Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 30

Anna’s POV:

“Asked for what?” Claire inquired.

Blake’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. “We’re almost there.”

He interrupted our conversation again.

Seeing his sour expression, Claire didn’t press further. Instead, she said softly, “Let’s just park in front of the theater. We can wander around and check out my new workplace.”

Blake stepped out first, circling around to open Claire’s door. She hopped out and threw herself into his arms. I opened my own door, standing alone on the opposite side of the car.

“Blakey,” Claire whined, her arms still wrapped around his waist, “do I really have to live in the

theatre dorms? I don’t want to.”

Blake gently disentangled himself, straightening his immaculate suit. “This theater is quite far from

Seaside Manor. The commute would exhaust you.”

Claire’s lips formed a perfect pout. “Then just buy an apartment near the theater. You could move in

too.”

I couldn’t help it–a small laugh escaped my lips before I could catch it. Move in with your sister? Seriously? The sound drew their attention immediately. Claire looked puzzled, but Blake’s expression

darkened, his brows knitting together.

I was just about to say something to change the subject when my words were interrupted by a

sudden movement at the edge of my vision.

A disheveled man burst from between two parked cars, rushing toward us with startling speed. I glimpsed metal in his hand–a knife.

I pivoted instinctively, my reflexes outpacing my thoughts.

The blade sliced through the air where I’d stood, catching only my blouse. Fabric tore as the knife

embedded in the car door.

“Anna, watch out!” Claire shouted.

In an instant, Claire positioned herself between me and the attacker. The man wrenched the knife free and swung again.

The blade cut into Claire’s right leg. She cried out as blood streaked across her skin.

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Chapter 30

“Claire!” Blake’s voice thundered, his face twisted with rage.

Blake lunged forward, his foot slamming into the attacker’s chest. The man flew backward onto the

pavement.

“Call the police!” Blake ordered, his attention entirely focused on Claire now. He gathered her into his arms, examining the wound with gentle fingers while she whimpered.

Blood soaked through the sleeve of Claire’s designer blouse, the crimson stain spreading quickly. Blake’s face had gone pale, his usual composure shattered.

“Anna, start the car!” he commanded, not even looking at me as he lifted Claire. “We need to get to the hospital now!”

I stood frozen for a moment. Claire had jumped in front of me. She’d taken a hit meant for me. Why

would she do that?

“Why are you just standing there?” Blake snapped. “Get in and drive!”

I scrambled into the driver’s seat, my hands trembling as I gripped the steering wheel. Blake climbed into the back with Claire cradled against his chest, his expensive suit now stained with her blood.

Blake pressed his handkerchief against Claire wound and said, “I’m here. We’ll be at the hospital in

no time.”

His tenderness toward her contrasted sharply with the cold fury he’d directed at me. I started the engine, pulling into traffic with more urgency than grace.

“Drive faster!” Blake barked from the back seat.

I pressed harder on the accelerator, weaving through traffic.

“Anna,” Claire’s voice was weak but clear, “are you okay?”

Even bleeding and in pain, she was asking about me? I couldn’t understand this girl.

“I’m fine,” I answered stiffly.

“Don’t talk,” Blake instructed Claire. “Save your strength. You can’t keep putting yourself at risk like this. You know you’re a dancer, and you can’t afford to get hurt, especially not your legs. How many times have I told you to be careful?”

Between sobs, Claire managed a smile. “I promised to help take care of Anna, remember? I’d feel terrible if she got hurt. Blakey, don’t worry. I’m gonna be fine.”

A sharp cry escaped her as we hit a pothole. “Blakey, it hurts so much!”

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Blake’s head snapped up, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “Anna!”

“It wasn’t my fault, there was-” I tried to explain about the pothole.

“Don’t blame Anna,” Claire interrupted, her voice surprisingly strong despite her condition. “This is her first time driving this car. She’s not used to it yet!”

I swallowed my defense. Claire was defending me while bleeding in Blake’s arms.

Meanwhile, Blake looked at me like I was deliberately trying to worsen his sister’s injury. The

unfairness of it burned in my chest, but I kept my eyes on the road.

We finally reached the hospital. Blake carried Claire through the emergency entrance, shouting for

help while I parked the car.

By the time I made it inside, nurses were already wheeling Claire toward treatment, with Blake

striding alongside.

I followed at a distance, feeling increasingly like an intruder. In the waiting area outside the treatment rooms, Caroline and William had already arrived–Blake must have called them during the

drive.

Caroline nearly collapsed at the sight of her daughter covered in blood, while William steadied her by firmly pinching the pressure point between her thumb and index finger.