Chapter 4 Goodbye, Mr Lark
+8 Pearls
When Azalea came to, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled her nose. The har took her a moment to gather her bearings.
overhead lights blurred into one another, and it
A hospitalt
“Azalea, you’re finally awake!”
She turned her head and saw Bastian looking at her with undisguised joy. Just past him stood her so–called father, Wesley. And by the door, Matthias had an arm around Sydney, glancing over occasionally.
The irony wasn’t lost on her. She was fine–shouldn’t they be disappointed?
When Azalea didn’t respond, Bastian’s smile faltered slightly, his eyes dimming. But he quickly covered it up with that soft, gentle smile.
The same smile he’d only ever shown Sydney these past two years.
And now he was offering it to her? What for–sympathy? Because she’d ended up in the hospital?
She didn’t need it.
Azalea ducked away from his outstretched hand and pushed herself upright. “If you’re here to tell me to apologize to Sydney don’t waste your breath.”
Bastian froze. His brows furrowed just slightly. Since when did Azalea speak to him like this?
Matthias immediately bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Wesley didn’t say anything, but the disapproval in his eyes said plenty.
“Exactly what it sounds like.” Azalea said, her voice hoarse.
Her pale face shut Matthias right up. Bastian tried to smooth things over. “We checked the security footage while you were unconscious. Sydney slipped and fell–no one pushed her. Matthias and I jumped to conclusions.
“Sydney panicked and thought you pushed her. It was a misunderstanding. Dad has already agreed not to inheritance rights.”
revoke you
your
Wesley nodded from the side. “It was just a minor incident. If it was a misunderstanding, then it’s over. You should rest. Sydney needs peace and quiet–we’ll take her home first”
After pondering the meaning behind their words, Azalea nearly laughed out loud. Sydney slipped, but without any witnesses or physical evidence, they could confidently claim it was Azalea’s fault. With the roles reversed, even with evidence, it would just be brushed off as Sydney being careless.
And now, just because they gave back what should’ve been hers to begin with, she was supposed to be grateful?
Sorry, not this time.
“So Sydney doesn’t need to apologize to me?” Azalea asked, eyes downcast.
Matthias pupils narrowed. He jabbed a finger at her, face livid. “Azalea, what the hell is wrong with you? Do you even know that after you fell unconscious, Sydney was so worried she refused to rest and stayed here the whole time waiting for you to wake up!
“Matthias, this was all my fault to begin with. I should be the one apologizing, Sydney tugged gently on his sleeve. Her voice was soft, and her lips trembled with guilt. It was such a pitiful sight.
Wesley’s expression darkened. “Azalea, enough already,” he said, the threat heavy in his tone.
Bastian tried to smooth things over again, “Azalea, you just woke up. You need to rest. Let’s not drag this out. It’s over.”
Drag this out?
Azalea nearly laughed in disbelief.
Chapter 4 Goodbye, Mr Lark
+8 Pearls
She scanned the room. Matthias had told her to go die without even hearing her side. Even now, with the truth laid bare, he still acted like she deserved it.
Her father saw her asking for an apology as being difficult and unreasonable.
Even Bastian, the one who seemed to want to protect her, was only trying to smooth things over–not for her but to avoid
conflict.
As for Sydney, she played the remorseful little angel, pretending to apologize with zero actual action to back it
Before the age of 15, Azalea had dreamed that her real family would come to take her home. And they did–but every ounce of suffering since then had come from these people.
Under the weight of their favoritism, she had lived like a sewer rat–hiding, scrounging, and watching others enjoy the warmth she could never have.
From the beginning, her parents believed that she was full of bad habits because she came from an orphanage. Every small mistake she made was amplified to the extreme.
Cassius saw her as a reminder of past regrets, using the excuse of compensation‘ to control her life. The moment she pushed back. it proved she was ungrateful.
Matthias believed from the start that she’d stolen Sydney’s place and never looked at her with anything but disdain.
Skyler thought she was beneath the family. When she first returned, he treated her like a novelty pet. But once the novelty wore off, she became a blemish on his glorious future–a stain that didn’t deserve to be his sister.
Even Bastian, who had once truly cared for her, had, bit by bit, been swayed by Sydney’s manipulations until his view of her turned cold and narrow.
Maybe the real mistake was stepping out of that orphanage in the first place.
She took a deep breath. What was the point of keeping a family like this around?
“It’s our fault, Sydney said gently, “Azalea just woke up. She needs to rest. We shouldn’t disturb her. Matthias, don’t forget to have Harper make her favorite seafood soup.
Azalea gave her a sidelong glance. Favorite seafood soup? She was allergic
Sydney really knew how to put on a show. No wonder she’d managed to worm her way into everyone’s hearts, especially when they were most burdened by guilt.
If not for being reborn, Azalea might have really believed this whole thing was a misunderstanding. She might have been touched by Sydney’s supposed concern.
Sydney wanted to drive her out for one reason: to secure her grip on the Larks‘ inheritance and make herself the star everyone revolved around.
Matthias smiled indulgently at Sydney’s words, patting her head like she was the most precious thing in the world. “Sydney really is the kindest.
Then he turned and glared at Azalea. “We’ll let it go this time. But if you ever bully Sydney again, I won’t let it slide.”
Azalea’s tone was icy. “No need to wait for next time.”
She reached for the paper and pen by her bedside in the VIP hospital room and quickly scribbled down a few lines.
Bastian glanced over curiously, but his face changed as soon as he caught a glimpse. “Azalea!”
Azalea ignored him and handed the paper directly to Wesley. Tve never really been part of this family, but I figured we should have something in writing to make it official.”
Wesley took the paper and scanned it. His expression froze–then turned furious. “Azalea, are you out of your mind? You Want to sever ties with me?!”
“I’ve never been clearer,” Azalea said calmly. “You never made me part of the family. I never took your surname. Technically, I was never a Lark to begin with.
Chapter 4 Goodbye, Mr Lark
“You’ve all made it clear I’m not welcome. Let’s just end this cleanly.”
Wesley’s chest rose and fell angrily, fingers clenched tightly around the paper. How dare sher
+8 Pearls
Sydney peeked at the document. The bold title–Agreement to Dissolve Parental Ties–made her heart leap. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she barely managed to hide it.
If Azalea left the Larks, everything would be hers!
Still, she put on a sad face. “Azalea, this will really break Dad’s heart
Azalea didn’t even look at her. Her gaze remained fixed on Wesley. “Please sign it. Mr. Lark.”
Matthias gave a cold laugh. “You think that’ll make us feel sorry for you? Make us regret how we treated you? You’re just making a fool of yourself.”
Wesley’s teeth gnashed together. “Finet”
So what if he was the president of Lark Group? His own daughter was throwing his name in the dirt.
Did she want to cut ties? He’d gladly oblige.
He signed without hesitation. Let’s see what kind of mess she’d make of her life now.
Azalea took the paper like it was a treasure, carefully folding it. Thank you, Mr. Lark.”
The words were genuine. And they hit Wesley like a rock on the chest for some reason. His heart clenched, a tight, burning fury rising within. “If you’re no longer à member of the Larks, then this room isn’t yours to stay in,” he snapped.
He thought she’d back down. That she was just bluffing. But Azalea didn’t flinch. She pulled the IV from her hand, threw off the blanket, and climbed out of bed without a second thought..
Wesley’s face darkened completely.
He shouted after her, “Don’t come crawling back!”
Sydney rushed to his side, cooing. “Dad, calm down–you’ll hurt yourself.”
Her concern for her adoptive father was far more genuine than, anything she’d ever shown Azalea. Wesley was clearly moved. Deliberately, he said, “Didn’t you want to try that new five–star restaurant? Let’s go tonight–to celebrate.”
Celebrate what? No one had to say it.
Azalea paused at the doorway, then turned back with a cold smile. “Mr. Lark, do you even know that I’m allergic to seafood?”
The whole room fell dead silent.
