As time went by, I remained in the hospital, undergoing various tests and treatments in hopes of finding a suitable bone marrow donor. Despite our efforts, no match was found among our family and friends, and our search through donor organizations proved fruitless.
Faced with this grim reality, the doctor suggested an alternative approach: if my sister, Olivia, were to give birth, the cord blood from her child could potentially save my life. The thought of putting Olivia's future at risk filled me with dread. She was just a high school student with her whole life ahead of her. How could we ask her to sacrifice her dreams and aspirations for my sake?
But Lucas was resolute. He insisted that this was our only hope and volunteered to be the father of Olivia's future child. His proposal left me bewildered and conflicted. How could he make such a decision without consulting me first? Yet, he assured me that once I was cured, we would marry and adopt the baby, allowing Olivia to regain her freedom and pursue her own path in life.
I wanted to discuss the matter with Olivia and hear her thoughts, but my parents assured me that she had already agreed to the plan. With no other viable options available, I reluctantly consented to the proposal, hoping against hope that it would lead to my salvation.
After some days, Olivia visited me at the hospital along with our parents, responding to my insistence on hearing her opinion. As soon as our parents left the room, I seized the opportunity to have a private conversation with Olivia about the bone marrow transplant. Directly addressing her, I asked if she was truly in agreement with the decision and if she had thoroughly considered it. Olivia met my gaze with a sense of determination, affirming her readiness to proceed. Her words were accompanied by a hint of self-assurance, as if she was reassuring herself of her decision. Hearing her response, I couldn't shake off the guilt that weighed heavily on me. Knowing that Olivia had made sacrifices, including breaking up with her boyfriend Ethan, only added to my remorse. I cursed myself for being powerless to prevent the turmoil my illness had caused in her life. This moment underscored the depth of our bond and the sacrifices we were both willing to make for each other's well-being.
As the days passed, I couldn't escape the painful reality unfolding around me. Despite my initial agreement to the plan involving Olivia and Lucas, the thought of them engaging in intimate activities to conceive a child filled me with anguish. Each time my mother updated me on their progress, it felt like a dagger piercing through my heart. The dreams I once held dear of sharing a special first night with Lucas after our marriage now seemed like distant fantasies shattered by harsh reality. The sight of my beloved sister and fiancé growing closer in this intimate manner only deepened the wounds within me, leaving my heart irreparably broken.
But even after 3 months of trying, Olivia couldn't get pregnant and my birthday came. On my 21st birthday, amidst the turmoil of our situation, my parents arranged for me to come home from the hospital for the day. As Lucas and Olivia accompanied me, I couldn't ignore the palpable tension between them, a constant reminder of the sacrifice they were making for my sake. Despite the strain, I tried my best to push aside the discomfort and focus on enjoying the rare opportunity to spend time outside the confines of the hospital.
Lucas took us to a dress shop, where Olivia eagerly assisted me in selecting a special outfit for the occasion. Despite the weight of our circumstances, her support and enthusiasm lifted my spirits, offering a brief respite from the challenges we faced. Though the road ahead remained uncertain, I cherished these small moments of normalcy amidst the chaos of our lives.
In the shop, I found myself torn between two dresses: one elegant white gown and another striking red dress. Wanting Lucas's input, I decided to try on both options and seek his opinion on which one to purchase. As I stepped into the fitting room to try them on, I couldn't help but feel a pang of excitement mixed with uncertainty about the future that lay ahead.
In the shop, I tried on the white dress first, and Olivia helped me adjust it. I twirled around to show it to Lucas, who nodded approvingly. Then, I slipped into the red dress and modeled it for him. "You will look more beautiful in the red dress," Lucas remarked with a smile. Despite his kind words, a flicker of doubt crept into my mind as I sensed his gaze lingering on Olivia. Shaking off the feeling, I thanked him and returned to change.
Later, back at home, the atmosphere was festive. Mom and dad greeted us with smiles, revealing that Lucas had orchestrated a surprise birthday celebration for me. Amid the decorations and warmth, I couldn't shake the nagging worry in the back of my mind.
As the night wore on, I went in search of Lucas,after enjoying the whole day, only to stumble upon a scene that shattered my heart. There they were, Lucas and Olivia, standing so close, their whispers barely audible. Unable to tear my eyes away, I watched as Lucas leaned in, his words meant only for her ears.
Lucas murmured, "I told you, the red dress was made for you, but Valarie bought it anyway. You would look like a gift wearing that, which I will open and enjoy later tonight."
My world seemed to crumble at his words. How could he flirt with my sister like this, knowing we were engaged? The pain surged through me like a tidal wave, and I couldn't bear to listen any longer. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I fled to my room, the weight of betrayal crushing me.
Once inside, I couldn't contain the anguish any longer. I tore at the fabric of the red dress, each rip a physical manifestation of the pain in my heart. Overwhelmed by emotion, I collapsed, the darkness of unconsciousness enveloping me as tears continued to fall.
My eyes fluttered open in the hospital to find Lucas by my bedside, his gaze filled with concern. I couldn't shake off the images of him and Olivia from the previous night, the hurt still fresh in my mind. Gathering my courage, I confronted him about what I had seen.
"Lucas, how could you?" I demanded, my voice trembling with emotion. "How could you betray me like that?"
He reached out, his touch gentle as he urged me to calm down. "Valarie, please listen to me," he implored. "I would never do anything to hurt you. What you saw last night was a misunderstanding. I was only comforting Olivia, helping her through a difficult time so that she could handle our intimate night together. It was all for you, Valarie. You're the only one I love."
His words washed over me like a balm, soothing the ache in my heart. Despite the doubt gnawing at the edges of my mind, I wanted desperately to believe him. With a heavy sigh, I let go of my suspicions, knowing deep down that I couldn't bear to lose him. After all, my love for him knew no bounds, and I was willing to forgive anything for the sake of our relationship.
After some days, Lucas again visited and gave a shocking news. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. Lucas had announced his decision to take Olivia into his house, under the pretext of caring for her to expedite the process of getting her pregnant. What shocked me even more was that my parents had agreed to this arrangement without so much as consulting me. It felt like a betrayal, a slap in the face.
I couldn't comprehend why they would agree to such a thing. Wasn't it enough that I was fighting for my life, grappling with the uncertainty of my future? Now I had to contend with the added burden of watching Lucas and Olivia grow closer under the same roof, their intimacy gnawing at the edges of my sanity.
But I couldn't voice my objections. It seemed as though my desires, my opinions no longer held any weight in the face of their decisions. I was powerless, a mere spectator in my own life, forced to watch as the people I loved made choices that tore me apart from the inside out.
The bitterness seeped into every corner of my being whenever Olivia visited. I couldn't bear the sight of her, couldn't stomach the radiant glow she seemed to exude after moving in with Lucas. It felt like a betrayal, a violation of the unspoken boundaries that defined our relationship as sisters.
With each passing day, my resentment grew, festering like an open wound. I couldn't stand the thought of Olivia encroaching on what was rightfully mine. Lucas was meant to be mine, and mine alone. The mere presence of Olivia in our lives felt like a threat, a reminder of the fragility of our bond.
Whenever Lucas accompanied her, I could feel the tension crackling between them, igniting a fiery jealousy within me. But I refused to acknowledge it, refused to entertain the notion that Lucas could ever be swayed by anyone but me. To me, Olivia was nothing more than a thief, stealing away the affections of the man I loved. And if it weren't for the consequences, I would have gladly torn her apart with my own two hands.
The news of Olivia's pregnancy felt like a dagger to the heart, twisting and tearing at the fragile threads of my sanity. While my parents rejoiced at the prospect of a potential savior for me, I couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of betrayal and despair.
To think that Olivia, the very source of my anguish and resentment, would now carry the child of the man I loved. A child who would inevitably become the heir to Reed Corporations, a powerful and prestigious company. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, a mockery of everything I had hoped for.
Every night, I cried myself to sleep, the weight of my anguish crushing me like a vice. The thought of Lucas's child growing inside Olivia haunted me, taunting me with the reminder of everything I had lost.
I wanted to be happy, to find solace in the possibility of a cure for my ailment. But how could I, when every fiber of my being rebelled against the unfairness of it all? How could I bear the thought of Olivia, the very person who had stolen Lucas's affections from me, now carrying his child?
One day Lucas called everyone to the hospital. The hospital room was filled with tension as Lucas called for the meeting, a sense of foreboding settling over us all. My parents and I exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what was about to unfold. As Olivia entered the room, followed by Lucas and his mother Victoria, a knot formed in my stomach.
Then came the bombshell: Lucas announced his intention to marry Olivia, shocking us all to the core. I couldn't believe what I was hearing - after everything we'd been through, how could he betray me like this? My mind reeled, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of his decision.
My mother's cry of protest echoed through the room, a desperate plea for justice in the face of this betrayal. "If you marry Olivia, what about my daughter?" she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.
But Victoria's words cut through the air like a knife, her dismissal of me as unworthy of her son's affections sending a shiver down my spine. "Rachel and Daniel, listen, how can I take your daughter as my daughter-in-law for my only son? The doctor already said that Valarie will not be able to bear any child even after the treatment and look at her, she will not be suitable for my son," she declared coldly. "She is like a wilted flower, of no use."
Lucas remained silent, his lack of protest speaking volumes. As they left, my father hurried after them, a last-ditch effort to salvage some semblance of dignity from this wreckage. And as the door closed behind them, leaving me alone with my shattered dreams, I wept, my tears mingling with my mother's as we clung to each other in the darkness.
They completed their marriage without inviting any of us. After the Olivia came to visit me with her marriage certificate.
Valarie's heart sank as Olivia presented her with the marriage certificate, a bitter reality she never thought she'd face. With a heavy heart, she congratulated Olivia, masking her own pain. When Olivia knelt before her, tears streaming down her face, Valarie was taken aback. She struggled to comprehend the request, feeling as though she was being accused of stealing Lucas, rather than the other way around.
Olivia: "Valarie please forget Lucas, give him to me, I love him, he also loves me, but due to his father's pressure he continued to meet you. You should understand this and let us live happily."
Valarie's emotions swirled with confusion and hurt as Olivia poured her heart out, confessing her love for Lucas and the pressure they faced from his family. Before she could respond, Lucas entered the room, his expression icy and devoid of any warmth.
Lucas: "Why did you call Olivia and kneel her down? Olivia is pregnant and she was suffering from pregnancy. This is all your fault for wanting to be alive. If you accepted your fate, then she wouldn't have suffered from it. Now I have to take care of her, and you should be the most careful, as she is saving your life and giving a heir to the Reed family, which you will not be able to do. Mom was right, now you are not beautiful and can't bear a child. You are of no use. So, forget about me and just beg us to save your life."
Valarie was left speechless and wounded by Lucas's accusations, feeling the weight of his harsh words pierce through her. The cruel reality of her situation and the betrayal of those she once held dear left her frozen in shock and disbelief.
Valarie's heart felt like it was being crushed beneath the weight of betrayal and rejection. Each word from Olivia and Lucas felt like a dagger piercing her already wounded soul. She struggled to comprehend how everything had unraveled so quickly, how the love she once cherished had turned into cold indifference.
As Olivia poured out her plea, Valarie's emotions churned with a whirlwind of confusion, hurt, and disbelief. She couldn't fathom how her own sister could ask her to give up the love of her life, especially in such a vulnerable moment.
And when Lucas entered the room, his cold demeanor and cutting words pierced through her like a knife. The realization that he saw her as nothing more than a burden, unworthy of love or care, left her feeling utterly shattered.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she couldn't bring herself to speak. The pain was too raw, too deep to put into words. She felt abandoned, betrayed, and utterly alone in her suffering.
I decided to let go of Lucas, to forget about him. As the scheduled delivery date for Olivia's baby approached, I reflected on our past together. From the moment I requested to study in London to be with him, to my dedication in learning Karate just to catch his eye, every decision I made was for Lucas. Despite my efforts, his affection remained elusive. When he returned to New York to take over Reed Corporations, I eagerly pursued a degree in Hacking and Cybersecurity, hoping to support him. But my illness hindered my plans to surprise him with my achievements.
Now, with Olivia's pregnancy drawing near, I felt like a failure. My suggestion of IVF had been rejected, leaving me feeling worthless and unwanted. Despite everything I had done for Lucas, my infertility stood as a barrier between us. With only a month left until Olivia's due date, I resolved to distance myself from the pain of unrequited love and rejection. I yearned to break free from the suffocating presence of Lucas and Olivia, to find peace and healing away from their judgment.
But after a few days, Lucas and Olivia, accompanied by my parents, visited me. Their faces were grave, and Olivia's pregnant belly was prominent. Lucas made a startling announcement: they wouldn't be able to provide me with their child's cord blood, as Olivia was stressed and they planned to leave for Paris for their honeymoon. That they were 24 and 18 and don't want to waste their precious moments for me.
I was stunned by Lucas's callousness. I looked to Olivia, hoping for some compassion, but she remained silent. My parents appeared defeated, unable to challenge Lucas's decision. With desperation consuming me, I knelt before Lucas and Olivia, pleading for my life. "Please, don't be so heartless," I begged, clinging to Lucas's legs. But he callously kicked me away, dismissing me as pathetic.
As consciousness slipped away, I saw them leave, abandoning me to my fate. When I woke up, my parents were by my side, revealing Lucas's threat to bankrupt their company if they dared to seek help elsewhere. It was a shocking revelation, seeing the extent of Lucas's cruelty. But despite his betrayal, I vowed to myself that I would survive. No matter what, I would keep fighting.
As I sat there, my heart heavy with betrayal and desperation, a flicker of determination stirred within me. With the assistance of my parents, I obtained a laptop and opened my social media accounts. As I scrolled through the messages from my friends, I felt a glimmer of connection and support amidst the darkness surrounding me.
As I scrolled through various social media platforms, the weight of my desperation pressed down on me. Amidst the sea of posts and updates, I stumbled upon a glimmer of hope: a message from a potential donor named Sarah Parker. She expressed her willingness to donate, but the catch was that she resided in London.
An inner conflict brewed within me. On one hand, this was a lifeline, an opportunity for treatment and a chance at life. On the other hand, financial constraints loomed large. The company was teetering on the edge of closure, and I couldn't burden my already struggling family with the expense of a flight ticket.
However, as I continued to browse, I stumbled upon a photo that pierced through my turmoil. It depicted Olivia, radiant and joyful, cradling a newborn baby in a hospital gown. The contrast between their happiness and our family's dire circumstances was stark. It was then that I made a decision: I would go to London, no matter the obstacles.
As I delved into the depths of cyberspace, Alex's message served as a digital lifeline, offering me a chance to rekindle my passion for hacking amidst the chaos of my reality.
Alex's words echoed in my mind as I weighed the opportunity before me. Despite the daunting nature of the competition, the prospect of testing my skills and securing a cash prize stirred something deep within me.
With a sense of resolve, I accepted Alex's invitation, signaling my readiness to dive back into the world of hacking. As I closed the chat box and navigated to the competition website, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins.
With each keystroke, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This competition wasn't just about winning; it was about reclaiming my identity and proving to myself that I was still capable of greatness. As the digital battlefield beckoned, I embraced the challenge with unwavering determination, ready to emerge victorious once more.
As I delved into the hacking competition, the familiar hum of the digital world enveloped me, transporting me to a realm where I felt most alive. With each keystroke, I navigated through intricate layers of encrypted codes and intricate firewalls, my mind ablaze with determination.
As the challenges intensified, I encountered opponents of varying skill levels, each presenting a unique obstacle to overcome. Despite the complexity of the tasks, I remained undeterred, drawing upon years of experience and expertise to outmaneuver my adversaries.
With each victory, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins, propelling me forward with unwavering resolve. As the final round approached, I faced my most formidable opponent yet, their defenses fortified with cunning precision.
But I refused to be outdone, employing every tool at my disposal to breach their defenses and emerge victorious. With each calculated move, I inched closer to triumph, my determination unyielding in the face of adversity.
And when the moment of victory finally arrived, it was a testament to my skill, perseverance, and unwavering resolve. Amidst the virtual cheers and applause, I stood tall, reaffirming my title as the Hacking Queen and reveling in the sweet taste of success.
The thrill of receiving $10,000 flooded me with an overwhelming sense of joy. Despite my physical limitations, I couldn't help but let out a resounding "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh," much to the surprise of the hospital staff. Though dancing was out of the question, I savored this rare moment of happiness, a welcome reprieve from the turmoil.
With renewed determination, I turned to Emily, a trusted friend, to delve into the mystery surrounding my car accident. Patiently awaiting updates, I placed my faith in her expertise, hopeful for answers. Meanwhile, I wasted no time in securing my flight to London for the upcoming week, eager to embark on a journey toward hope and healing.
Then called my parents to come.
As evening descended, my parents arrived, their presence bringing a sense of comfort amidst the turmoil. With a heavy heart, I fabricated a story, telling them that my friends had generously lent me money, and I had given them $5,000 to safeguard for their future and the company. Revealing the truth about my hacking prowess seemed implausible, knowing they would struggle to believe it.
Taking charge of my own fate, I decided to discharge myself from the hospital, refusing to be indebted to Lucas after his betrayal. With each passing moment, I meticulously packed my belongings, cherishing the precious time spent with my parents.
Finally, the day of departure arrived, marked by a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Despite my parents' fears stemming from the previous accident, they insisted on driving me to the airport, their protective instincts guiding their actions. With their blessings and well wishes, I embarked on my journey, determined to forge a new path and reclaim control of my destiny.