chapter624

"Nine out of ten people want you to live, but you're ready to die for the one who wants you gone? Seriously, are you even thinking straight?" Lydia's voice rang out, cold and sharp, cutting through the heavy silence in the room.

Luke hadn't expected her to show up so fast. His hands tightened on the window ledge. Had she already taken care of everything at the banquet?

Dr. Hady finally let out the breath he'd been holding. "Lydia, we've tried everything. He's been up there for half an hour." He kept his voice low as she walked over.

Lydia stopped beside him, her eyes landing on Luke pale, fragile, perched on the edge. Her brow knitted in concern.

"Come down." Just two words, flat and emotionless.

Luke stared at her, shook his head a little. He didn't say anything. There was so much he wanted to say, but none of it came out.

Lydia turned to the doctors, nurses, and firefighters. Let me talk to him alone. You all wait outside."

The hospital staff didn't question her. To them, Lydia was almost a legend. The firefighters hesitated. Luke had been teetering there for a while, and he seemed calm, but they all knew how quickly that could change. They were nervous to leave. Lydia noticed. "Relax. I'm his sister. He's just been under a lot of stress lately." Luke shot her a surprised look, like he hadn't expected her to claim him as family. After a second, the firefighters nodded. "Okay."

There were people stationed everywhere, both upstairs and outside. Connor was already waiting down below, ready just in case Luke did jump.

Once everyone had cleared out, Lydia finally spoke. "If you're thinking about ending your life because you exposed your mother's crinses

tonight, don't. You dont owe anyone

that."

Luke's eyes widened. He hadn't expected her to nail it so quickly. That was part of it, yeah.

"And about Sandy-sure, maybe

she's bitter about donating her kidney, but she got what she wanted out of it. Are you really going to throw away your second chance at

life over one resentful comment? Is it worth it?"

Luke didn't respond. Truth was, Lydia wasn't great at comforting people, but she couldn't just walk away from him.

"You're almost healed. In two weeks, you'll be out of here. You can go back to school, live like everyone else. Your life is just getting started."

Luke's face twisted with pain. His voice was barely a whisper. But I... I sent my own parents to prison. I..."

"Luke. You did the right thing. If you hadn't exposed them, they would've kept hurting people to cover up what they did. It would've only gotten worse. You saved lives."

That seemed to shake him a little. Lydia kept going. "The law gives

people a chance to change. You

don't have to carry all the guilt by

yourself Sooner or later, they

understand why you did it

"Will they, though?"

Luke couldn't shake the memory of Milana's face shock, pain, disbelief, all mixed up together. It haunted him.

"They will." Lydia nodded, her gaze steady.

Looking into her eyes, Luke felt his resolve slipping. Before she'd come, he was certain he wanted everything to end. But now...

Luke, I've always seen you as my little brother. Grandma loves you like her own grandson. Please, don't let us down."