Chapter 482

Chapter 482 Steel Yourself

“You…” Mom stared daggers at me as she trembled all over, but there was nothing she could say in response. I could tell that she was incredibly furious, but I didn’t want to care because they never gave a damn about my feelings anyway.

For so many years, I had foolishly assumed that they would appreciate what I had done for the family. I kept telling myself that they were just playing favorites and that they loved me equally deep down inside.

As it turned out, I had been lying to myself the whole time. Mom’s words had proven me wrong, and I finally acknowledged the fact that they never loved me at all.

The tension in the ward was at its maximum. Not wanting to stay here any longer, I turned around and quickly left the ward.

I was practically sprinting as I made my way out of the hospital.

I have no idea how I should face my parents at all! It feels like they have become complete strangers all of a sudden! I don’t understand how they are capable of being so cruel to their own daughter! Shouldn’t parents value their children more than anything in the world? Why do my parents only care about my brother? Why aren’t they concerned about my well-being at all?

Michael had been following behind me ever since I ran out of the ward. I eventually stopped running when I grew tired, and Michael grabbed my arm from behind.

Having no other choice, I turned around to face him.

“Feel free to cry your heart out if you want to. In a way, it’s actually a good thing for you to feel this pain. The sooner you see the truth for what it is, the sooner you will be able to steel yourself and do what is right,” he whispered softly as he pulled me into his arms.

Although his voice sounded a little cold, I could hear a hint of heartache in his tone.

I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist when I heard that, and my pent-up emotions just exploded instantly.

“Why? Why would they do this to me? I understand that they’re worried about Steven, but why have they never shown me such love before?”

I was really indignant at the way they were treating me, especially since I never did anything to deserve this. Ever since I was a child, they never gave me any love nor affection. I had always been treated like an outsider in that household.

“I’m afraid they are the only ones with the answers to those questions. Make sure that this is the last time you will feel upset and cry over them.”

Michael’s deep voice sounded really reassuring and gave me a strong sense of security.

I chose not to say anything in response as I didn’t know how long I would remain upset about this.

He wasn’t me, so he would never be able to truly understand my feelings.

As we were standing outside the hospital, there were plenty of people passing us by. They all gave us weird looks when they walked past us, but we didn’t care about that at all.

I was so focused on crying my heart out in Michael’s embrace that I didn’t even notice the attention we were receiving. Ronan had a pained look in his eyes when he watched me from a distance.

He too, had come running after me when I left the ward earlier. However, he knew full well that it wasn’t his place to come comfort me as Michael was my husband.

After crying for what seemed like forever, I felt as if my tears were about to run dry. I thought my heart had hardened over the course of a year, but I ended up crying like a baby instead.

After taking a few deep breaths to calm myself down, I slowly looked up at Michael and said, “I won’t let their matters upset me anymore. You were right, Michael. I should’ve steeled myself long ago. I’m going to head back to the ward now. Will you come with me?”

After a brief moment of silence, he flashed me a gentle smile as he replied, “Sure.”

Feeling a lot better from his acts of love and affection, the two of us held hands as we made our way back to the ward.

Standing before the door, I took another few deep breaths to calm myself down further before opening the door.

Mom was helping Dad peel an apple when we came in. A confused look flashed past her eyes upon seeing us, and she quickly leaped to her feet.

“I’m sorry for being so mean to you earlier, Anna! I was just overwhelmed with desperation, that’s all!” she explained anxiously.

I would’ve forgiven her on the spot if this conversation took place in the past, but my heart was already dead.

I showed no emotion as I believed she didn’t mean a word of what she was saying at all.

She was only apologizing and explaining because she feared I would actually refuse to help Steven. Mom was clinging to the hope that I would soften up and help Steven out.

“You can save your explanations, Mom. Your actions today have helped me understand that I mean nothing to you and Dad,” I replied with a sarcastic smile on my face.

Although it hurt me to say such things, my mind was finally clear, and I knew what had to be done.

Mom grew increasingly anxious when she saw how cold my attitude was. She then grabbed me by the hand as she pleaded desperately, “I know I haven’t been kind to you, Anna. I feel really guilty about it too, but you can’t let your hatred for me stop you from saving your brother! He’s still so young, Anna! His future would be ruined if he goes to prison! It’ll leave a permanent stain on his reputation even after he gets released!”

“Save it, Mom. I’ve made myself very clear just now. I will not get involved in this matter any further,” I said coldly while pulling my hand back.

After that, I pulled out a credit card and placed it on Dad’s bed as I continued, “Here’s a hundred thousand for the medical bills. Give me a call if it isn’t enough, and I’ll send you more money.”

That was all I could do for them right now. I couldn’t possibly sit by and do nothing if they lacked the money to pay for the medical bills. I would do everything I could to look after them if needed, but I would no longer agree to any of their unreasonable requests.

Mom froze and stared blankly at the credit card on the bed.

A few seconds later, she realized what was going on and grew even more anxious than before.

“What’s the meaning of this, Anna? Are you seriously going to just sit by and do nothing while your brother gets locked up in prison?”

Mom was practically begging me at that point.

I took a deep breath to help myself appear calm as I replied, “As I said before, there is nothing I can do to help him out.”