Thaddeus himself.


    "Ms. Evadne, if you''re hungry, you can have anything you want from the hotel


    kitchen," Jason fretted, lingering nearby. "Why instant noodles? Let me cook you


    something real. It''s not good for you, eating that stuff."


    Evadne''s reply was muffled but clear, "Noodles are tasty. I like them."


    Aaron, who knew Evadne''s stubborn streak all too well, realized gentle words


    wouldn''t work. He''d have to switch up his game.


    He walked over to the bed, leaned down, and whispered in her ear, voice low and


    devilish, "I found out who''s been meeting with Averytely."


    In an instant, Evadne shot upright, eyes wide with sudden energy. "Who?!"


    Aaron wrinkled his nose dramatically. "Whoa, girl, you need a shower. If


    housekeeping finds you like this tomorrow, they''ll call the cops and think it''s a


    crime scene."


    Jason snorted, halfughing at Aaron''s exaggeration.


    Aaron pressed on, "Go wash up, eat something decent, and I''ll tell you what I


    found out."


    It worked like a charm. Evadne scrambled off the bed, bare feet padding across


    the floor, wobbling a little as she made her way to the bathroom.


    Cassius watched her go, worry creasing his brow deeper and deeper. He noticed


    the way she hunched over, her thin legs trembling.


    "Evadne, are you alright?" Cassius called, concern spilling out.


    "I''m fine... I''ll just be quick," Evadne whispered back, voice barely above a breath.


    But Cassius didn''t believe her; he could sense something was off. He hurried


    toward her. "Are you sure you feel okay? If you''re not, I''m taking you to the ER


    right now."


    "I''m-" Before she could finish, pain


    tore through her stomach-a sharp,


    agonizing twist, like a hedgehog


    rampaging inside her. Suddenly, her


    whole body spasmed, and she


    doubled over, vomiting a mouthful of


    bright, terrifying blood onto the floor.


    "Evadne!" Cassius and Aaron both shouted, rushing to catch her as she


    copsed.


    Jason, pale and shaking, grabbed his phone and dialed 911.


    Evadne''s world faded to ck as she slumped into Cassius'' arms, blood staining


    her lips, consciousness slipping away.


    ...


    Later that day, after a full check-up, Thaddeus had finally been cleared to go


    home, though he was far from fully recovered.


    After lunch, Gordon arrived with a


    crisp new suit and helped Thaddeus


    change piece by piece. As he


    fastened the tie, Gordon couldn''t


    help recalling all those bright, gentle


    momings when Mrs. Abernathy


    used to tie Thaddeus'' tie for him.


    She was so deft, so careful, always


    finishing with a neat flourish.


    Thaddeus would always circle his


    arms around her, pulling her close,


    stealing a long, tender kiss.


    Would there ever be mornings like that again?


    Gordon hesitated, lips moving as if to speak. "Um, Mr. Thaddeus..."


    Thaddeus said nothing, eyes a cool, distant blue.


    As Gordon steeled himself to mention Evadne, the door swung open and a


    woman in a white coat strolled in.


    "Mr. Thaddeus, you''re looking better today," Alexia said with a warm smile,


    stepping over and presenting a bouquet of creamy white tulips. "Congrattions


    on your discharge."


    Thaddeus paused, the faintest hesitation in his eyes, then epted the flowers.


    "Thank you, Dr. Alexia."


    "Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Frederic are


    on their way to pick you up. Both of


    your uncles are worried about you


    Alexia continued with a gentle,


    reassuring smile. "Your older brother


    isn''t feeling well, so he sent me


    instead. Figured a doctor would be


    handy, just in case."


    Thaddeus nodded. "He''s thoughtful."


    Gordon stood silently behind her, watching her with a strange sense of unease-


    something oddly familiar, yet alien.


    Just then, Gordon''s phone rang-a call from thepany. He excused himself


    and stepped outside.


    Now it was just Thaddeus and Alexia in the room.


    Thaddeus turned to the mirror, fumbling with his tie. After several frustrating


    minutes, he still couldn''t get it right. Sweat beaded at his hairline, his patience


    unraveling.


    And before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "Evadne, help me."