Chapter 4 You Lost Older Sister

Astrid felt as if her world had fallen apart. Seeing the five big men in black suits coming for her, a weak, pregnant girl, she felt like prey ready to be devoured.

With a loud thud, she knelt down. She clasped her hands together and her lower lip trembling as she pleaded, “Please let my child live. I will do everything you ask me.

As Astrid's words hung in the air, Freya’s eyes filled with tears as she watched her daughter beg for mercy. Her heart was filled with guilt as she didn't stand up for her. She couldn't help but look away.

When Astrid noticed her mother's reaction, she turned to her father, her eyes full of hope as she crawled toward him and clutched his knees. “Father, save me. I'm still your loving daughter.”

Seeing his daughter, who had always been so strong, reduced to this state made his heart soften for a moment. “Yes, you are my daughter. You were a good child, Astrid. Gentle, faithful, kind… but you’ve changed.”

“But Father, I haven’t changed! I’m being framed!” She tightened her grip on his knees, her voice desperate.

Her father sighed, frustration etched into his face. “But there is no evidence. Prove your innocence, and I, your father, will help clear your name. I will punish those who made you suffer. But for now......I’m sorry—You must face the consequences of your actions.” He hesitated , his hand rested on her shoulders before he pushed her away and walked out.

“Father!” she screamed, her voice ringing through the hall. But he left without looking back.

“Mother?” Her mother stood up, followed by her grandmother. Her grandmother stopped in front of her and said, “You are beyond redemption child.” She stared at Astrid with a mix of bitterness disappointment before leaving.

“Please…” Astrid whispered softly, stretching her hand in a hopeless attempt to grasp any of her family’s clothing, but her hand hung in the air. She stared at the exit, defeated.

The only family member left was Eira Carson. The rest were the Slade family. Eira stood up and slowly walked toward her, but Astrid's focus was on the exit, and she didn’t see her sister.

When Eira reached her, she gently tapped her shoulder. Astrid reluctantly turned her gaze from the exit to her sister.

Eira hugged her, whispering, “I’ve won, dear older sister. Stop fighting—it’s pointless.” To outsiders, it seemed like she was comforting her, but only they understood the true nature of their exchange.

Old Lady Slade remarked with disdain, “If Astrid were at least half as good as her sister, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Upon hearing the old lady’s words, Eira leaned in closer to Astrid and whispered, “You see, to them, you are the reincarnation of the devil. No matter what you do, I will always be the angel in their eyes. You are my sister; I don’t want you dead. I just need your man.” Her eyes were colder than ice.

Her breath felt so cold it made Astrid shiver. Before she could respond, Eira stood up.

She faced the Slade family and sighed, “I know my sister’s actions are unforgivable, but please allow me to accompany you to the hospital. She is still my sister, and her health matters to me.” She looked down, her tone softening.

She appeared like a nervous child afraid of rejection, yet there was a coldness in her eyes.

Old Lady Slade waved her hand in satisfaction. “No problem, no problem, dear. After all, she is your blood.” She then turned to Aurora and said, “Help me upstairs.”

Aurora assisted the old lady, leaving only Eira, Riven, the guards, and Astrid behind.

Riven commanded the bodyguards, “Take her to the hospital. Make sure everything is done perfectly.” He looked at her with disgust, humming in disdain before walking out of the mansion.

The bodyguards dragged Astrid to the car. She no longer resisted. She was exhausted and tired of fighting. Perhaps this was her fate. But one day, she would make them all pay. They would answer for the blood they spilled. She vowed to make them suffer more than death. Until then, she would grow stronger.

‘I will take revenge for my unborn child,’ she swore to herself.

Astrid was tossed into the car like an object. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she couldn’t resist as her world faded to black.

…At the Hospital…

The harsh scent of antiseptic brought her back. Her eyes fluttered open, squinting against the sterile hospital lights. The steady beep of machines filled the room. She noticed the IV drip attached to her hand.

A presence stirred her. She looked up to see her sister sitting beside her.

Astrid smirked weakly, her gaze shifting to her stomach. “I guess it’s over,” she said in a hollow voice, staring into nothingness.

Eira gave her a chilling smile. “Of course, it’s over. Let me tell you a story, my lovely sister,” she said, settling beside her on the bed.

Astrid's expression was blank as she stared at Eira coldly.

“Well, the night you called me, I was actually with your husband. We’ve been dating for a year. I have someone who’s been following you and reporting your every move to me.

It was I who sent the picture to your husband. I was the one who sent him your pregnancy report.” Eira's tone was casual as if she were discussing the weather.

Her eyes were filled with interest. Astrid wasn’t surprised; she had already suspected Eira might be behind it all.

Noticing Astrid’s clenched fists and her blank expression, Eira smirked wickedly. ‘Trying to act strong, huh? Let’s see how far you can go,’ a playful grin played on her lips as she thought to herself.

“Oh, lest I forget,” she narrowed her eyes and continued, “I’ve been putting contraceptives in the tea you drink every morning. I wanted to speed things up, so I recently doubled the dosage. I aimed to make you barren, but who knew you were already pregnant?

Even with the overdose of contraceptives, you managed to conceive.” She shook her head in pity and clicked her tongue. “Tsk, tsk, my little niece was a strong warrior; too bad she couldn’t make it.”

“But anyway, my little niece is gone, gone forever!” She stood up, spreading her arms wide, and let out a satisfied smile. “Hahahaha! You lost, dear sister.” She walked over and bent down to her level, looking her in the face.

Astrid’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Why? You’re my sister. Why?”

Eira laughed softly, standing and adjusting her bag. “You’ll understand someday. Take care of yourself, dear.” With those words, she walked out, leaving Astrid alone in the sterile silence.

Astrid called for the nurse and requested her discharge. She ignored their questions, signing the papers without hesitation.

As she walked out of the ward, her eyes cast down, she collided with a solid chest. She stumbled, but strong hands steadied her.

“It’s her,” Krax muttered, his voice low. His gaze lingered on her pale face. “Why does she always look so broken when I see her?”