Scarred by Love, Healed by Fate

After six years with Joel, Lyra landed in the hospital—sick and drained.

The day she got discharged, she caught something in the hallway she wasn't supposed to hear.

"Joel Fenwick, are you out of your mind? You gave Lyra's bone marrow to Renee without telling her? You knew her health was trash and lied about it being a stomach issue just to make her do it?"

Renee. Joel's childhood flame. The girl he never got over.

Lyra didn't cry. Didn't freak out. She just picked up the phone, called her parents overseas, and said yes to an arranged marriage with the Windsors.

Silvercrest Hospital, Lindale, Khelmark.

Evelyn Fenwick burst into the hospital room, glaring at her younger brother slouched on the couch.

"Joel Fenwick, are you out of your mind? You gave Lyra's bone marrow to Renee without telling her?"

Joel Fenwick didn't flinch, just clenched his jaw. "Lyra was the only match. I didn't have a choice."

She snatched Lyra's medical report off the table, eyes blazing. "NO CHOICE? You knew her health was trash and lied about it being a stomach issue just to make her do it? What's WRONG with you? Renee's got you whipped again?

"Years ago, you nearly killed yourself racing just to make her smile and ended up paralyzed for five years. Who stuck by you the whole time? LYRA.

"Now you're back on your feet, Renee shows up sick, and you sneak around to steal Lyra's bone marrow. Then as soon as Renee's better, you're off making TEST TUBE BABIES with her!"

Lyra froze at the doorway, gripping the wall like it was the only thing keeping her upright. Her smile went stiff, a chill washing over her.

Just half an hour ago, the doctor cleared her "stomach condition" and said she could finally go home. Joel had proposed right there—she'd cried happy tears and even posted online about it being the best day of her life.

Inside the room, Joel hung his head, messy hair shadowing his eyes.

"Evelyn, keep this to yourself. Don't let Lyra find out. Renee's grandma doesn't have much time left—she just wants to hold Renee's child before she dies. I don't want her leaving with regrets."

Evelyn's eyes widened, face flushed with fury. "And what about Lyra? Everyone knows she's been in love with you for SIX YEARS!

"Remember? Renee confessed to Stanley Pryce and got shot down. You used Lyra to humiliate him. Now Renee's pregnant, and after everything Lyra's done for you, what's your plan for her?"

Joel stared at the floor. After a long pause, his voice came out rough. "I've got it all planned. Lyra will never know Renee's pregnant. As for the future... I'm used to having her around. I'll marry her..."

Lyra didn't hear the rest.

A nurse walked up, and Lyra quickly lowered her head, pretending she'd just come back from handling discharge papers. Inside, Joel and Evelyn shared uneasy glances before Evelyn dragged him out.

On the way home,