Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The first scene Andrew witnessed upon arriving at the Keller residence was

Hannah threatening suicide. She held a fruit knife to her throat, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Emily and Freya stood nearby with anxious faces, desperately trying to talk her down.

Emily pleaded, "Hannah, put the knife down first. Whatever happened, I promise I'll make it right for you."

Freya added anxiously, "Think about Dad, me, Emily, and Logan. Don't do something stupid. We'll find that bastard Hank no matter what."

Yet, Hannah kept crying and shaking her head. "No! I don't want to live anymore! I'm so ashamed! I never thought he'd turn out like this... I feel dirty now. I'm no longer a little princess. I'm ruined!"

Hearing that, Andrew could not help but shake his head. Out of the three Keller sisters, he had always predicted that sweet, naive Hannah would eventually run into trouble.

Logan stepped forward and said firmly, "Emily, Freya, move aside. Let Andrew talk to her."

Freya immediately nodded like she had just been tossed a lifeline. "Yes, please say something to her. You have to save her!"

However, Emily's eyes were red as she glared at Andrew and snapped, "You knew she was getting involved with that piece of garbage Hank, didn't you? Why didn't you stop her, huh?"noveldrama

Her tone was filled with rage and blame, as if Andrew were the root of all evil.

Andrew frowned. "I did warn Hannah. Ask her yourself if you don't believe me. But she didn't listen, and I can't force her."

Emily shouted, "Hannah's just a kid, but you, Andrew, you should know better! You're a man, and not just any man-you're Logan's sworn brother, someone my father respects deeply!

"The Keller family has always treated you like one of us, and you just stood by and watched Hannah walk into disaster? You did this on purpose, didn't you? You wanted this to happen!"

Her voice had risen to a full-blown shriek, dumping all the guilt onto Andrew without any logic.

Logan frowned, and he barked, "Emily, are you out of your damn mind? Do you even know who Andrew is? Apologize to him. Now!"

Freya was stunned too. She never imagined Emily would go so far as to say something so outrageous.

Emily retorted, "Apologize? For what? If you ask me, Andrew's at least 50% to blame for Hannah being pushed to this point!"

She truly believed she was right, eyes bloodshot, glaring at Andrew like he was the enemy.

"Logan, Freya, think about it!

Hannah's always been the most innocent of us. We've all spoiled her since she was little. But now? Her body's been tainted. She's sick. How is she supposed to face anyone after this? Andrew has to take responsibility. If he doesn't, then I swear, I won't let this go!"

Freya sobbed. "Emily, I feel awful for Hannah, too, but I really don't think this is Andrew's fault."

Logan gritted his teeth and turned to Andrew. "Andy, she's in full meltdown mode. Don't take it personally."

Andrew waved a hand, his face cold as he stared at Emily. "Something this serious happens, and instead of helping your sister, you look for

someone else to blame? E

your

sister Hannah is naive. But I didn't expect you to be just as stupid." Cóntent

Emily exploded, eyes blazing. "What the hell did you just say? Say that again-l dare you!"

Andrew's eyes narrowed. "I said, you're just like Hannah. Both stupid, both idiots. Get it now?"

Freya and Logan both let out helpless smiles. Neither knew how to step in or who to defend.

Logan, especially, found himself in awe of Andrew. He never had the heart to yell at his sisters, always treating them like princesses.

But Andrew? He did not hold back at all and insulted them right in front of their faces.

Emily screamed, "Andrew, I'll freaking kill you!"

Andrew took two steps toward

with a smirk. "Go ahead. I'm

standing right here. Out of respect for Mr. Keller Senior, I won't even fight back. But Emily, do you dare?"