I left Seaport for Crellan, thinking I was about to marry Bryson. Instead, I got drugged and kidnapped on our engagement day.

Barely conscious, I caught him talking to his assistant.

"Doctor and kidnappers—handled?" Bryson said. "Get her kidney. Lily's out of time."

The assistant wavered. "She's not in great shape. This could ruin her."

That gave Bryson a flicker of guilt—but it vanished quick.

"She's not fragile like Lily. She's a broke student. If her kidney didn't match, she wouldn't be living like this. That's worth it."

His face stayed ice-cold.

I clenched my fist so hard my nails dug in, blood pooling in my mouth.

So that was true Bryson—a monster in disguise.

He thought I wanted to sell my health for some empty marriage.

Too bad I never wanted it.

I flinched at the sound of footsteps, eyes straining to open.

Then came Bryson Schubert's voice—freshly arrived and ice-cold. It hit me like a slap.

"Mr. Schubert, are you sure? Your fiancée's always been frail. She might not survive losing a kidney."

That was his assistant. Kidney? Whose?

Before I could even think, Bryson stepped closer, voice like frost. "We've come this far for that kidney. Hurry—Lily can't wait."

My blood ran cold. He was really doing this—for Lily Khunt.

"Bryson... Bryson..."

I barely whispered his name, faking that out-cold vibe. He froze. The needle scratched my skin, and I flinched.

"Don't be scared, Kayla. I'm here. Just let the doctor check you. You're okay."

Yeah, right. Sensing I was waking up, he plunged the needle in.

As the anesthesia kicked in, tears slid down my face and hit his chest. Then—blackout.

The dream felt like it'd never end. Young Bryson, holding white roses, all sweet lies.

"Kayla, I'll love you forever. I'll protect you forever."

Then it twisted— Bryson, drenched in blood, ripping my kidney out.

He laughed. "You really thought I'd want some broke girl? I only got close for the kidney."

The scenes blurred, crashing into each other. I curled up, sobbing in the dark.

***

When I came to, I was in Bryson's arms. He stroked my face like he actually cared.

"It's okay, Kayla. You're safe. I saved you. The doctor said you'll be fine after some rest. Don't be scared."

His hands shook as he patted my back.

I almost believed him.

If I hadn't heard it all, I might've curled into his chest and spilled everything.

"Kayla, can you hear me?"

I stared at the ceiling, tears slipping down. Bryson freaked and called for doctors. The whole room froze.

"What's going on? Didn't you say besides the missing kidney, she was fine? Then why is she like this? I want answers!"

This was a Schubert-owned hospital. No one dared speak.

"I'm fine."

My voice was hoarse, but it yanked him right out of his fake panic.

He sat beside me, brushing my forehead. "Good, that's good. You don't know... Lily's been crying nonstop. She was so scared something happened to you. She's still out there waiting."

A fresh kidney and already dying for a grand entrance?

I clenched the cup as Bryson walked her in, holding her like she was made of glass.

"Kayla, are you okay? I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. If I hadn't left early that day, you wouldn't have lost a kidney." Lily reached for my side, right where the scar still throbbed.

Bryson jumped in, quick to shield his fragile little flower. "It's not your fault. It was the kidnappers."

Right then, Lily pressed down—hard.

I flinched and smacked her hand away without thinking.

The slap echoed. Her hand went red.

Tears welled up as she stared at me like I'd just kicked a puppy.

And just like that, any guilt Bryson had left? Gone.

But the pain in my side had me too out of it to react fast.

Next thing I knew, Bryson shoved down on the wound again.

"This isn't about Lily. She's been crying every day, scared for you. And you? You wake up and bully her? You lost a kidney, not your brain. What's wrong with you?"

The disgust in his eyes wasn't even subtle. Lily bit her lip like she was gonna faint.

"This isn't Kayla's fault," she whispered. "She's hurting. If lashing out at me helps, I'll take it."

That fake sweetness? It pushed Bryson over the edge.

He grabbed her and stormed out, leaving me—injured, bleeding, and completely alone.

***

A whole day passed. No food. Just me, hoarse and staring at the ceiling.

Guess word got around that Bryson dumped me. Doctors, nurses—no one came in. Except the ones who lingered by the door to gossip.

The nurse who finally showed to change my bandage? Straight-up nasty.

"I don't know what I did to deserve this," she muttered. "Everyone knows Mr. Schubert loves Ms. Khunt. Taking care of you's just bad luck. Should've stayed missing. Don't you get it? Nobody wants you. You're useless—just die already."

I didn't answer. Just groaned, weak and hurting.

She got rougher.

"Please, miss... can you go easier? If it's okay, could you help me find a private caregiver? I'll pay."

She'd clearly been waiting to snap. I wasn't trying to fight—I just needed peace.

The second I mentioned money, her hands softened.

"You serious?" That greedy glint lit up her eyes.

"I'm serious."

She cleared her throat. "No need to hire anyone. I'll do it. Just so we're clear—$20,000 a month."

I froze. That was way past normal. She didn't even blink.

"What? Not loving the offer?"

She caught my look and jabbed straight into the bandage. Blood oozed out.

"It hurts..."

I cried out. The door flew open.

Bryson stormed in. "What the hell are you doing?!"

He kicked the nurse a few times, then scooped me into his arms, face twisted with guilt. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let this happen again.

"But you've gotta stop picking on Lily. She didn't grow up with much—she sees you as her only sister. Try to understand her."

Sister?

I exhaled sharp and hard. I'd never hated that word more.

I met Lily at one of Bryson's company events. Just an intern back then—no background, no backup. People pushed her around.

I felt bad and stepped in.

After that, she clung to me. Said she had no family, called me the sister she never had.

I bought it. Taught her the ropes, even brought her along when I hung out with Bryson.

Back then, I thought it was cute how well they clicked. Now? I see it clear as day—it was all planned.

In a company that size, she wasn't the only one with a rough past.

This wasn't fate. Bryson planted her next to me so he could flaunt her out in the open.

Too bad I figured it out too late. Now I was down a kidney and stuck in this massive city.

"Kayla, are you listening? I know you're upset about the engagement falling apart. Don't worry. Once you're out, I'll throw an even bigger ceremony. I'll invite every partner we've got. I want the whole world to see how happy I am."

Back in college, marrying Bryson had been the dream. White dress. Perfect wedding.

Not anymore.

"We're not getting married."

My voice was raw, but I meant it.

He cupped my face, pulling me close. "Don't be like this. You're just scared from the kidnapping, right? It's okay. I hired the top security firm in the world. Even their CEO's coming. I swear—you'll be safe."

That was a lie.

The Schuberts didn't have that kind of power in Crellan City. No way he scored that CEO.

I did the math. The world's top security company? Eastwood Corp. My dad's.

These days, my sister Robin Eastwood ran it.

But Robin didn't know I was here. Which meant... she wasn't coming for me.

"Kayla, I'm finally gonna marry you. I've waited so long for this," Bryson whispered in my ear.

I gripped his sleeve, already picturing Robin's face when I saw her again.

She'd probably chew me out for letting things get this bad.

But honestly? I missed her more than I ever wanted Bryson. I missed my parents. My brother.

"Kayla, Bryson, what are you two whispering about? Let me hear too."

A tug yanked me from his arms.

Lily had arrived—white dress, ghost-pale face looking extra tragic.

Bryson flinched, then reached out like it was pure instinct.

"You're not feeling great. Don't push yourself. Kayla's got me—and doctors. No need to stress. We don't want you sick before she's even better."

He tapped her nose, all cutesy. Then realized I was watching and quickly tucked his hand behind his back.