Chapter 171: The Truth

Neither of them moved for a long moment.The snow fell around them, settling on their shoulders, their hair, and the ground between them. Lena held his gaze, her breath fogging in the cold air.She finally couldn't hold it any longer, when the tremor in her chest became too much. "We should go inside," she whispered, turning her face away. "It's cold out here."Theon's hand curled at his side. He nodded, a faint smile touching his lips."After you then.”Lena glanced at him one last time before turning away.Theon followed behind.The distance between them wasn’t far. But neither of them knew how to cross it.—-The warmth of the hospital greeted them as they entered. The contrast made her skin prickle.Doctors and nurses hurried through the corridors. The waiting area seemed far busier than usual.Lena barely paid attention. She focused on walking.Unfortunately, Theon seemed determined to follow her.After several turns, Lena finally stopped and looked over her shoulder.“You…” her

Chapter 172: Public Spectacle

The woman who crouched slightly with a pale face stiffened and finally raised her head.Lena's suspicion was confirmed. It was indeed Stacy.One hand still protectively covered her stomach. The other clutched medical documents against her chest.For a moment neither of them spoke.Lena's eyes drifted downward. Toward the visible curve beneath Stacy's coat.A pregnant belly.Her blood ran cold.The hospital noises and the crowd faded. Everything blurred except the woman standing before her, and the memory of the divorce papers Rhys refused to sign.Stacy's face turned white. "L-Lena…"Lena's fingers trembled. Her gaze remained fixed on Stacy's stomach.A thousand thoughts crashed into her mind. A thousand possibilities and explanations. Yet only one remained. One terrifying possibility that refused to leave."Stacy..." Her voice came out barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"Stacy's lips parted, but no words came.The color drained from Lena's face.Suddenly she wasn’t sur

Chapter: 173: I Wish It Were Me

Lena was frozen in place.Mrs. Adler turned to stare at him, her mouth hanging open in disbelief.The crowd immediately fell silent.Theon’s grip tightened around her wrist. His sharp gaze swept across the onlookers.“Nothing to see here,” he said coldly. “Move along.”No one moved.His expression darkened. “I said move.”The authority in his voice finally snapped the crowd out of their shock. They began dispersing, muttering among themselves.“Isn’t he a doctor?”“He looks too young.”“He’s wearing a white coat. He must be.”Mrs. Adler finally recovered from her stunned state. She tried to yank her arm free.“What do you think you’re doing?” she snapped. “Is this how you treat your aunt?”Theon’s gaze remained icy. “If you continue causing a disturbance, I’ll have security escort you out of this hospital.”Mrs. Adler scoffed. “It’s bad enough that you’re a spoiled, arrogant brat. Now you’re meddling in my family affairs?”“You attacked a patient inside this hospital.”His voice turne

Chapter 174: A Place to Belong

Theon didn't let go. His hands stayed cupping her face, gently pulling her back. “I don’t want to walk away again." His voice cracked. "I've tried and it’s not working." Lena's shoulders shook. "Theon…" "Just this once." His voice broke. "Let me be the one you lean on." Another tear slipped down her cheek. He caught it with his thumb. "I'm not asking you to choose me now," he whispered. "Nor am I asking you to forget him." He swallowed hard. "I'm just asking you to let someone be there for you." Lena stared at him as snow fell around them. "Why?" she whispered. "Why do you keep doing this?" Theon let out a shaky breath. "Because I can't stop." His forehead pressed against hers. “Because even when I try to hate you for making me feel this way… I can't." His eyes closed. “Because it's you, Lena. It's always been you." Lena's hands lifted slowly. They rested against his chest. "I'm scared," she admitted. "I'm so scared." "Of what?" "Of trusting and losing myself again.” Th

Chapter 175: The Rhythm of You

Lena and Theon stood frozen as the door slammed shut in their faces. Lena blinked at the door. "Did I just— did I just get… kicked out?" Before she could process the betrayal, the door swung open again. Evelyn's face appeared, holding out a small plate. "Here. Mrs. Chen made these. I saved you some." Lena stared at the slice of cake. Then at Evelyn. The door shut again. Lena let out a long scoff. "I can't believe I'm being abandoned by my own friend." She grabbed the rubber fork and stabbed a piece of cake, shoving it into her mouth with annoyed determination. Then she felt a heated gaze on her. She turned. Theon was staring at her. Intensely. Lena glanced at the cake. "Do you want some?" He shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. She sighed. "Why are you being so quiet? I noticed it." Theon's smile faded. He turned fully to face her. His expression shifted into something serious. "Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice dropping. Theon let out a deep sigh.

Chapter 176: Fragmented Memories

Roman's expression flickered—a shadow passing over his eyes. He quickly masked it with a smile, but Evelyn caught it."What are you saying?" He twirled her gently. "You know everything about me.""Roman."He was about to twirl her again, but she held on, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders."Roman, I need you to listen to me."His hand, which had been resting comfortably against her waist, stilled. Roman closed his eyes for a brief moment. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat when he opened his eyes and saw her serious expression.Evelyn nodded, seeing he was finally allowing her to talk."Okay…" She cleared her throat. "Why do you… act like everything is fine? You act like everything is perfect, but I know it's not."Roman's brows furrowed. He let out a short laugh to lighten the mood. "Everything is fine. You're just overthinking.""No!" Evelyn's voice rose. Realizing her loud tone, she turned quickly toward the crib. The baby stirred faintly, then settled.She took