Your Love Failed Me the Way My Mother’s Never Did

Just then, the system issued a reminder.

[30 minutes until the hospital's violent incident!]

[Host, please proceed to the designated location!]

The crimson text appeared before my eyes.

After finding a nurse to briefly treat the wound on my face, I was prepared to go to the designated place.

Just as I stepped out of the treatment room, Spencer approached with a grim expression.

He grabbed my arm tightly. Then, he spoke through gritted teeth. "River, was it you who leaked everything online? How can you be so vicious?"

"Making people dig up Agnes's past, then deliberately spreading rumors that she was assaulted by multiple men? River, when did you become this kind of person?"

His eyes filled with intense disappointment as he forcefully dragged me in the opposite direction. "You're coming with me to kneel and apologize to Agnes! This time, I won't cover for you anymore!"

Pain shot up my arm as he dragged me away. I struggled with all my strength, but Skyler came rushing in and cruelly grabbed a fistful of my hair.

"Still trying to deny it, huh? We've spoiled you for too long!"

Then they began dragging me forward.

I couldn't hold back my sobs and cried out, "Brother … "

The two men pulling me paused slightly, but quickly regained their composure.

"River, don't think you can get away with this!"

"Calling us 'brother' won't help!"

I continued to cry out that single word, "Brother." But the one I was calling wasn't them.

It was my brother from another world—the one who would pick a fight with anyone who bullied me.

The one who, even with a face full of bruises, would look at me proudly and tell me that if anyone ever dared hurt me again, he'd make sure they regretted it.

Thinking of the family waiting for me in that other world, I gritted my teeth and, with all my might, banged my head against the wall. Again and again.

"River, you're crazy!"

"What are you doing?!"

"Stop it now!"

Their shouts echoed in my ears, but all I could hear was a high-pitched ringing.

"Let me go! Let me leave!" I whispered hoarsely.

From a nearby room, Agnes and our parents emerged. They stared at me, utterly shocked by my appearance.

"River."

"What's wrong with you?"

But before anyone could say more, Agnes suddenly burst into tears.

"River, you look so scary…"

"Why did you cyberbully me, River?"

As she cried, the concern in their eyes vanished. It was replaced by profound disappointment and blame.

"River, when did you become like this?"

"You've disappointed us so much!"

They accused me harshly.

Bloodied and reeling, I stood up, hearing the system's shrill warning.

[Host! Proceed immediately to the designated suicide location!]

[Failure to comply will prevent your exit from this world]

A wave of panic surged through me. I propped myself up with my hands and ran toward the stairs.

Suddenly, Spencer and Skyler shouted from behind me. "River, if you dare leave even one step, our family will disown you as their daughter!"

"Okay!"

"What did you say?"

"I said I'll give my life back to you!"

I turned back with a faint smile, then continued without stopping.

On the ground floor, a middle-aged man with a twisted expression pulled a knife from his bag and screamed hysterically.

"Where are the doctors? Are there no doctors in this hospital?"

Passersby recoiled in terror. I pushed through the crowd, drawing my folding knife.

Thud!

The man's sharp knife pierced my heart and he continued to stab me seven more times.

As blood gushed from the wounds, I mustered the last of my strength and drove my own folding knife into his temple.

That man's eyes widened in shock as he stumbled backward and fell to the ground.

I smiled, blood trickling from my lips, before I too collapsed heavily.

"Mom, I'm back. Your daughter is finally home," I said before closing my eyes.

"Someone, help!"

"Save that girl!"

Passersby shouted in panic as several people worked together to restrain the man.

A few minutes later, the hospital broadcast a blaring announcement. "Emergency! Code blue, code white. In the first-floor outpatient hall!"

Up on the third floor, the Saint Family froze. Spencer was the first to react.

"There's a medical dispute downstairs; someone needs emergency care!" He looked anxious, ready to run to the emergency room.

Just then, a nurse rushed over and shouted, "Dr. Saint! It's your sister! It's Miss River! She was the one who stopped the medical dispute."

However, her voice dropped sadly. "But … she didn't make it. She's gone."