ログインLena had just stepped in front of the restaurant when she bumped hard into someone.“Ow—!”“I’m so sorry!” she apologized quickly, not sparing the stranger a glance before hurrying inside.“Hey—!” the person grumbled behind her.But Lena was already gone.Her stomach twisted harder the moment she stepped into the restaurant.The soft lighting,and the familiar atmosphere. Her eyes landed on him.Theon sat near the window. The moment he spotted her, his face brightened.He lifted a hand, gesturing towards her.That smile only made Lena feel worse.She tightened her grip on her purse before forcing herself to walk over.“I’m glad you came,” Theon said, sitting upright.His gaze swept over her.“I already ordered. The food should be here soon.”Lena sat stiffly. “T-thank you.”Theon frowned. “You okay?”“Yeah, I’m fi— what are you doing?” She flinched feeling his hand on her forehead.“Checking if you’re sick.”Lena swatted his hand away at once. “I’m fine. Just stomach cramps.”Theon le
Evelyn followed Roman down the quiet corridor.The further they walked, the quieter it became.Unlike the regular hospital floors bustling with nurses and visitors, this area felt secluded. Few medical staff moved in and out of the private wards, their footsteps muted against the polished floor.Evelyn frowned.This wasn’t the ward Alexander had been in when she visited before.“Roman…” she called softly.He glanced at her but said nothing.When they finally stopped in front of a private ward, Roman turned to her.“Wait here.”Before Evelyn could ask anything, he stepped inside.A few seconds later, he came back out holding a medical mask.“Wear this.”He fastened it over her face himself before taking her hand.“Come.”Evelyn’s confusion deepened.The moment she stepped in, she paused.The ward was dim.Soft blue lights glowed from several machines, accompanied by the quiet rhythm of beeping sounds.It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the lighting.Then she saw Alexander lying on
Rhys smiled at William.“Dad.”The smooth way he said it stunned Lena for a second.“Sorry I didn’t come with Lena earlier to visit you.”The nurse supported Rhys into the room while he spoke.Lena snapped out of her daze and hurried over. “Careful.”She held his arm and guided him toward the chair beside the bed before thanking the nurse.William frowned at Rhys. “What happened to you?”“Just a slight fever,” Rhys answered in a calm tone.William scoffed. “A slight fever wouldn’t leave you walking around like that.”“Dad.” Lena sighed, resting her hand on Rhys’ shoulder without noticing. “He already said he’s fine. You just woke up and you’re already worrying too much.”William opened his mouth to argue, but paused after seeing the concern on her face.He coughed into his fist and turned away.“Anyway…” His lips stretched into a grin. “I’m glad you two finally worked things out as husband and wife.”“Dad.” Lena glared at him.“You rushed away from my side the moment Rhys entered.” Wi
Gazing into his sincere eyes, Lena felt her chest tighten.‘What will Rhys think if he finds out Theon wants me to pretend to be his girlfriend?’The thought made her stomach twist.‘Wouldn’t that only create problems between the cousins? Maybe even between both families?’Her fingers curled against her clothes.‘It’s just temporary. No need to make it a big deal.’ She tried convincing herself.“Lena?”She jerked from her thoughts.“Lena.” Rhys called again, worry filling his face. “What are you thinking about?”“Hmm?” She blinked fast before avoiding his eyes. “It’s nothing. Just… a small favor I’m repaying him for.”Rhys frowned. “What favor?”His grip tightened around her shoulders.Lena pushed him back against the bed before he could sit up more.“Can you stop moving around?” she complained. “You were critically ill and still didn’t think to tell me.”Her tone turned irritated. “But you let another woman feed you.”Rhys pressed his lips together. “I’m sorry.”Seeing him look so pi
Lena held her breath for his answer.Theon’s gaze rested on her for a few seconds before he placed his phone down on the table. The teasing look on his face faded bit by bit.“How much time?” he asked at last.Lena lowered her eyes to her plate. “I… don’t know.”Silence settled between them. The only sound in the room was the faint hum of the air conditioner.Theon leaned back in his chair, studying her. “You’re reconsidering?” he asked.Lena raised her head at once. “No.” The answer came too fast.One of Theon’s brows lifted.Lena bit her lip and looked away.“It’s just…” She let out a breath. “Everything happened too fast.”The past few days felt like one long nightmare she hadn’t woken up from.Her father almost dying, the surgery, Rhys returning, the fight, the accusations. Everything came crashing one after another without giving her room to breathe.Lena tightened her fingers around the chopsticks.“I’m tired,” she admitted in a quiet tone. “I don’t even know what I’m thinking
“Bastard.”Lena muttered under her breath as she kicked a pebble down the empty road.The pebble bounced twice before disappearing into the gutter.She had been walking for a while now, yet not a single decent taxi had passed by.Lena rubbed her forehead tiredly.She wanted to stay angry with Rhys. She had every right to be. But at the same time… she couldn’t blame him for anything either.He had tried to help her father. He had left the country, chased down leads, exhausted himself. Just because he took longer didn't mean he hadn't tried at all.What really upset her was the way he kept accusing her and Theon of having something inappropriate going on between them. The way he looked at her like she was already guilty.She pursed her lips tightly.A taxi finally appeared from the other side of the road.Lena immediately raised her hand.The vehicle slowed to a stop beside her.“Where to?” the driver asked.Lena froze with one hand on the door.Where exactly was she supposed to go?The
Roman kept his promise.Later that afternoon, once she could walk without glaring at him every few steps, he took her out.Not just anywhere.Everywhere.He showed her Italy the way only Roman could — unhurried and intentional. Cliffside restaurants overlooking endless blue. Quiet cobblestone stree
Roman leaned closer, just enough for her to feel his presence. “Wear it for me,” he murmured. “Please.”That was unfair.She had just promised herself she’d stop hiding. Stop shrinking. Stop letting shyness win.Evelyn bit her lip, her resolve trembling—but holding.“There’s a private cove just bel
Evelyn sat on the edge of the wooden dock, her legs dangling just above the glassy surface of the lake. Her camera hung from her neck, resting against her chest, her hat shielding her eyes from the gentle afternoon sun. The conversation with Lena replayed in her mindAfter the abrupt end to their fi
Nathan and Maya were living in constant fear. For days, they'd been jumping at every phone call, and every knock at the door. Evelyn had their photos and videos, and they had no idea when or how she'd use them.Their first plan was to get the hotel security footage from the room where Nathan had ar







