My head throbbed from the wound, and my face was swollen from the allergic reaction. I couldn’t just walk in and make my parents and brother worry. But standing there, staring at the familiar house, I wanted so badly to see them. I needed to know they were okay.
Tears streamed down my face as the guilt overwhelmed me. If I hadn’t insisted on being with Steve, none of them would’ve been in danger. I thought I was strong enough to fight for my love, but all I did was hurt the people I cared about most.
I don’t know how long I stood there crying before my phone rang.
“Claire, are you out of your mind? Go to the police station and drop this case now!” Steve’s voice came through, sounding both panicked and commanding.
I let out a dry laugh.
“Are you crying?” Steve paused. “Claire, this is all a misunderstanding. Amy grew up with me. She’s sweet and innocent. There’s no way she’d ever try to hurt you on purpose. She’s being framed.”
“If you keep pushing this, it’s going to spiral out of control, and her reputation will be ruined,” he added, the concern in his voice making it clear that his priority was Amy.
I knew Steve was trying to use his influence to make everything go away, but for that to happen, I had to let it go. If I didn’t, even if Amy wasn’t formally charged, the scandal would stain her reputation. And if people found out she poisoned her future sister-in-law, her chances of marrying into another wealthy family would be ruined.
“Steve,” I cut him off, “you’re so hypocritical. You’re the one who called the cops. You were scared this would affect your reputation if Amy was involved. But what about me? My own fiancé sent me to the police station. Does that look good for my reputation?”
Steve went silent. I’d never spoken to him like this before. His voice rose again, this time laced with anger. “Claire, I admit I didn’t handle this well. I’m sorry, but…”
“For your sister, you’ll bend over backward. I have solid proof, Steve. If you want to save her, you better show me you’re serious,” I interrupted again. I didn’t need to hear more excuses.
“Claire, I get that you’re upset. Whatever you want, I’ll get it for you,” he said, his tone softening like I was some naive girl throwing a tantrum.