The same sister who swore to shield me from suffering had inflicted the greatest humiliation of my life.
She knew—better than anyone—that those reporters had already captured everything they wanted.
My reputation was ruined. I would forever be branded as a disgrace, shunned like a rat in the streets just as she wished. Trampled into the dirt.
For Henry’s sake, the two people closest to me had destroyed me completely.
The shock was too much. My battered body couldn't take it anymore, and I passed out.
Just before losing consciousness, I heard Clara's panicked screams as the specialists, who had been waiting just outside, rushed in.
"We’ve delayed too long. His intestines have started to rot—we need to remove the damaged sections. Even if we repair his limbs, he might never regain full function. He’ll likely be wheelchair-bound for life. The situation is critical—we've already missed the optimal window for treatment. The success rate of the surgery is only fifty percent."
Clara’s voice trembled with disbelief. "No... How could this happen? You must save my brother, no matter what it takes!"
She never let go of my hand, sobbing as she whispered, "Jayce, you have to hold on. I can’t lose you."
Wyatt’s voice was hoarse with emotion as he said, "Jayce, we promised each other—we’d be each other’s best men, standing together on our wedding days. I won’t allow you to leave me behind."
I closed my eyes, feeling the barren emptiness in my chest.
—
When I woke up, I was back in my hospital room.
Aside from my slightly less-injured left hand, my entire body was wrapped in bandages.
Wyatt sat beside the bed. The moment he saw me awake, his face lit up in relief. "Jayce! You’re finally awake! Do you feel any pain? Are you hungry? Do you want some water?"
His usual concern was laced with careful, uneasy guilt.
I suddenly wanted to laugh.
They were the ones who had ruined me, left me less than human. And now that they had gotten what they wanted, they dared to act remorseful? Who were they trying to fool?
I forced a weak smile, my cracked lips barely moving. "Get some sleep. Those dark circles—how are you supposed to be a groom like that?"
Wyatt visibly relaxed at my attempt at humor. He lay down on the bedside cot and soon drifted into a steady sleep.
Watching his even breaths, I slowly reached for the phone he had left on the nightstand.