20
The foul–smelling water splashed everywhere, soaking Pat from head to toe, and the ward descended into chaos. When the medical staff arrived, even the quilt on the bed wasn’t spared. The air was thick with a nauseating
stench.
Pat made the front page of the Canadian media yet again: “Taylor Family Sibling Drama: Mr. Taylor Spotted in the Hospital Sporting “Casual Fashion.”
The headline trended for days, and Pat became the city’s laughingstock once more.
Even Stacy, far away in North City, came across the news. She quickly turned her head away, but her reaction didn’t escape Nate’s sharp eyes. He glanced at the television screen and then back at Stacy, his expression
unreadable
Meanwhile, Tara lounged casually on the sofa in the VIP ward. Catching sight of the man and woman sitting together, he smirked and quipped. “Tsk, tsk, childhood sweethearts! Fate truly works wonders, huh?”
Nate, unfazed, grabbed an apple and tossed it at Tara, who dodged dramatically.
“Nate, no need to be shy! It’s obvious Stacy has taken such good care of you these past few days. Anyone with eyes can see how deep your connection runs!”
him
“Shut it. Keep talking nonsense, and I’ll have you disciplined under military law!” Nate warned.
Tara made an exaggerated zipping motion across his lips and quickly left the room, his laughter trailing behind
Stacy, left behind, felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her. Tara’s teasing echoed her own thoughts. She hadn’t expected such a coincidence–Nate turned out to be the boy her mother had sponsored fifteen years ago. She
In the Elder family’s yard stood a beautiful apricot tree. Each spring, its blossoms cover the entire yard like a
pastel blanket. But the flowers lasted only ten days.
One spring, as the petals fell and the trunk stood bare, her “big brother was taken away. He vanished from their lives. At the time, Stacy’s sister, Macey, showed no sadness, brushing it off coldly. “He’s just going to live a better
life.”
But for Stacy, his departure left a void. She spent a month in quiet sorrow, mourning the loss of her partner in making flower baskets from the fallen petals.
Now, unexpectedly, that long–lost brother stood before her in a foreign land. But he was no longer the frail boy
she remembered
pap
Nate had grown figure, a pillar of the nation’s military. Over the past few days, Stacy had come to learn of his many accomplishments.
Still, one revelation left her mortified–when Tara casually mentioned that Nate still kept her childhood photos. she wanted to disappear on the spot.
The silence between them stretched awkwardly until Nate finally spoke, his voice soft but firm “Stacy, can I call
you that?”
Stacy hesitated, unsure how to respond. Finally, she whispered, “Nate, Stacy is gone. I’m her sister, Macey”
At her words, Nate’s eyes reddened, and he looked up sharply “You’re not Macey. You’re Stacy,” Before she could refute him, Nate cupped her face gently with his palm. His voice softened, yet it carried an unyielding conviction.
“Stacy, look into my eyes. Can you honestly tell me you’re not her?”
Her breath hitched as she met his burning gaze. The words she wanted to say caught in her throat. Her lips quivered, and tears she had long suppressed began to fall. For years, she believed she had no family left in this world. The dam holding back her emotions finally broke.
She sobbed uncontrollably, her cries carrying all her sorrow, pain, and loneliness
To Nate, her tears felt like shards piercing his heart. Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as though he could shield her from every hardship she’d endured.
“Stacy,” he murmured softly. “I’m back. I won’t let you suffer anymore. I’ll protect you from now on.”
She cried until her breath came in short gasps, unintentionally staining his clothes. Through her hiccups, she
stammered a pitiful apology
Nate merely smiled, his eyes full of warmth and tenderness. He could guess how much she had endured, but he didn’t press her for details. Whoever she was–whatever name or identity, she bore–none of it mattered to him.
As long as it was her.
Sniffling, Stacy finally managed to speak. “Nate, I’m so glad to see you again. But… I need you to promise me
something”
“Anything.” Nate said without hesitation.
She looked up at him, her expression serious despite the lingering traces of tears. “Please, keep my identity a
secret”
