Side Chick Era... Over

Chapter 548

Before Carter could speak, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in from a distance, drawing closer with every beat.

“Carter! Pick Kelly!”

Nate appeared out of nowhere, hobbling toward them on an unsteady leg.

Carter frowned. “What are you doing here?”

Nate looked distraught. “If I didn’t come, Kelly wouldn’t stand a chance today! Carter, hurry-choose Kelly! She still has unfinished wishes, just a few months left to live. We can’t let her die here!”

Last night, Nate had taken such a beating from his father that he could barely get out of bed. He’d planned to stay home and recover. But earlier, a call from Julliard shattered that plan-Kelly had been kidnapped. (1)

As soon as he heard, he rushed over as fast as his injuries would allow, terrified that if he were even a minute late, she’d be dead.

Carter’s voice came cool and measured, rational and clear.

“If she only has a few months left… shouldn’t I choose someone who might live longer?”

Nate froze, stunned. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.

always the one most inclined to protect

terminally ill. She doesn’t have long. She can offer her chance at life to someone else. She’s kind. I’m sure

he turned to face

“Kelly. Am I right?”

a moment, the fragile mask on Kelly’s face slipped. She forced a smile that barely held. “Carter is right. There’s no point in trying to save me

Theo, who stood

your mom. Don’t

it earlier-everything. The way his mother had spoken to the

flickered, uncertainty shadowing his

knotted in hesitation, but after a pause, he gave a

Kelly’s expression faltered.

at her sides as fury

good to

could speak, Nate’s furious voice

the hell are you saying? Sharon’s life matters, but Kelly’s doesn’t? I won’t stand by while you

degree,

what do you

off guard. Reflexively, he answered, “Of