Unable to pay for the damages, I faced legal action from the neighbors, forcing the police to detain me.

Clara arrived while I was processing the detention paperwork. She stood before me in a red dress, perfectly styled and made up. I tensed, instinctively trying to move my legs, but they remained heavy and unresponsive.

"Why did you come?" I asked, tasting blood from my bitten lip.

Clara's eyes betrayed her disgust, though her words were gentle. "If you hadn't saved me two years ago, I'd be dead now.

"So don't talk about breaking up. I'll keep my promise.

"Once I start at the hospital, we'll get married."

She moved to take my hand but recoiled at the sight of dirt and dried blood. I forced a smile and hid my hand, matching her gesture.

Clara paid to settle everything, and the police released me.

On the ride home, she stared out the window, avoiding my gaze. At our building, she tipped the driver generously to help me into my wheelchair and up to our apartment.

As she rushed toward the bedroom, I called out, "Clara, I haven't congratulated you yet. Can I get you anything to celebrate?"

She paused, glancing back. "No need. It's late—just clean up and rest. I'm exhausted."

I stared at the photos on my phone, swallowing my questions. She'd promised to marry me; I shouldn't ask for more. What did it matter if her heart belonged to someone else, as long as she stayed?

For two months, I barely saw her. Apart from taking me for a medical checkup last month, she was always gone—leaving early and returning late. Without waiting up, I'd never see her at all.

At midnight, fighting sleep, I waited by the door, counting seconds.

Just before dawn, I heard keys in the lock. I straightened up, fixing my clothes and forcing a smile as I reached for the door. But Clara opened it before I could help.

Her nervous eyes met mine, then I noticed the man behind her. Though I knew, I still asked, "Who's this?"

Clara avoided my gaze and handed Caleb a pair of slippers. "Come in, we'll talk."

As he changed his shoes, I fixated on the lipstick stain marking his white collar. I couldn't ignore it. "You and him..." I started, clenching my fists.

Clara slammed the door, making me jump.

"You—" I tried again.

She stared down at me, then spoke softly. "Two years ago, you sacrificed your legs for me. You worked yourself to exhaustion supporting my medical school dream.

"I'm grateful for everything. There's one last thing I need. If you agree, we'll marry, okay?"

I watched her hands shake on my wheelchair. Numbly, I nodded. "What is it?"

Clara looked past me to Caleb. "I need your heart... to save Caleb's life."