Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 37

Gabriella trailed behind the paramedics, still dazed from what had happened.

"What on earth happened?" Charlotte came running over with Victoria Darwin.

"I'm not sure," Gabriella shook her head. "Grace asked for a lesson, everything was fine, then suddenly Snow just... and Grace fell. It looks bad."

Victoria frowned. "That's odd. Snow had her vet check this morning. Perfect health. Something must have spooked her."

"Right after Grace insisted only Asher could teach her?" Charlotte's voice was sharp. "Now suddenly wanting Gabriella? She's been horrid to you from day one."

"The staff have sedated Snow for examination," Victoria said gently. "This isn't your fault, Gabriella."

Something about Grace's smile before the incident kept nagging at Gabriella's mind. Her instincts told her this was no accident.

But why would Grace do this? Then she remembered Asher's expression, and it clicked.

The realization hit her: Grace had actually risked herself just to cause trouble between them. On only their second meeting.

She was utterly mad.

In the ambulance, Grace played her part to perfection—pale, tearful, utterly helpless.

"Asher," she whimpered, "it hurts so much..."

"We're nearly there," he said softly. "Let's see what the doctors say."

"I was so scared." Her tears flowed freely. "When I fell—I thought—I'd never see you again."

She gripped his hand. "I've ruined everything, haven't I? Everyone was having such a lovely time before I... I always make such a mess of things."

"Don't be silly." His eyes softened with concern.

Not his blood sister, but he loved her just the same.

"Almost there now," he soothed. "Hold on."

"It doesn't hurt as much when you're here," she sniffled.

He stroked her hair gently. "Still my little sister, aren't you?"

At the hospital, the doctors found her injuries weren't severe—a fractured coccyx, soft tissue damage, a slightly dislocated elbow, and scrapes. No internal injuries, thankfully.

A month's stay for the stable fracture, they said. After painkillers, Grace finally quieted.

Gabriella reached the hospital room just as she heard Grace's voice.

"Asher," she was saying plaintively, "I can't manage with this cast. Won't you help feed me?"

Gabriella hesitated at the door.

"I'll get a nurse," Asher said firmly.

"No, please," Grace's voice turned sweet. "I want my brother to help. Why won't you?"