Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 318: Unloved

Chapter 318: Unloved

Rain laughed softly, shaking her head...

William suddenly turned his gaze toward Alexander, his expression softening as he studied his unconscious brother. His lips curved into a teasing smirk, though his eyes glimmered with a trace of emotion.

"Brother," he began, his tone light but purposeful, "you should wake up soon. Remember how we’re supposed to be competing over who could fulfill Dad’s greatest wish of becoming a grandfather first? Are you really going to let me win that one by default?"

Rain couldn’t help but chuckle softly at William’s antics, the warmth in his words easing the tension in her chest.

William leaned closer to Alexander. "Come on, wake up already. I can’t keep carrying the family’s honor on my own," he added with a wink, though his gaze betrayed the depth of his concern.

Rain reached over and gently placed her hand on Alexander’s. "He’s listening," she murmured softly, her thumb lightly tracing over his knuckles. "He’ll wake up when he’s ready, William. And when he does, you’ll have some serious competition on your hands," she confidently commented with a smile.

Alexander would wake up... Rain could feel it deep within her soul. She clung to that hope like a lifeline...

William straightened, his grin widening with a mischievous glint. "I hope so, Sis. Otherwise, I’m going to start designing ’World’s Best Daddy’ merchandise for myself. Can’t let him forget who the real winner in this family is."

Rain shook her head, a genuine smile softening her features despite the gravity of the situation. Alexander’s steady breathing filled the room, a quiet but reassuring rhythm. Rain leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper as she held his hand tightly. "You’ve got so many people waiting for you, love. Don’t keep us waiting too long, okay?"

William gave her a nod and gently closed the door as he left, leaving her alone with Alexander. The playful smile he wore moments ago vanished as his face fell, and his shoulders slumped.

Out in the hallway, William’s steps faltered, his emotions catching up to him. He rubbed his hands over his face, trying to shake the heaviness pressing down on his chest. Seeing his big brother... his rock and role model... lying in that hospital bed was a sight he could hardly bear. His heart ached, but he knew he had to stay strong, for his family, and most importantly, for Alexander.

Sitting down on a nearby bench, William buried his face in his hands. Tears welled in his eyes, threatening to spill over, but he quickly wiped them away. "This is so hard," he muttered under his breath, his voice cracking as he exhaled shakily.

Memories of their father’s diagnosis flashed through his mind, the pain of knowing their days together were numbered. Now, this... the uncertainty surrounding Alexander... was a burden almost too heavy to bear. William bit his lower lip, his fists clenched at his sides as he tried to pull himself together.

He was grateful for Sanya, who always seemed to know how to support him during his weakest moments. She never judged his tears or his vulnerability. For now, though, he sat alone, letting the pain and fear trickle out quietly before he could muster the strength to move forward once more.

At that moment, he made a silent vow to himself, ’I’ll stay strong for you, big brother. No matter what.’

*****

Dina was restless, her body tense as she lay in the hospital bed. Today was her last day there, and her frustration was palpable. She gritted her teeth, tugging lightly at the cuff securing her wrist to the bedframe.

Up to now, she hadn’t seen her face, but the nurses had told her she’d undergone surgery to restore her original appearance.

She couldn’t fathom how everything had fallen apart so quickly. Her dreams of a better life were shattered. Watching the news had only made it worse... Michael Astor was dead, his entire family disgraced. His father, Richard Astor, had been forced to resign as mayor after prosecutors exposed his countless illegal dealings.

Her life was in ruins. A bitter laugh erupted from her lips, building into a maniacal cackle that echoed through the room.

The door swung open abruptly, cutting through her laughter like a knife. Rain stepped inside, her every movement radiating confidence and composure. It was an air Dina had always despised.

"Looks like you’re enjoying yourself," Rain said coldly, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Dina.

"Why wouldn’t I?" Dina shot back with a mocking grin. "I heard you’re hurt and your husband’s in a coma. At least Michael managed to do one thing right before he went down."

Dina had no official news about Rain and Alexander’s situation... it wasn’t being covered on TV but her mother Sylvia had managed to visit her briefly under police supervision and spill a few tantalizing details.

Her grin widened as she noticed a flicker of emotion cross Rain’s face. That small crack of vulnerability gave her satisfaction. All her life, Dina had wanted to bring Rain down. But no matter what she did, Rain was like an unyielding weed... impossible to uproot, always growing back stronger.

Rain took a measured breath, her expression calm as she met Dina’s gaze. A faint smile tugged at her lips, unsettling Dina more than any words could.

"I can’t decide what I feel seeing you like this," Rain said, her voice soft but cutting. She took a step closer, her eyes steady. "A pathetic woman, clinging to whatever scraps of power she thought she had. Maybe I should pity you."

Dina’s grin faltered.

"After all," Rain continued, her tone sharper now, "you’re a person unloved. You didn’t get the attention you were so desperate for... from Paul, from Michael, from anyone. You wasted your life chasing after something you couldn’t have, and now look at you. It’s unfortunate how things turned out."

Dina’s hands trembled, her defiance crumbling under Rain’s unrelenting gaze. "Don’t you dare pity me!" she hissed, her voice cracking with rage.

Rain’s smile didn’t waver. "Oh, I don’t pity you for what you’ve done. I pity the girl you used to be... the one who thought hurting others would make her strong. I hope, wherever you’re going next, you find some clarity."

With that, Rain turned and walked out. Dina sat frozen, her body shaking with a mixture of rage and despair. Rain’s words echoed in her mind, cutting deeper than she wanted to admit. For the first time, the weight of her choices felt unbearable...