Part 3Dying in My Brother's Love

"Lily!"

Liam's eyes darkened menacingly as he grabbed Chloe, pulling her close.

"Let's see how long you can keep up this act."

He lowered his head and kissed her, a blatant, forceful display.

Marcus almost instinctively reached out, grabbing my wrist tightly.

"Lily," he whispered, afraid I'd cause a scene.

But I simply turned away, walking straight for the stairs.

Watching their explicit display was hardly my idea of comfort. I'd rather go back to my room and rest.

On my way, I thoughtfully turned up the central air conditioner by two degrees. So considerate, right?

"Damn it!" Behind me, I heard Liam kick the front door shut, followed by the roar of his car engine speeding away.

Marcus stood rooted to the spot, staring at my retreating back, the emotions in his eyes too complex to decipher.

"Lily, you used to love Liam more than anything. Now, why…"

So Marcus knew, after all. I thought he was oblivious.

But how did he force me to let go?

All because Chloe said she liked Liam. Marcus kept creating opportunities for them, even when Liam and I were on the verge of getting engaged.

The day before our engagement party, he drugged us, putting Liam in Chloe's bed.

He placed me in a bed with another man, then personally arranged for Liam's family elders to "catch" me cheating.

The next day, everyone stood at the door, pointing fingers and calling me shameless.

Liam arrived, barely able to stand. "Chloe used to tell me you were seeing many men behind my back, and I never believed her. But today, you've certainly taught me a lesson."

He forcefully threw a piece of clothing onto my still-naked body.

"Lily, loving you was the most disgusting thing I've ever done in my life."

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my leg.

It was my dog, who I'd raised for ten years, baring its teeth at me.

Chloe walked over, smiling. "Lily, you've been away from home for so many years that even the dog doesn't remember you. It thought you were a bad stranger trying to hurt me."

Marcus always stood by Chloe's side, like her personal guard.

"The dog didn't mean it. Don't make a big deal out of it."

I looked down at the dog I'd rescued from the highway. The next second, I kicked it away without hesitation.

I looked up at Chloe. "Of course, why would I bother with a bastard like that?"

It was the honest truth.

If I couldn't control the betrayal of my own brother and childhood sweetheart, what hope did I have with a dog?

Marcus's eyes darkened, but Chloe, thinking I was mocking her, instantly scowled.

The next second, my nose suddenly felt warm, and then blood started flowing uncontrollably.

I wiped it with my hand, and it came away bright red. I couldn't stop it.

Marcus's face changed. He almost rushed over, grabbing my wrist. "What's going on?! Come on, let's go to the hospital."

The System's voice echoed in my mind.

[Don't worry, Host. This is a normal reaction. You're about to leave this world, and this body's functions are starting to decline.]

Marcus's palm was scorching hot, even trembling slightly.

"Oh," Chloe said, pressing a hand to her forehead and swaying.

"Marcus, I feel a little dizzy. I might have caught a cold when Lily pushed me into the water that day."

Marcus glanced at me, then back at Chloe.

Finally, he let go of me without hesitation. He bent down and scooped Chloe into his arms.

"Call a doctor immediately to check on you."

Chloe wrapped her arms around his neck, looking back at me with undisguised triumph in her eyes.

But I wasn't in the mood to watch her put on a show, nor did I care who Marcus was concerned about.

I casually twisted two tissues and stuffed them into my nostrils, then looked up at the calendar on the wall. Only two days left until I left this place.