The True Heiress Returns (Tilda Jenson) novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47 If Only Things Hadn’t Gone So Wrong

Finished

Wade’s memories slowly came back, piece by piece. He let out a bitter little laugh, almost mocking himself.

“Wade, I was so, so scared for you-” Kyla’s voice cracked, and she started sobbing. “I thought something awful would happen to you. Please don’t ever do this again, don’t ever scare me like that, okay?”

Her tears poured like rivers, her lips trembling as she squeezed Wade’s hand tight, biting her lower lip. She looked so pitiful, so fragile–it was the kind of sight that could break anyone’s heart.

“I’m sorry, Kyla. I won’t do it again.”

Seeing his little sister worry about him like that, Wade forced a smile, but his eyes slid away, hiding what he couldn’t say out loud.

Because now, whenever he looked at Kyla, he couldn’t stop thinking of Tilda.

Tilda–beaten by his own hands, broken, bleeding inside and out.

Her tears, her loneliness, her hopeless face.

He realized how badly he had treated her back then.

He had sided with Kyla and crushed Tilda without mercy, treating her like nothing.

Now Wade finally understood: After everything, he couldn’t just ignore Tilda anymore.

He couldn’t just laugh and joke with Kyla like before, not with guilt eating away at him.

The cruelty, the torment he’d thrown on Tilda–they were thorns stuck deep in his chest.

Even if he tried to look away, every little thing reminded him, stabbing that wound again and again.

He hated what a disgusting jerk he was.

He who had done unforgivable things to his own sister, who had been missing for 19 years.

Kyla frowned slightly.

Something about Wade feels off, but I can’t figure out why. Maybe he’s just still weak after fainting.

“Wade,” Russell suddenly said, his tone sharp. “I know you just woke up and you’re still recovering, but tell me–what exactly did Tilda do to you that made you collapse?”

If I can get solid proof against her, I swear I’ll make Tilda pay.

I wanna wipe that smug grin she threw at me in the cafeteria right off her face.

Howard gave a cold snort at her name, saying nothing.

He still remembered Tilda’s mocking words in the cafeteria, the way she had rejected his so–called kindness.

The memory stung like acid, filling him with anger.

Yes Only Kyla deserves to be my real sister.

Only Kyla, who’s obedient, respectful, and never defiant. Not Tilda, who always challenges me and makes me furious.

I can’t wait for Tilda to fail, to regret not grabbing the hand I once offered.

Honey Blair cut in, voice sharp as she shot Russell a glare.

“Wade just woke up, and you’re already interrogating him? What’s the point?”

Wade has always hated Tilda and wished she were gone.

I’m sure he won’t waste this golden chance to bury her once and for all. Especially after she had stolen his spotlight and taken away his glory. He must hate her for that.

That wasn’t the answer anyone expected.

They all thought Wade would blame Tilda, say she had pushed him to collapse.

But instead… he blamed himself?

“Th–that’s it? Wade, are you saying you and Tilda didn’t fight at all?” Kyla blurted out, unable to stop herself.

She couldn’t believe or accept it.

Why would Wade waste such a perfect chance to crush Tilda?

Doesn’t he hate her the most?

“I didn’t fight with Tilda, Kyla. Don’t make up stories.”

The truth was, right now, all Wade felt toward Tilda was guilt and self–loathing. And, deep down, something else too–respect.

Because Wade had always admired anyone better than him. And Tilda was better.

That respect lit a fire in him, a will to keep going, to push harder, to stay strong,

If only things hadn’t gone so wrong–if we hadn’t been driven into such hatred—maybe Tilda and I could’ve been good friends.

We’d be fellow dreamers, learning from each other and growing together.

Kight then, a voice rang out, breaking the silence. “While you were unconscious, your dad heard this might have something to do with Tilda, so he went to find her..”