Three and a half years ago, Grandma Ruth had undergone major heart surgery. Her right coronary artery had been completely blocked-her complexion so pale she looked like she'd lost all her blood. 

Emily had been shaking all over, terrified she wouldn't get the chance to repay the woman who raised her... terrified Grandma wouldn't live long enough to enjoy any peace or happiness.

The doctors had initially said she might need open-heart surgery-a huge risk. But the moment Aaron found out, he stepped in without hesitation. He had her transferred to a private hospital and brought in a top international cardiac specialist. 

Instead of traditional surgery, they opted for a minimally invasive catheter procedure using imported stents. Three were placed in total, and it saved her life.

Three years after that procedure-just six months ago-her stents had started narrowing again due to tissue buildup. She'd begun experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue. Aaron immediately arranged for her to be hospitalized for observation... and she'd been there ever since.

Her room was huge-more like a suite than a hospital room. It had a living room, dining space, private bathroom, and even a companion bed. It looked nothing like a typical ward.

Even though Ruth could move around just fine on her own, Aaron had still hired two caregivers to rotate 24/7. Emily had never seen the bills, but she didn't need to-they had to be astronomical.

She softened her expression and forced a smile before stepping inside. Aaron still had his arm around her shoulder as they walked in together. The bed was empty, so they naturally headed toward the lounge area.

The curtains were drawn, and the midday sun was pouring in.

"Granny!" Emily called out.

Ruth, who had been sitting with her back to them, turned around, her eyes crinkling into a smile. "Oh, you're here." She reached out to pull Emily over.

She'd just finished lunch and was relaxing on the couch while the caregiver tidied up. Aaron followed behind and greeted her as well, settling into the armchair across from them.

"Good, good," Ruth said warmly, her gaze shifting from him back to Emily. "Last time you said you weren't feeling well-how are you now?"

She was referring to Emily's visit last week.

A flicker of discomfort passed through Emily's eyes, "I'm fine now, just a bit dizzy that day. Nothing serious."

She quickly changed the subject. "Enough about me. What did the doctor say about you?"

"Same as usual," Ruth replied with a sigh. "Honestly, I could've been discharged ages ago. This place is starting to feel more like a retirement home."

She still wasn't used to being watched 24/7-it felt excessive. But at Aaron's insistence, and because Emily had been worried, she'd reluctantly agreed to stay.

"Are you feeling bored staying here?" Emily asked. "If the doctor says it's okay..."

"If you're feeling cooped up, we can bring you books or something to keep you busy," Aaron chimed in.

Emily looked up at him. He was smiling kindly... but it didn't feel like warmth to her. Not anymore.

"There's not much to do around here," Emily said.

"Granny, remember that mystery novel series you mentioned last time? I bought the whole set-it'll be delivered this afternoon," Aaron said.

Ruth's eyes lit up as she nodded happily.

That was the second time Aaron had interrupted Emily. She frowned slightly,  "It doesn't have to be in the hospital. Grandma could read just as easily at home."

Ruth blinked in surprise. "You're the one who always insisted I stay here, and now you're siding with me?"

"You mentioned wanting to see your old friends, remember? And you're doing fine physically. As long as you're careful, I don't see why not," Emily explained.

She'd thought a lot about it last night...

Before Ruth could respond, Aaron stood up and walked over to Emily, "Granny wants to go out and you're just letting her? She's got the best doctors looking after her here."

If it were before, Emily would've thought her husband was being thoughtful-caring for her family like his own.

But now?

Now it felt suffocating. Less like concern, and more like control.

She couldn't tell anymore-was she just being overly sensitive lately, or was this something more?

Sensing the shift in mood, Ruth chuckled softly. "I know you both care about me. Honestly, it's not so bad here. Look..."

She reached into a basket beside her and pulled out a ball of yarn, "I've gotten back into knitting."

She held up a half-finished vest and held it against Emily, measuring, "Not sure I'll finish this before the weather warms up."

Emily forced a smile. She didn't want to start a fight in front of her grandma, "If you're the one knitting it, I'll wear it no matter the season."

She stayed with grandma for another two hours. When Ruth said she was ready for her afternoon nap, Emily finally got up to leave.

Aaron had stayed by her side the entire time-which meant she still hadn't gotten the chance to speak to her grandma alone.

Outside the hospital, just as Emily was about to get back into the same car, Aaron reached for her arm.

"Em," he said, "I know you weren't thrilled with what I said in there, but you know I'm only doing this for your grandma's sake."

Emily closed her eyes for a moment, "I didn't argue with you in front of her because I didn't want to upset her... but you do know she could've been discharged ages ago, right?"

"The doctor never said she couldn't leave," Aaron replied, "but isn't it better having someone look after her around the clock? And this place is close to home."

Nothing he said was exactly wrong-and that made it harder for Emily to fight back. She knew taking back control over her life wouldn't happen overnight.

The Aaron she used to know-the one she trusted without question-was now using that very love and care like a leash around her neck.

"Forget it," she exhaled. "I don't wanna fight with you. You'd win anyway. You've got power, money... in the end, you always get to decide."

"Emily," his tone tightened, "do you HAVE TO talk like that?"

"If you really care about us," she said quietly, "then stop making all the decisions on your own."

"CAN you stop being unreasonable for once?" he snapped. "I've been crazy busy lately, but I still made time to be here-for you, and for her."

"Unreasonable?" Emily let out a short, bitter laugh. "I never asked you to come. But tell me-why wouldn't the nurses let me in unless you showed up first?"

Why, after just a few days, did it feel like even her movements were being monitored?

She stepped closer, voice low but sharp.

"Aaron, do you think just because I haven't worked these past three years, I've gone STUPID? Or is it that you really think I'm that naive-easy to lie to?"

Aaron paused, caught off guard by her sudden confrontation.

"I've never thought that," he said, his voice tightening. "But your emotions lately... they've been all over the place."

He turned his face away, clearly done with the conversation, "I'll arrange for a therapist to come tomorrow."

Emily took a slow breath, stunned by how neatly he could spin everything. In just a few words, he'd managed to shift all the blame onto her-like everything was just her being "too emotional."

"Well, right now I feel very calm," she said coldly. "I just think you're terrifying."

Would he be a good father?

It was a question Emily had asked herself just days ago-and now, she had her answer.

No. Aaron would never be a good father.

His need for control was too strong. All it took was one threat of divorce, and before she could even make another move, he'd already tightened his grip on her, like it was effortless.

Convincing her to quit her job had been the first step. Emotionally and practically, she lost her independence, leaving her with no choice but to rely on him.

Did she regret it?

Regret letting herself get too comfortable, letting her wings get clipped?

Yes.

But none of those feelings mattered anymore.

She and Aaron had, once again, ended things on a sour note.

On the way home, she was about to call her younger brother Francie when another call came in-this one from the police. They asked her to come down to the station.

As soon as the driver was informed, he immediately called Aaron for approval.

After a quick summary of the situation, Aaron gave the green light. He didn't come along himself this time-clearly, the two hours he'd just spent at the hospital were already more than he was willing to give.

The reason for her visit was-unsurprisingly-Francie again. He'd gotten himself into trouble, and for once, Emily was glad Aaron wasn't with her.

The driver waited outside. One bodyguard followed her in but kept a two-step distance behind. Emily walked up to the front desk.

"I'm Francie Caulden' sister. He was brought in this afternoon for a traffic violation..."

The officer checked her ID and handed it back. "He's giving his statement right now. Please have a seat over there."

Emily walked over to the long bench like she'd done it a dozen times before. This wasn't her first visit.

The last time, it was because Francie had gotten into a bar fight-punched someone over a dumb argument.

Before that, he'd trespassed onto a construction site to film a video for social media, violating public safety regulations.

Too many incidents to count.

He was seven years younger than her-already twenty-but still impulsive, reckless, and immature. Zero sense of responsibility.

After a while, another officer brought him out. Francie looked physically fine-no visible injuries-but his head was down and his whole vibe screamed defeated.

The officer turned to Emily. "He was speeding well above the limit and ran a red light. Luckily, no one got hurt, but it was extremely dangerous. Also, the motorcycle shows signs of illegal modifications. It'll be confiscated."

And just like that, Emily knew why he looked so miserable.

Francie feared nothing and no one-but that motorcycle? That was his baby. Losing it crushed him.

After explaining the fine, the temporary license suspension, and the requirement to attend a traffic safety course, the officer finally let them go.

The second they stepped out of the station, Francie flipped a middle finger toward the building and muttered angrily, "I'll take the damn fine, whatever-but why the hell are they taking my motorcycle?"

Emily shot him a cold look. "NOT enough punishment for you? Want to head back in for another round?"

She glanced back at the bodyguard, who was now standing farther away-far enough to give them some space. At that distance, he probably couldn't hear what they were saying.

"WHAT? They're being dramatic. I was just testing out a corner! Nothing even happened!" Francie snapped, totally unapologetic.

"That's enough. Are you only gonna regret it once someone gets hurt?" Emily's head was pounding. "Have you even thought about your family? About Grandma? She's not young anymore-she can't take any more stress."

Francie mumbled under his breath, "Well, if you don't tell her and I don't tell her, how would she even know?"

"You-" Emily's anger flared. "You're twenty, for God's sake. Can you grow up already? You're acting out because you've got too much time on your hands. No job, no goals-of course you're making trouble."

Francie scoffed. "And you've got room to talk? You DON'T HAVE a job either."

That was like tossing gasoline into fire. Emily's tone dropped. "What did you just say?"

Francie realized he'd gone too far. He bit down on his tongue and looked away, refusing to meet the glare she was giving him.

"Do I get into this kind of shit every few weeks like you? You in and out of police stations like it's your second home?"

He knew he was in the wrong and kept quiet.

Emily had always been more than just a sister to him. Their parents died when they were young, and their grandmother had to work three jobs just to support them. Emily, being older by several years, had practically raised him.

Francie let out a slow breath, figuring like always, he'd just ride out her lecture and this whole thing would blow over.

"You're not a kid anymore," Emily said, voice softer but tired. "At the very least, visit Grandma more. She misses you."

He leaned against a tree trunk nearby, noting how this time her tone felt different-like she was actually trying to reach him.

But just as she started saying, "You can't depend on other people forever," he sprang upright and grinned playfully, "Nope. I plan to live off my brother-in-law forever."

Emily's face instantly flushed with anger.

"I literally just said you need to rely on yourself. Why the hell would you say something like that? You think your brother-in-law and I are gonna be together forever? What're you gonna do then?"

Francie chuckled. "That's not even gonna happen. Aaron's crazy about you. Unless you're bored out of your mind or looking for drama, there's no way you two are splitting up."

He said it like it was some kind of joke.

Emily took a deep breath.

Aaron's carefully crafted image had fooled everyone-friends, family... including herself. Three whole years. And she fell for every bit of it.

"What if he's got another woman?" she asked, looking him straight in the eye.

Francie's expression shifted. After a beat, he leaned back against the tree again. "Come on, you know Aaron's not like that. He's always been loyal."

When she didn't respond, he started getting nervous. "WAIT-don't scare me. You're just making that up, right? That's not real, is it?"

"Whether it's real or not," Emily said quietly, "what I want you to understand is this: don't be like me. Don't put everything you have into someone else's hands."

Francie's expression twisted, clearly not taking her words to heart.

Instead, he mumbled, "Well... if you guys are really having problems, what's gonna happen to the bar?"

Emily froze. "What bar?"

She grabbed his sleeve. "Francie, what are you talking about?"

He blurted out, "Aaron said he'd help me. Said he'd back me and my friends to open a bar."

What?!

"YOU-" Emily grabbed his cloth tightly, furious. "Open a bar? Have you completely forgotten the last time you got into a fight? The only reason you didn't end up in jail is because we spent months with lawyers to clean up your mess. That was just a few weeks ago! And now this?!"

Francie yanked her hand off him. "You're the one who told me to get a job! Now I try to start a business and you're pissed about that too?!"

Emily was so furious at her brother's constant backtalk that she felt like she was going to pass out. A sharp pain twisted in her stomach-a warning. There was still a baby inside her. She couldn't let anger take over.

"I told you to find a real, stable job-not to mess around PLAYING entrepreneur with your friends."

"Mess around?" Francie shot back. "I've got a whole plan, okay? And Aaron's already said yes! He's a business genius. If he thinks it's a good idea, what makes you think you know better?"

His smug tone made Emily's blood boil. A mix of betrayal, disappointment, and rage surged through her. Aaron had never once mentioned helping Francie open a bar. What-was her opinion just completely irrelevant now?

And Francie's reaction when she hinted at her and Aaron splitting up? It wasn't concern for her. He didn't care if she was being mistreated. He only panicked because it might mean his funding would get cut off.

Her own brother-closer to Aaron than to her. She was beyond disappointed. And now he was yelling back at her like she was the problem?

"You need to remember who your actual family is!"

Francie snapped, "All I know is real family supports you no matter what!"

"That's blind support, not love!"

"You keep saying it's for my own good-but it's always 'no' to this and 'don't do' that. How is that good for me?"

Their voices kept rising. The bodyguard who had been keeping his distance now started walking back toward them, sensing trouble. Emily caught the movement from the corner of her eye-she didn't want this entire conversation ending up in Aaron's ears.

She locked eyes with her always-reckless brother. "I'm going to talk to Aaron. That bar? Forget it. It's not happening."

"What?! No-Emily, I already told my friends! You're seriously screwing me over!"

Francie shouted, visibly pissed but desperate too. He stepped toward her.

The bodyguard quickly extended an arm, blocking his path. "Please don't get too close."

Francie glared at him. "Do you even know who I am? I'm her brother-why the hell can't I get near her?"

The bodyguard replied calmly, "Mr. Lopez instructed us to keep Mrs. Lopez safe. Your emotions are running a little high, sir. Please calm down."

The moment Aaron's name came up, Francie deflated just a bit. His tone turned sarcastic, bitter. "Wow. Must be nice, sis. Having a husband who's always there to protect you."

No matter how mad he got, Francie wouldn't actually lay a finger on her. Still, having to sit through her lectures always rubbed him the wrong way.

Emily gently pushed the bodyguard's hand aside. "It's fine," she muttered.

Was this protection... or surveillance?

She looked at Francie's sulking face. "If you've got that much time on your hands, go visit Grandma."

"For what?" Francie rolled his eyes. "All she does is praise you anyway. What's the point? Might as well not go."

"When did you become like this?" Emily's voice was heavy. "She worked herself to the bone raising us. And now that she's sick, you can't even bother to check in? You've visited once in six months."

"She's living in luxury. VIP suite, best meals, best care-thanks to Aaron. What exactly do you need me there for?"

Emily could barely recognize the boy standing in front of her. Every other word out of his mouth was Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.

"Forget it," she said coldly. "I'm done arguing. Go think about what kind of person you're turning into."

She turned and signaled for the bodyguard to follow. Francie still wasn't finished-he kept yelling at her until she climbed into the car. But she didn't look back. The car pulled away, and she let the distance swallow his voice.

At around eleven, Emily finally heard the sound of Aaron coming home. She closed the book she'd been pretending to read-she'd been forcing herself to stay up just to wait for him.

"You're still up?" Aaron asked as he walked in.

After the tense conversation they'd had earlier that afternoon, he wasn't showing any lingering emotion. His tone was casual, like everything was normal.

Emily pulled her cardigan tighter around her shoulders. "Do you have a minute? I want to talk about Francie."

Aaron paused. Usually, when she waited up for him, she'd help hang up his coat, ask about work, check if he was tired. Not tonight.

She didn't do any of that.

She was pulling away.

Reining in his thoughts, Aaron tossed his coat aside and loosened his tie. "You mean the speeding ticket?"

"It wasn't just speeding," Emily said, her voice firm. "He illegally modified his Motorcycle. And I also heard he said you agreed to help him open a bar."

Her eyes were locked on him-accusing, searching.

Aaron sighed and sat down on the couch. "He came to me last month. And yeah, I agreed."

"You didn't think to talk to me first?" Emily sat beside him, angling her body toward his. "He just got in trouble at a bar. Did that slip your mind?"

"Francie asked me not to tell you," Aaron said. "He wanted to make something of himself first. Thought he could surprise you once it started working."

Emily frowned. "So what-you thought the money was pocket change, so it didn't matter?"

Aaron's brows pulled together, but his tone stayed even. "I'm not just handing it to him. It's a loan. He said he'll pay me back once they start turning a profit."

"YOU believe him?" she muttered, pressing her fingers to her temple. She couldn't understand why Aaron was being so lenient with her brother.

Aaron blinked, his eyes dry. He reached over and gently patted her hand where it rested on her thigh. "He's not the same kid he was three years ago. He's grown. Maybe give him this one chance, yeah? He's your family. I just want to help take care of you both."

Emily's thoughts were spinning. How was she supposed to trust someone who was still getting into trouble this afternoon?

"I know you see him like a little brother too..."

Before she could finish, Aaron's phone started ringing. He glanced at the screen, and his expression shifted instantly-serious, sharp.

"Hold on," he said quickly, and picked up.

Emily stared at him, stunned. Who would call at this hour?

She watched as his face tightened. He spoke low, in fragments: "Don't cry... Tell me where you are... I'm coming."

The call ended in under a minute.

Before she could say a word, Aaron stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat.

"Sorry-I have to deal with something. We'll talk when I get back."

Emily rushed over and grabbed the hem of his coat. "It's almost midnight. What kind of 'something' is this?"

She didn't want to care.

She shouldn't care.

But in that moment, she couldn't help herself.