Hospital Corridor
"Mom," Leif called out, his voice tense as he stepped closer to the scene. Alder was already by Willow's side, holding her protectively.
"You don't need to get physical, you know?" Alder said to Juniper, his voice tight with suppressed anger.
Juniper's eyes blazed. "She's the reason why all of this happened, and you think she doesn't deserve that?" she snapped, stepping closer like she was ready to strike again.
Willow flinched and quickly hid behind Alder, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt. She didn't say anything, just stood behind him.
Leif turned to the police officer. "Officer, you can leave now. We'll come to the station to give our statements."
The officer gave a stiff nod and walked off.
"Are you okay?" Alder asked gently, looking down at Willow.
She nodded slowly, but her hands remained clenched.
Laurel stepped forward, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Alder, I'm very disappointed in you," she said with cold finality.
Alder sighed, casting a glance at her. "I'm sorry. But let's talk some other time." He didn't wait for a response. Instead, he took Willow's hand and led her back into the ward, leaving the others in stunned silence.
Inside the Ward
"Why did you leave the ward?" Alder asked, guiding her gently to sit.
"I'm okay," Willow replied, forcing a small smile.
Alder crouched in front of her, watching her closely. "What happened to you?"
"Nothing," she said quickly, eyes darting away.
"You fainted all of a sudden," Alder reminded her, brows furrowed.
The doctor, an older man with graying hair, stepped in with a clipboard. "She was just stressed," he said plainly.
"Stressed?" Alder questioned, not convinced.
"Yes. But if you're concerned, you can take her to a better-equipped hospital for more testing. We don't have the necessary machinery here."
"Alright. Thank you, Doctor," Alder said, standing.
Leif entered just as the doctor left. The two men exchanged nods.
"They left," Leif said, referring to their mother and the others. "It's time to go, Alder."
Willow hesitated. "Brother Leif, I'm..."
Leif turned to her. "It's okay," he said gently, nodding.
"I'm sorry," Willow murmured.
Alder's jaw tightened. "Sorry? I told you one sorry isn't enough to clear your sins." His voice was cold, cutting deeper than she expected. He knew it would hurt her.
Willow bit her lip and lowered her gaze, saying nothing.
"Let's go," Alder said, taking her hand again.
She pulled her hand away. "I can't leave yet."
"Why?" Leif asked, his brows drawing together.
"I need to pick something from the house. I'll come back in the morning."
"What do you need?" Alder asked. "We can buy it on the way."
"No need. I'll get it myself," Willow insisted quickly.
She needed her medication, and she didn't want anyone to know about her condition.
Leif sensed her resistance and sighed. "We'll leave then."
"Let's drive her back," Alder added, and Leif nodded in agreement.
Willow's House
The drive back was silent. No one spoke, though each had thoughts raging in their minds.
"We're here," Leif finally said. He parked, Alder now sitting in the front passenger seat and Willow in the back.
"Go in and pick whatever you need. We'll drop you off," Alder said without turning to look at her.
"No need," Willow said softly.
Alder finally turned to glance back at her. "You need to get checked at the hospital. I don't believe nothing is wrong with you."
"I'm really okay," Willow lied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Do you still need whatever you came for or we leaving now?" Alder asked, his tone sharp with command.
"Willow, stop acting stubborn," Leif chimed in. "Just go in and pick what you need."
Willow nodded, realizing she couldn't win against them. Alder handed her the keys. She took them with trembling fingers and slipped out of the car.
She entered the quiet house, once shared with Alder. A strange emptiness greeted her. She walked to her room and unlocked a small cabinet filled with white bottles. Her fingers moved quickly, packing twelve bottles into her bag—her medications.
She looked around the room with a mix of longing and sorrow. This had once been her sanctuary, her future. Now it felt like a memory she was being forced to let go.
She swallowed a pill with bottled water, her hands shaking slightly. Then she placed her sketchbook carefully into the bag.
She had planned everything so carefully—kidnapping, food, shelter, clothes—all while hiding the truth of her health. And now, it felt like she was back at square one.
She has spent all her savings on this and now she has nothing.
Her steps were slow as she exited the house.
Alder had taken the driver's seat now. Leif looked exhausted.
"Here," Willow said, handing Alder his phone. He took it wordlessly.
She climbed into the back seat again.
"Is that all you picked?" Alder asked, eyeing the small bag.
"Yes," she answered, her voice blank.
Alder didn't say anything else. He started the engine and drove.
On the Road – Later That Evening
Willow slept the entire way, exhaustion overtaking her.
Alder kept stealing glances at her through the rearview mirror. Her face looked too pale.
"We're here," he said quietly as they arrived at a hospital.
Willow opened her eyes groggily, then stiffened.
"Why are we at the hospital?" she asked in alarm.
"To get you checked," Alder said, unbuckling his seatbelt.
"Alder, I'm okay. Believe me," Willow said quickly.
"The words from your mouth have never been true. Why should I believe you now?" he asked, eyes cold.
Willow's heart dropped. She turned to Leif. "Brother Leif, say something."
Leif leaned his head back. "She said she's okay. Let her be."
Alder was silent for a long moment. He had a strong feeling she wasn't telling the truth—but he didn't push.
"Willow, are you sure you're alright?" he asked, more gently this time.
She nodded rapidly.
Leif yawned. "Let's go, Alder. I'm really tired."
"Alright," Alder said at last and drove off.
Willow didn't dare close her eyes again, terrified she'd wake up in another hospital.
Willow's Apartment – One Hour Later
Alder parked in front of Willow's apartment.
Willow looked out. "You know where I live?" she asked softly, a faint smile on her lips.
Alder didn't respond. "Please get down. I need to go home and get some rest."
Willow stepped out, then walked over to Leif's window as he rolled it down.
"Brother Leif, thank you. Sorry for everything. Bye," she said, giving a small wave.
"See you later," Leif replied. Alder drove off before she could say anything more.
She watched the car disappear down the road, then turned slowly to the building.
It was a good thing she hadn't informed her landlady she was moving. At least she had somewhere to come back to.
She walked toward her apartment, shoulders heavy with thoughts.
Smith Mansion – That Night
Inside the mansion, Juniper paced in the living room. Her eyes were burning with restrained fury. Sage and Iris sat with her in silence.
Leif walked in first, followed closely by Alder.
"Mom," Leif greeted, his voice low.
Sage ran to Alder to hug him. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," Alder said, nodding.
Juniper stood up. "Alder, after embarrassing me like that, are you happy?" Her voice was low but trembling with anger.
"Mom, can you calm down?" Leif said.
Juniper ignored him. She walked up to Alder and jabbed her finger at his chest. "You even told the police you followed her willingly. What witchcraft has that bitch cast on you?!"
"Mom, if Willow gets arrested, you'll destroy her present and her future," Alder snapped. "Is that what you want?"
"If she doesn't want to be arrested, she shouldn't act like a criminal," Iris cut in.
Sage glared at her. "Iris, I don't know what Willow ever did to you, but can you stop acting like she's your rival?"
"You three useless children! What has Willow done to you that made you all defend her?" Juniper roared.
"Mom, this is Alder's life. Let him decide for himself," Leif said firmly.
Juniper turned and pointed at Alder. "I don't care how you do it. Go and placate Flora. The wedding must go on."
Alder scoffed. "You really think, after everything, I'll still marry Flora?"
"Why not? She'll forgive you if you ask. She's willing to marry you," Iris said quickly.
Alder smiled coldly. "If you and Mom are so desperate to have Flora in the family, as long as you're willing... Leif can always take a second wife."
He walked away, leaving Iris speechless.
"Let's be clear," Leif said, heading after him. "I'm not taking another wife. But divorce is a choice."
Iris ran after him.
Sage turned to her mother. "Mom, calm down. We all know Alder never liked Flora. He's always loved Willow. Can't we just let him be?"
Juniper's face hardened. "No."
Sage stared at her. "Why do you hate Willow so much?"
Juniper blinked. "Do I?"
"Don't you? You never wanted Alder to be with Willow, not even in the beginning."
Juniper's voice cracked ever so slightly as she said, "I will always hate her because…"
She stopped. Her lips parted, then pressed shut again.
Does she really have a reason to hate her?