Chapter 3One Brother Is All I Need

Now that I had stopped interfering in his life, Hunter seemed to be in a much better mood. Before heading out one evening, he actually asked if I wanted to join him.

I shook my head immediately. "Go ahead and have fun. Don't worry about rushing home."

Hunter looked thoroughly pleased.

Later that night, Jeff called to check on me. My chest tightened with a strange mix of sorrow and longing, but I forced my voice to remain steady.

Sensing something was off, he coaxed me gently. "Don't be sad, sweetie. I am on my way back."

"It is fine," I replied, trying to sound indifferent. "You can stay out as late as you like."

I thought this would prove to them that I was changing. But the moment Jeff walked through the door and saw me holding a fruit knife, his face went pale.

He strode over, quickly disarming me and checking my hands. "Do not play with knives, Gemma, it is dangerous. I promise your brother and I will come home earlier from now on."

I tried to explain that I was simply peeling an apple, but he didn't believe me. "Do not lie to me. You have never done a chore in your life." He held my wrists, searching for any scratches.

A cold laugh sounded from the doorway.

Hunter leaned against the frame, his eyes narrowed in disdain. "Jeff, stop coddling her. I would love to see if she actually has the courage to cut herself."

The words stung, but before I could reply, Hunter looked down at his phone. His expression instantly darkened. He walked over and threw the device onto the table in front of me. "Look at what you did."

The screen displayed a scandalous headline. Scrolling down, there was a degrading photo of Hailey with her skirt partially lifted, exposing her skin.

Hunter had warned me not to share any details about the incident at the racetrack. Now, he was entirely convinced that I had leaked the photo out of spite.

He grabbed my arm, his grip painfully tight. "You are going to apologize to her."

My own temper flared. I pulled back with all my strength, knocking a glass bowl off the counter. It shattered on the floor, and a sharp shard sliced across my calf. A line of bright red blood began to pool on my skin.

I gasped at the sharp sting.

Jeff immediately shoved Hunter away, stepping between us to shield me. "Enough! You are treating Gemma like this over an outsider?"

"Jeff, you are being completely blind!" Hunter snapped.

Jeff's voice remained calm but absolute. "I know Gemma. She would never do something so vile. If you lay another hand on her, I will not hesitate to step in."

My eyes welled with tears as I clung to Jeff.

Hunter stared at us, his eyes lingering on how closely I held Jeff. "Fine," he muttered, turning on his heel. "If you want to play the victim, go ahead. But Gemma, if I find out you had a hand in this, do not expect me to ever acknowledge you as my sister again."

The door slammed shut behind him.

Jeff brought over the medical kit, kneeling before me. His warm hands gently held my ankle as he cleaned and dressed the cut, his movements incredibly tender.

I stared at him, overwhelmed by his warmth.

Sensing my gaze, he looked up, offering a soft, reassuring smile. "Gemma, remember this: whatever happens, you can always come to me. You do not need to change who you are for anyone else."

The tears I had been holding back finally spilled over. The terror and loneliness of the past few days completely broke me. I buried my face in his shoulder, sobbing loudly.

"What am I going to do, Jeff? I am not Mom and Dad's daughter. I am not your sister."

I waited for the rejection, for the cold distance that was sure to follow.

But Jeff merely let out a soft, amused chuckle. "Silly girl. Is that what has been making you so miserable?"

I stopped sobbing, staring at him in utter confusion. He already knew.

"Why are you still being so nice to me then?" I whispered.

Jeff wiped a tear from my cheek, his fingers lingering on my skin. "Because, Gemma, a brother's job is to care for his sister."

I could only stare at him, slowly realizing the weight of his words. No matter what the blood tests said, he still chose to be my brother.