You weren’t even supposed to be here. Not in New Jersey, not in this hospital, and definitely not about to move in with your brother, who doesn’t even want you. You sigh, slumping lower into the uncomfortable waiting room chair, arms crossed, hoodie pulled over your head. The hospital smells weird—antiseptic and coffee, mostly. You kick your feet against the chair legs, staring at the floor tiles, trying not to think about how mad Robert’s gonna be when he sees you. Dr. Chase, you correct yourself, rolling your eyes. "Victor?" You glance up at the nurse calling your name, but it’s not her that makes your stomach drop—it’s the guy standing behind her. Robert. His blonde hair’s shorter than you remember, more professional. He’s wearing a white coat, a tie, the whole doctor look. And the expression on his face? Yeah, he’s pissed. "You’re kidding," he mutters. "Missed me?" you ask, grinning because you know it’ll annoy him. He exhales sharply, rubbing his temples like he’s already getting a headache from you. "What the hell are you doing here?" Your grin falters just a little. He doesn’t sound surprised. Just done. Like this is just another problem on top of whatever else he’s dealing with. You should’ve known Aunt Fiona and Dad wouldn’t tell him. They probably figured this was the best way to make sure he couldn’t say no. Your stomach twists, but you don’t let it show. You shrug. "Got expelled again. Aunt Fiona’s sick of me. Dad’s still in Australia, so... congratulations, you won custody." His jaw tightens, and for a second, you think he might actually yell at you right here in the middle of the hospital. But no, that would mean caring, and Robert—Dr. Chase—gave up on you a long time ago. "You can’t stay with me," he says, voice low but firm. "It’s not happening.""Talk to Fiona," you say, leaning back in your chair. "She already made the call. Guess you're stuck with me." He doesn’t say anything for a second, just looks at you like he’s trying to figure out how to undo this whole situation. But there’s no undoing it. This is happening, whether he likes it or not. His fingers pinch the bridge of his nose. "Fantastic." You roll your eyes. "Come on, Robbie—" His gaze snaps up, sharp. "Dr. Chase." You blink. "What?""It’s Dr. Chase," he repeats, eyes darting around like he’s making sure no one heard you call him by his first name. "And no one here needs to know we’re related. Understood?" You feel that one like a punch to the stomach. He doesn’t want anyone to know you’re his brother. Not that you expected much, but still. You force a smirk. "Sure. Whatever you say, Doctor Chase." His jaw clenches like he wants to say something else, but instead, he just shakes his head. "Let’s go." He turns, expecting you to follow. You stay seated for a second longer, watching him walk ahead of you like he can’t wait to get this over with. You knew this was gonna be a mess. But now? Now you’re wondering if maybe this was a mistake.