Chapter 6 Flaunting My Sister
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Jesse’s lips curved faintly. In her last life, she’d been burning with fever at this exact moment, too delirious even to know where she was.
Taylor hurried over, her face set in that familiar, caring expression as she took Jesse’s hand. “Jesse, are you feeling okay now? Let’s go inside. Apologize properly to Mike, and he’ll forgive you. Then, you can come home.”
Jesse stepped aside, dodging her touch.
Mike’s voice snapped in, sharp and cold. “She’s not welcome here. This isn’t a place you can just come and go as you please. We’ve bailed you out, and what do we get? Tantrums. I don’t need a sister like that.”
A lazy drawl drifted over.
“Relax. She’s not here to fight for her spot. I’m just walking her home, and your door just happens to be in the way.”
Lyman walked forward with a casual air, his hands resting in his pockets, radiating a confidence that made people grit their teeth. His chiseled face was a picture of arrogance, and he radiated a commanding presence that was both tall and intimidating.
He grasped her wrist with effortless ease, his lips twisting into a smug smile. “Better remember which house is ours. Wouldn’t want anyone mixing up where you belong.” His tone was playful, but his eyes were like sharp blades, cutting straight through the Spencer family.
Jesse tilted her head slightly, answering with a soft, “Okay.”
She let him guide her toward the Houston Residence.
Mike’s face turned crimson. He stormed forward, fists clenched.
Taylor darted away, looking panicked. “Mike, stop! Jesse’s doing this on purpose. She knows you can’t beat Lyman–that’s why she’s hanging onto him.”
Her words added fuel to the fire.
“She’s getting bolder by the day!” Mike roared. “I’ll drag her back myself. Let’s see if Lyman dares to stop me!”
Still, he saw Jesse as his sister.
Taylor’s jaw clenched, but her face remained pitiful. She loosened her grip on his arm and stepped back. “Don’t blame her. It’s my fault. I took too much of your love, so now she’s jealous
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Chapter 6 Flaunting My Sister
and running to Lyman out of spite.”
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Her eyes welled up, tears shining as she whispered, “Mike, please bring her back. I’ll leave the family if that’s what it takes. Then, she’ll calm down and come home.”
Mike snapped, “If she doesn’t want to come back, that’s fine! Who needs a toxic sister like that?”
He wrapped Taylor in a hug. “You’re my real sister. If Jesse ever comes crawling back, begging to be part of us again, we won’t take her back!”
From across the yard, Jesse picked up every word.
Her eyelashes quivered as she looked down. The pain was still there, but it didn’t cut as deeply as it had before. Now that she’d been given a second chance, she already knew she didn’t want ties with them anymore.
Lyman’s grin grew even wider, oozing pure confidence. “Come on, let’s see if you like the room I fixed for you. A little sister deserves a little spoiling. If not, she’ll just get overlooked.”
“Lyman!” Mike shouted.
Lyman completely ignored him, and Jesse followed him into the house.
When Jesse woke up the next morning, sunlight streamed across her sheets. She felt steady and refreshed, with her fever finally gone. In her previous life, she had been on the verge of death. This time, after a night of medicine and rest, she was back to normal.
As she descended the stairs, the first thing she spotted was Lyman.
He lounged casually against the dining table, his phone in hand. The suit he wore accentuated his tall frame, with that same untamed energy emanating from him in waves.
At the sound of her footsteps, his eyes shot up. A wicked smile played on his lips.
“Dig in. I’ll take you to school after.” His tone didn’t allow for any argument.
Jesse flushed slightly. “Not necessary, honestly. I can just take the bus.”
Lyman stood up straight, dismissing her words without a second thought. He gently hooked a finger under her chin, tilting her face up until their eyes met. “Finally, I get to take my little sister to school. I’ve beaten the Spencers at everything–except this one thing. Not having a sister was my only weakness. Today, I’m claiming that too.”
It was as clear as day–he wanted to show her off.
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Warmth filled Jesse’s chest. She told herself he was only saying it to comfort her, yet she cherished the moment like a precious keepsake.
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After breakfast, they were about to head out when Lyman stopped. “Wait. Forgot something inside.” He turned back into the house.
Standing by the doorway, Jesse’s gaze wandered across the yard. A group of wintersweet bushes swayed gently in the breeze, their soft blossoms drifting like snowflakes. She moved closer, drawn in by the quiet power of the plants.
Even in the dead of winter, the wintersweet remained upright, filling the air with a gentle
sweetness.
Her serenity was shattered by the sound of familiar voices–Mike and Taylor.
Jesse turned away. She didn’t want them souring her morning.
“Jesse!” Taylor called out with a smile. “You’re heading to school, too? Perfect! Mike can drive us both.”
Still fuming about yesterday, Mike’s voice was cold. “My car doesn’t carry traitors.”
There was a spark of quiet satisfaction in Taylor’s eyes, but her expression remained gentle. “Don’t be like that. Jesse’s pathetic. It’s freezing, and she’ll be late if she walks.”
Mike sneered, “That’s not my issue. If she wants a ride, she should apologize. If she shows she’s truly sorry, I might consider it. If not, she’s on her own.”
He fixed his gaze on Jesse, waiting for her to bow her head. It’s been a long night already. I even gave her an easy way out. All she has to do is apologize, and I’ll drop it. If she just says sorry, I can take her back as if nothing ever happened.
Her body stiffened. The memories of her past life flooded back–three days spent bedridden with a fever, barely able to get out of bed, and yet he had made her apologize to Taylor just for
a ride.
The bitter part? Back then, she’d dragged her half–dead body out here to cover for him in his drone competition, sparing him from embarrassment. What a joke.
Her heart clenched.
A shadow suddenly blocked the cold wind.
Lyman gently wrapped a soft pink–and–white scarf around her neck. His deep voice softened to a gentle tone. “You’re just recovered. Don’t push it and risk catching another chill.”
His breath tickled her car, warm and close.
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Jesse’s lashes fluttered. The warmth at her throat spread deep, easing the ache inside. Her gaze drifted to the man before her–the black casual suit fit his tall frame perfectly, and every inch of him exuded that wild, commanding energy.
When he stepped back, Lyman’s gaze swept to Mike. His lips curled into a razor–edged smirk. “Trash isn’t worth listening to. Don’t waste your ears on it.”
Mike’s fury exploded. He lunged forward, only to be yanked back by Taylor.
“Mike, please don’t fight. Talk to Jesse nicely. Don’t hit her again,” she whispered pitifully.
Jesse’s stomach churned. Taylor’s act made her sick. Her smile faded as she turned to Lyman. “Let’s go.”
As Lyman’s car disappeared down the street, Mike’s fists tightened at his sides. The image of Lyman wrapping a scarf around Jesse’s neck burned in his mind.
He hated how much it stung–because once upon a time, he used to do that for her himself.
Taylor tugged his sleeve gently. “Mike, we should go. We’ll be late.”
He snapped back to reality, glaring at her. “Why did you stop me just now?”
Taylor’s eyes welled up with tears instantly. “I… I was afraid you’d fight again. Jesse’s with Lyman now. If we push too hard, she’ll never come back.”
Mike didn’t bother comforting her. His patience was gone. He climbed into the car.
Corey came out just then, spotting Taylor’s teary eyes. His tone softened. “Don’t take Mike’s temper to heart. I’ll talk to him later, and I’ll find time to speak with Jesse. Hurry along, or you’ll be late.”
Taylor smiled sweetly, nodding. “Thanks, Corey.”
She turned away, her expression flipping cold as ice.
She might be their real sister, but they still chase after her like she’s worth something. They should be looking at me and only me.
–
Taylor’s resolve hardened. This family only needs one princess. That’s me.
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