All In on Love, All Out of Luck

I nearly shouted it out loud. I couldn't believe he dared treat me so unfairly.

Charmaine's eyes instantly welled with tears.

"Simon, please transfer me back. I don't mind hardship or criticism, but I won't stand for this kind of humiliation!"

He approached her, letting her rest against him, and shot me a sharp look. "That's an unfair thing to say. Remember, you're in this group because I put in a good word for you."

In the end, he said firmly, "If you keep acting out, it only proves my decision was right. Your temper is too sharp. Stay in the basic training group and use this time to improve."

I went home, packed my things, and prepared to move into the dorms. Simon had already cut off my training opportunities to make way for Charmaine, and he surely had more plans up his sleeve.

It wasn't until I left a divorce petition behind that I finally stood.

Suddenly, the door flew open, and my brother, Matthew Prescott, barged in.

"Jean Prescott, you owe Charmaine an apology," he barked, staring at me with pure fury.

"What did I do wrong?" I shouted, feeling both furious and wronged.

Matthew roared, "You humiliated her in front of everyone, saying she didn't deserve to enter the advanced training group, and you think you did nothing wrong? How could the Prescott family raise such a heartless monster like you? Charmaine's late husband gave his life to save Simon and me! You owe it to her!"

Desmond Shelby, Charmaine's late husband, had been Matthew and Simon's comrade. He gave his life during a critical mission to protect them, leaving them both with a lifelong debt of guilt toward Charmaine.

I stood my ground. "He saved you for your own lives. Why should my future be the price for that?"

Matthew froze, shocked by my words.

Simon stepped forward, looking at me with disappointment. He frowned and said, "Jean, I never imagined that you could be this cruel. If Desmond hadn't risked everything for us, do you think you'd still be living a life of comfort under our care? Everything you enjoy now comes at Charmaine's expense, and you don't feel a shred of guilt!"

Matthew came forward to grab my luggage. "Give me your training materials. Charmaine needs them."

I clutched my bag tightly, refusing to let go.

Tears streamed down my face as I shouted, "I'm not giving it up! This is mine!"

Simon lunged at me as well, trying to pull the bag from my hands.

He pried my fingers apart, gripping so hard that I thought he might break them. "You're talented, and you'll still have a chance to go to space. Charmaine is older, and this is her only shot. Give it to her, and I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Isn't that fair?"

I stared at him stubbornly. "I won't let go!"

Simon's strength overwhelmed me. He yanked the bag from my grasp and threw me to the ground. My head struck the sharp corner of a desk, and the metallic tang of blood filled the air.

My hands trembled as I pressed against the back of my head.

Blood was everywhere.

"Astronauts can't have scars! Simon, Matthew, get me to a hospital!"

Panic flared in Simon's eyes as he rushed to support me. "Honey, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault… I'll get you to a hospital right now!"

A piercing scream came from outside.

"Simon! I cut myself on the glass! My foot is bleeding!"

Simon immediately let go of my hand and ran toward the door. Matthew, who had been coming toward me, also changed direction.

As their voices faded into the distance, I struggled to my feet and began the painful walk to the hospital.