He froze. Then, taking in my pale, hospital-gown appearance, a sick glint of excitement sparked in his gaze.
"Brother!" A cruel grin spread across his face. "I *told* you. Sooner or later, you'd end up like me. Trying to ride the coattails of the rich, provoking those second-generation heirs!"
He limped closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Why are you here? Did they push you into a pool? Throw you down the stairs?" His eyes rolled. "I'll give you some advice. If you want to survive school, stay away from those rich girls. Don't think about climbing the social ladder. Trash like you isn't even fit to be their toy."
When I remained silent, he grew agitated, desperate to prove his superiority. He started bragging about how good Jasmine was to him. How much she loved him.
He claimed she felt sorry for him, so she stopped smashing things and secretly helped with chores. He swore that Jasmine's biological father would acknowledge her soon.
Then, he would be rich.
And I? I would be chased back to our hometown like a dog because I offended the elite. Destined to die miserably.
As he ranted, Jasmine McLaughlin emerged from the stairwell.