Broken By My Brother’s Love

Two days later, a nurse came to collect payment for the substantial ICU fees.

I anxiously opened my mobile banking app to check my balance, only to find less than a hundred dollars left.

"Can I call my family?" I asked hesitantly.

The nurse raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Go ahead."

Pablo didn't answer my calls. I tried again and again, but he remained unreachable. The nurse grew impatient.

"What about the medical bills?" she urged.

"I'll pay them," I replied, heat flooding my face under her suspicious gaze.

Another day passed with no word from Pablo.

The nurse returned, her tone sharper.

"You're not planning on skipping out on the bill, are you? You're an adult. Can't you reach anyone? Do I need to call the police?"

"I... I..." I stammered, trying to find the words. "I can leave something as collateral and come back with the money later."

The only valuable thing I had was the bracelet my mother had left me. It was her final gift to me before she died, and it had been my sole comfort during countless desperate nights at Clear Path.

It was also the only thing I had left.

I pawned the bracelet for enough money to settle the bill, and the hospital finally agreed to discharge me.

"Is this the way?"

My memory was failing me. I didn't recognize the familiar streets.

With the help of a police officer, I finally staggered back to the apartment, exhausted and disoriented.

By nightfall, I reached the front door. The wind was biting, and as I shivered outside, I discovered my fingerprint no longer worked on the smart lock.

I couldn't get in. Through the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, I could hear their laughter and celebration.

"Do you like your gift?"

"A Porsche! Oh my god, Pablo, this must have cost a fortune!"

"It's to celebrate you signing with the new brand. It's nothing. As long as you're happy."

The tenderness in his eyes as he looked at her was undeniable.

Held in his arms, Scarlett was radiant with happiness.

For a moment, I was in a daze.

Every year on my birthday, Pablo would prepare a gift for me in advance, putting so much thought into it.

Back then, he had looked at me with that same tender gaze.

I pounded on the door, again and again.

Eventually, Pablo came to open it.

"What are you doing here?" He seemed surprised. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"