Chapter 1 The room was a mess , but that was the least of Kylie Thompsons worries .
She lay on a small bed , her body a testament to the car crash that had left her with a severe disability .
Across the room , on the couch , Craig Fraley her childhood friend turned fiancé , and Melanie Lampard , the girl whod always played Kylies part in her parents home , were wrapped up in each other , completely lost in their own world .
They were so into their moment , it was like Kylie didnt even exist .
I never really liked her , Craig murmured , his words barely audible over Melanies soft laughter .
She was always the one chasing after me .
Melanie , Ive had a thing for you since college .
You always make me crazy .
Melanies giggle was light , her voice carrying a teasing edge .
Should we get someone to help her out ! She must be feeling pretty miserable .
Craig just snorted , Who could feel anything for her now ? No one .
Kylie , staring at them , wanted to shout , to call them out for their shamelessness , but her voice was gone , stolen by the long days of hunger and neglect .
Ever since her accident , shed been left alone , her body now a map of painful sores , the room .
filled with the stench of her suffering .
She glanced down at her arm , the countless puncture marks a stark reminder of the blood shed given to Melanie .
But look at all this this was the thanks she got Kylie , you were never meant to be here , Melanie said , her lips still close to Craigs .
Your existence is a constant reminder of my real family .
But even as your parents real daughter , they dont treat you like family .
They just use you as a blood bank for me With a sound kiss on Craigs lips , she smiled , And look , your fiancé .
Hes mine now .
Craig held Melanie close , his eyes filled with desire, as he added , Shes lucky to serve as your blood bank .
Otherwise , who knows if shed have made it this far ? Youre right , Melanie agreed , Now that Im better , we dont need her anymore .
Oh , right , weve left her to starve for days , but shes still here * After we give her another dose of that medicine , she wont last much longer , Craig said , his movements becoming more urgent Tears streamed down Kylies face , her body thin and frail .
She was consumed by a deep resentment .
The pain from the excessive medication was unbearable , but she was too weak to react .
Her life was slipping away , filled with regret and injustice .
Kylie , just hang in there and give us a bit more blood , will ya ? Its not like its going to hurt you any .
If something happens to Mel , how are you going to sleep at night ? Julie Lampard , Kylies biological mother , said , her voice cold .
Totally , weve got you back with us now .
Youve already taken what was Mels .
Shes been the one keeping us company all these years , while you were … elsewhere .
So now , when were asking for a little more from you for Mel , dont be such a wimp ! Samuel , her father , barked .
The couple , their expressions a match in disapproval , looked down at Kylie , who was quiet with her head hung low .
Their words were a steady stream of criticism aimed at her.
They cradled Melanie in their arms , treating her with the kind of care theyd give to a precious , fragile thing , while Kylie might as well have been invisible .
Melanie , her face pale and delicate , spoke up in a voice as soft as a summer breeze , trying to ease the tension , Mom , Dad , I can manage .
Dont push Kylie .
If shes not happy with me , its probably because I havent done enough .
Samuel and Julies faces softened with concern .
They turned back to Kylie , their voices filled with reproach .
Youre as healthy as a horse .
Cant you show a litle heart for Mel ? Then they turned to the nurse .
Miss , no need to wait for h with the blood draw .
approval .
Were her parents ; weve got the say .
Just keep going 0 Chapter 1 Kylie shot up from her seat , a sarcastic laugh escaping her lips as she looked at her parents .
It was just now that the truth hit her she had been given a fresh start ! The memories of the last moments were a blur of agony , and the pain was so real .
In her previous life , once she was welcomed back into the family , Kylie had been on her best behavior , always trying to please them .
Kylie and Melanie had the same rare blood type and that was how they got switched up as babies , by the way .
Her parents would hit her up for blood donations now and then .
Kylie never turned them down , always trying to keep them happy and avoid further accusations .
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And every time she gave in , she felt like she was just not doing enough , even though it left her feeling weak and getting sick more often .
And Melanie was the golden child in front of their parents , making Kylie look like the bad guy who always picked on her .
Kylie , whats with the spaced out look ? Youre always acting all country bumpkin .
Come on ! Its freaking Mel out , Julie snapped , her voice sharp .
Samuel added his own stern tone to the mix .
Kylie , this is disappointing .
Youre really out of bounds .
If you want something .
just spit it out .
No need to cause a scene in the hospital .
Melanie moved closer , her voice dripping with fake sweetness as she held Kylies hand .
Kylie , how about I give you the Ferrari Dad got me for my birthday ? I really need your help .
I promise , Ill share all my cool stuff with you .
Please dont be mad .
Julies anger was palpable as she was about to slap Kylie .
Dont be silly , honey , Kylie cant drive .
What would she do with a car ? Kylie , youre being way too greedy .
Youve already taken our attention , and now youre after Melanies car too ? A smug gleam flickered in Melanies eyes .
No matter what , Kylies no match for my charm .
Im always the beloved one in front of Mom and Dad .
Kylies eyes were as cold and unblinking as a winters night as she stared at Julie .
Julie paused , a shiver running down her spine from Kylies icy gaze .
What are you trying to pull , Kylie ? * Sit down and stop causing a scene ! Samuel barked , his patience clearly worn thin .
Kylies face was a mask of indifference as she asked , Will she die without my blood ? Melanie took a step back , her voice trembling with feigned shock .
No , Kylie , you dont … you dont want me to die , do you ? Julies anger was reaching its peak .
How can you be so cruel ? Youd actually want Melanie to die ? I cant believe Im your mother .
Youre such a disappointment , Kylie .
I really regret bringing you back into our lives! Julie was utterly ashamed of Kylie .
Shes such an embarrassment , always causing trouble and never obeying .
Is it too much to ask for a little cooperation ? she thought ..
Kylie , please dont upset Mom .
Shes not feeling well .
Blame this on me , Melanie said , her voice shaky as tears streamed down her cheeks .
Samuels expression hardened , and he turned to Kylie with that familiar sternness .
Kylie , apologize to your mom and Melanie .
Now ! In the past , whenever they teamed up against her and Samuel asked for her apologies , shed always back down .
But even after she said sorry , it never seemed to be enough .
Theyd always complain that she was pretending to be weak , especially during those blood draws .
Kylie glanced at the marks on her arm , her voice icy .
Youre the ones who should apologize .
But even if you did , I wouldnt accept it .
We have a lot to settle , and Ill do it on my terms .
With that , she turned and walked out of the hospital , determination in her stride .
As she stepped outside , a sharp pain hit her , but she looked down at her legs , her eyes glistening .
It felt amazing to be able to stand and walk again .
Shed deal with her family later ; right now , there was something far more urgent she needed to do .
4.05 PM
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