"The examination is complex," the doctor said, ushering me toward the door. "Please wait outside."
I knew it was just an excuse.
I stood at the corner of the corridor, hidden by the wall.
Moments later, the door opened. Sebastian emerged. He'd shed the patient gown. He walked with steady, powerful strides toward the elevator—his paralysis miraculously gone.
Downstairs, the familiar black sedan with military plates waited.
I withdrew my gaze. Turned. Walked to the consultation room at the far end.
Inside, the atmosphere was suffocating.
"Miss Simmons, the tumor has compressed the primary nerves," the specialist said. "You've lost the window for surgery."
He sighed, removing his glasses. "If you'd come half a month ago... there might have been hope. Now? Days. Go home. Say your goodbyes."
I sat in silence for a long time before nodding.
"After I pass, cremate me immediately," I whispered. "Send the ashes to Westhill Military Residence. Address them to General Sebastian James."
I left my last cash on the desk and walked out.
My phone lit up. A new message.
Come to the residence. There's something you need to see.
The text was from Stella Delgado.
I hailed a cab to Westhill Residence.
Five years. I'd assumed the single-family villa in Fort Valor Military District had changed hands long ago. Instead, it stood before me, ablaze with light and decorated like a fairy-tale castle.
The lawn was packed with guests, the air thick with expensive perfume and glittering jewelry.
Stella stood at the center of it all, wearing a diamond tiara and a custom white couture gown. She clung to my uncle's arm.
They stood before a six-tier cake, surrounded by adoring onlookers.
Stella clasped her hands together, her voice dripping with sugar. "My wish is to be the only princess in Uncle Sebastian's heart. Forever and ever."
Uncle Sebastian smiled and retrieved a square blue velvet box from his uniform pocket.
The lid snapped open.
My blood turned to ice.
Inside sat a pair of jade bangles.
The James family heirlooms, passed down for generations. Tradition dictated they were reserved strictly for daughters-in-law of the house.
I remembered my eighteenth birthday. Uncle Sebastian had placed those very bangles in my palm. Savvy, whether you accept me or not, you will always be my most precious princess.
I had guarded those bangles with my life. Even in my darkest moments, I'd protected them.