Chapter 4Tortured Brother: My Sister Calls It Discipline

Nathan walked over and took my hand as he spoke, looking completely innocent. "It's my graduation celebration today, and since you're here, you should celebrate with me, Bennett. I won't hold it against you that you bullied me back then. I hope we can get along well from now on, for Delilah's sake."

I suddenly received a call from Mr. Guest just as he finished speaking. I stared at the lit screen and went to pick it up, but Nathan threw a fit, screaming as he swatted the phone away.

"How could you still be in touch with Paul? You couldn't possibly be plotting with him on how to hurt me again, right?"

He suddenly began bowing frantically before I could even react. "I'm so sorry, Bennett! I shouldn't have shown up at the Sorrell residence, and I shouldn't have been in your way! I know the only way you'll ever be truly happy is if I'm dead!"

He turned on his heel, wiping away his tears as he sprinted toward the massive river opposite the estate.

In that instant, the banquet instantly descended into chaos. Delilah, in particular, grew deathly pale with fear. Without a moment's hesitation, she kicked off her high heels and ran after Nathan.

Just as Nathan scrambled up onto the guardrail by the river, Delilah lunged forward with sharp reflexes and pulled him down.

Nathan wept bitterly in her arms, the tip of his nose turning bright red. "Why did you have to save me, Delilah? Why didn't you just let me die? I can't go through that nightmare again! The only way I can escape from it all is by dying!"

Delilah's eyes were bloodshot, showing a mix of intense heartbreak for him and sheer fury. She choked up as she spoke softly to calm Nathan down.

She then spun around and used every ounce of her strength to deliver a vicious slap to my face. "Wasn't what you and Paul did to Nathan back then enough? The two of you drove him into depression!

"You've just returned, yet you're already plotting how to hurt Nathan again! You're beyond saving, Bennett!"

I got slapped so hard that my head snapped sideways. I stood rooted to the spot, cradling my stinging cheek. I couldn't help but wonder why I had to take the blame every single time when I was completely innocent.

I looked up at her, obstinately holding her gaze. "I never did anything to hurt him! What do I have to do to make you—"

But then I caught the look of utter disappointment in her eyes, which instantly mirrored every single instance from years ago. I laughed bitterly at myself, unable to say another word.

I thought there was no point in asking questions anymore. After all, when something was no longer wanted, it would naturally be thrown out like trash. I felt the very last bit of family affection I kept buried inside me completely vanish at this very moment.

I stared at her vacantly and asked, "I'm almost done with my punishment, right? I'd like you to help me with a favor. Can you help me deliver a bouquet of flowers to Mr. Guest?"

Delilah scoffed as she looked at me with utter disdain. "I'll give you whatever you want as long as you leave Nathan alone and stop plotting with Paul after your punishment ends."

I simply thought to myself that she wouldn't have to worry about her precious Nathan being bullied anymore after today. I didn't want anything else from her—just the flowers for Mr. Guest.

"You'd better keep your word, Delilah."

I felt completely empty inside as I lowered my head, turned around, and headed toward the deserted stretch of the riverbank across the way.

Delilah watched my retreating figure, which looked more like a walking corpse, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat as a wave of unprecedented anxiety surged through her.

She was just about to step forward and chase after me when a faint, frail cough from Nathan pulled her back. She was overcome with worry, so she immediately took Nathan straight to the hospital.

I waited by the riverbank until the dead of night, and only when the area was completely deserted did I climb up the guardrail step by step. I looked down at the river surface and closed my eyes, experiencing a sudden rush of liberation.

…

Delilah stayed by Nathan's side for an entire week, comforting him until his emotions finally stabilized.

When she checked the date on her phone, she suddenly realized that my birthday was just around the corner. She resolved to bring me home and finally give me all the birthday presents she had withheld during the last three years.

She was just about to make the call when a news notification popped up on her phone.

"A decomposed male corpse was recovered from the Lureth River earlier today. An identification check has confirmed the body belongs to Bennett Sorrell, the top academic student who disappeared without a trace three years ago."