My Family Paid To Have Me Beaten

The day I was diagnosed with cancer was the same day I got assaulted.

I was left a mess—bruised, broken, and numb.

The police told me to call my family.

My parents sounded frantic. They said they were visiting friends out of town but would rush back immediately.

My older brothers, Mark and David, both said they were on their way.

But I waited at the station all day, and only Mark showed up.

He wrapped his coat around my shoulders, his eyes filled with worry.

"Sarah, I'm so sorry. If Lisa hadn't been sick, I never would've let you go to that meeting alone. None of this would've happened. I'll make it up to you—I promise."

Then his phone rang, and he rushed outside.

I followed.

"Mom, this is insane. Just to keep Sarah away from Jessica's adoption party? This is too far."

At the same moment, a photo popped up in our family group chat. It was deleted almost instantly, but not before I saw it—Jessica, in a gorgeous dress, posing with my whole family, her arm linked through my fiancé Michael's.

I froze. My own family had set me up.

All because I didn't support them adopting Jessica.

I let out a hollow laugh.

What did it even matter? I'm dying anyway.

Mark hung up and immediately dialed another number, his voice tight with anger.

"Who told you to actually hurt her? You're not getting the rest of your money!"

A pause. Then, "What? You want more? Are you kidding me? I'll have you all arrested!"

He slammed his fist against the doorframe after ending the call.

When he turned back, his eyes were red-rimmed. I didn't say a word—just walked back inside.

He followed me in and asked the officer, "Are there any security cameras where it happened?"

The officer looked up, confused. "Your sister just dropped the charges. Do you want to reopen the case?"

Mark spun around to face me.

All he saw was my faint, tired smile.

"It's okay, Mark. I don't want this getting out. I'm not even married yet."

His eyes filled with tears, and he pulled me into a hug. "Sarah, I'm so sorry."

I didn't care about my reputation.

I just didn't want Mark to get in trouble if those guys were caught.

He was the only one who had ever truly cared about me.

Before Jessica came into our lives, Mark, David, and even Dad treated me like a princess.

They always stood up for me when Mom got harsh.

But everything changed when Jessica arrived.

Mark drove me home.

Everyone was waiting in the living room, their fancy party clothes swapped for casual wear like nothing had happened.

Mom rushed over, crying.

If it weren't for her usual coldness, I might've believed she actually cared.

"Sarah, honey, I feel just awful."

David chimed in, "Sarah, we heard you dropped the charges. Are you sure you don't want to press them?"

His tone was probing. They all knew.

I just nodded.

Dad stepped out from behind Mom, his voice soft. "Sarah, you must be hungry after all this. I'll make you some noodles."

That's when I finally broke. His genuine concern shattered me.