Chapter 7
When Calista finally regained consciousness, she saw Ken’s silhouette framed in the doorway, a cigarette flickering between his fingers like a dying star. Relief washed over her as she felt the luck charm safely clutched in her palm.
Through tear blurred eyes, she watched Ken step into the room, his voice taut with anger. “How did you end up falling in the pool? Do you know how dangerous that was? You’ve been unconscious for two days!”
Calista’s voice trembled. “Why did you give my necklace to Viola?”
Ken’s expression hardened. “It’s just a trinket. Why does it matter who has it?”
“Of course it matters,” she replied, bitter laughter escaping her face. “She’s the one you love. Yup, you’d give it to her.”
His gaze darkened. “Is that why you threw yourself into the pool? To get my attention?”
Disgust flashed across his face. “You’ve lost your mind, Calista. We’re siblings! Everything I’ve done was as a brother–nothing more.”
“Don’t harbor these inappropriate feelings for me!” he shot back, but immediately felt regret as her soft response cut deep.
“Okay.”
Her acceptance stunned him into silence.
“Ken, I’m leaving.”
His heart clenched. “This is your home. Where would you even go?”
Calista’s laugh was hollow. “Home? I’ve been falsely accused, targeted, and you never believed in me. Here’s not my home”
His discomfort was palpable. “If you behave, I’ll always treat you like a sister.”
He handed her a spray for her bruises, contradictions clear–pushing her away yet still wanting to care.
Ken’s brow furrowed at the satellite research books beside her bed. “Since when are you interested in satellites?”
“I want to follow my parents‘ footsteps,” she replied, fingers tracing the book’s spine.
“Satellite research is demanding,” he warned, his tone softening. “If you’re serious, I can arrange for Father to help you.”
Calista nodded slowly, an odd calmness enveloping her. “Alright.”
“When you’re better, apologize to Viola,” he urged, searching her eyes.
Calista turned away, feeling the piercing ache in her heart, echoing the distance growing between them.
19:23
Seven Years of Love. Seven Minutes
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