1. The Betrayal and the Awakening I

ARDEN

I was signing away my mother's life.

The pen felt off in my shaky hands, but I forced myself to sign my name across the bottom of the insurance transfer payment page. My signature was slightly incorrect, and it looks nothing like I used to write it before I got diagnosed with cancer. But at least this was done, Twenty million dollars from my mom's life savings to Lucas, the only man I trusted with my life.

"There," I whispered, my voice barely audible through my sore scratchy throat. "It's finished."

I looked up at Lucas with so much love in my heart that it physically hurt. He was going to invest this money for our future, for the family we'd build together. Mom would be so proud knowing her daughter found someone who cared enough to help secure our tomorrow.

Lucas took the papers from my shaking hands, and his smile was so wide and beautiful. "Your mom was incredible, babe. She'd be so happy knowing you're trusting the people who love you most."

Love. The word made my chest flutter despite how hard it was to breathe lately. The doctors kept running tests, saying my symptoms looked like the same genetic blood cancer that took Mom, but I tried not to think about that. 

The living room felt warm and cozy around us. I'd always loved coming to Lucas's family home, it felt like the real family life I'd never had growing up. Sure, the furniture was a bit dated and the decorations weren't fancy, but it was filled with love. That's what mattered.

"Surprise!"

Rita burst through the front door like a ray of sunshine, her blonde hair perfectly curled and bouncing as she practically skipped into the room. My step-sister looked absolutely radiant, her skin was glowing, her smile was infectious, and she was wearing this gorgeous designer blouse that must have cost a small fortune. She worked so hard at our company, she deserved to treat herself.

She held up a confetti popper with a mischievous grin. "I couldn't miss this moment!"

"Rita!" I laughed, my heart swelling with joy. Having her here made everything perfect. "You didn't have to come all the way over here!"

"Are you kidding? My big sister just made the smartest financial decision of her life. Of course I had to celebrate!"

The confetti popper exploded with a loud BANG and suddenly the room was filled with colorful paper floating down like snow. I clapped my weak hands together, laughing until I started coughing. Even my stupid illness couldn't ruin this perfect moment.

"What's all this about?" I asked, still giggling as confetti stuck in my hair.

Rita's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, just wait and see, sister. You're going to love this."

Lucas was fidgeting behind me, and when I turned around, he had this adorable nervous energy that made my heart skip. He was hiding something behind his back, his cheeks flushed like a little boy with a secret.

"Lucas?" I whispered, hope building in my chest like a balloon ready to burst.

"Well," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "I figured with everything that's happened... with your mom passing and us getting more serious... maybe it's time to make this official."

My breath caught in my throat. Was he...? Could he be...?

He pulled out a small box from behind his back, and I felt like I might faint from pure happiness. This was it. This was the moment I'd dreamed about since I was a little girl playing dress-up in Mom's old clothes.

"Oh my God, Lucas," I breathed, tears instantly flooding my eyes. "Really?"

He was standing right in front of me, holding that precious little box, and his smile was so tender and loving. Some girls might want their boyfriend to get down on one knee, but honestly? This felt so much more intimate. So much more us. 

"Open it," he said softly.

My hands were shaking so badly I could barely get the box open, but when I finally did, I gasped. Inside was the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. It was simple and elegant…just a delicate silver band with a sweet little stone that caught the afternoon light. It wasn't huge or flashy like those rings in magazines, but it was mine for what it’s worth.

"Lucas, it's perfect," I sobbed, fat tears rolling down my cheeks. "It's absolutely perfect. Mom always said the most beautiful jewelry was made with love, not money."

Rita made this happy little sound behind me, like she was about to cry too. Having my sister here to witness this moment made it even more special.

"Here," Lucas said, reaching for a glass of apple juice from the coffee table. "Let's toast to Mrs. Sharp."

Mrs. Sharp. The name sent shivers of joy through my entire body.

"Lucas," I said hesitantly, "you know apples make my throat a little scratchy..."

"Come on, babe," he coaxed, his eyes so warm and encouraging. "It's just a tiny sip for our engagement. Besides, you've been dealing with so much worse lately with your health issues. A little apple juice won't hurt."

He was right. After everything my body had been through with this mysterious illness, a mild scratchy throat was nothing. And this was our engagement toast, our first moment as an engaged couple. I wasn't going to let a silly food sensitivity ruin the most important moment of my life.

"You're absolutely right," I said, taking the glass with both hands. "To our future, my love."

The apple juice was sweeter than usual. Lucas must have gotten the fancy kind. I took a big gulp, wanting to show him how happy I was, how ready I was to be his wife.

But something was wrong.

The liquid burned going down my throat, and not in the familiar tingle of my apple allergy. This was different. This was fire spreading through my chest, making it impossible to breathe.

"Lu..." I tried to say his name, but no sound came out. My throat was closing, sealing shut like someone was strangling me from the inside.

I dropped the glass and it shattered on the floor, the sound echoing through the room as I fell to my knees. My hands flew to my throat, clawing at my neck as if I could somehow tear it open and let the air in.

"Lucas!" I tried to scream, but only a horr ible wheezing sound came out. "Help me!"