"You're Estelle Christopher, right?"
The question came from a young woman sitting on one of the hospital beds in the emergency ward. Estelle turned toward her, a little surprised. When their eyes met, she immediately recognized her — Celine Summers, the vlogger who had released the viral video about Dranred and James.
"I'm Celine Summers," the woman said, extending a hand with a smile.
"I know who you are," Estelle replied coldly, ignoring the gesture. "You don't seem sick. I'll ask the doctor to discharge you." She turned to leave.
"You're Dranred Masterson's ex-girlfriend, right? His childhood sweetheart?"
Estelle froze. Slowly, she turned back to face her.
"I thought so," Celine said, still smiling. "You're about to marry the chairman's son, while your brother and your ex-boyfriend are still at odds over what happened ten years ago."
"And your point is?" Estelle asked evenly.
"I'm just curious," Celine said, tilting her head. "Are you marrying him because you love him—or because you're trying to run away from your past with Dranred?"
Estelle let out a controlled breath, her tone calm but firm.
"I understand the nature of your work. If destroying people is how you make a living, fine—do it. But let me make something clear: my life, my choices, are none of your concern. I don't owe you any explanations. I admire your research skills—you must've been top of your class—but our lives are not tabloid material. Stay out of our business."
Without waiting for a response, Estelle walked out of the ward.
In the hallway, she passed Bryan, but she didn't even look at him. He watched her go, puzzled, before glancing back at Celine—who smiled and gave him a small wave. When he turned again to follow Estelle, he felt a soft hand wrap around his arm.
"Dr. Bryan Sandoval, right?" Celine said sweetly.
"Yes," he replied cautiously. "How can I help you?"
"I was just talking to your fiancée," she said, her tone light but suggestive. "She didn't seem very pleased. Tell me, Doctor… do you really know her past? The one involving the famous Dranred Masterson?"
"I think I finally understand why Estelle's been so tense lately," Bryan said, pulling his arm away from Celine's grasp. His tone was calm but firm. "I'd really appreciate it if you didn't bother my fiancée — at work or outside. She's uncomfortable. And I'm sure you know what respecting someone's privacy means."
Celine's lips parted slightly, caught off guard by his words.
"But you know—"
"Please," Bryan interrupted. "Don't drag her name into whatever you're doing to earn views. If you hurt her, even once, you won't like the way I respond."
He didn't wait for a reply. "Excuse me," he said curtly, walking away in the direction Estelle had gone.
Bryan knew all about the viral videos and the articles involving Estelle's family. His own family knew, too — and they weren't happy. His father, especially, had made it clear he wanted no part in the mess. But Bryan had stood firm. He told them he would handle it, that his decision to marry Estelle wouldn't change.
He found her on the hospital rooftop — a quiet garden space where staff often went to think or breathe. She was standing by the railing, the wind stirring her hair.
"Estelle," he called softly.
She turned, surprised. "Bryan." A sigh left her lips. "I'm sorry about earlier. That vlogger just got under my skin." She paused. "You've seen the videos, haven't you? The news? I'm sure your family's already telling you to call off the wedding."
"Yeah," Bryan said with a small smile. "They actually found out before I did." He stepped closer, standing beside her. "I've already talked to them. They'll let me handle it. The wedding's still on."
She looked at him, searching his face. "Are you really that determined to escape your family's disapproval for my sake?"
Bryan met her gaze steadily. She turned away first, feeling her face warm under the weight of his eyes.
"You don't have to waste your time on someone like me," she murmured. "Especially now, with everything that's coming out. It could ruin your family's name if—"
"Estelle," he interrupted gently. "Has there ever been a time in your life when you needed someone to lean on… especially during moments like this?"
She froze. The question lingered in the air. When was the last time she'd leaned on anyone? Since she and Dranred ended, she'd built walls around herself — strong, unshakable walls. She had to be firm, for herself, for her siblings. There had been no arms to catch her, no voice to tell her she didn't have to carry it all alone.
And for the first time in years, standing beside Bryan under the quiet evening sky, she felt how heavy it had all become.
"Let me guess," Bryan said gently. "It was back when you were still with Dranred. After everything that happened, you forced yourself to become independent — the strong older sister who never shows weakness, never cries in front of anyone."
"The past between me and Dranred is over," Estelle replied quietly, turning her gaze away. "I don't need him in my life."
"What about me?" Bryan asked softly. His question caught her off guard. She turned to him, eyes wide.
"I mean…" he continued, smiling faintly, "I'm going to be your husband soon. If we want people to believe we love each other, you should start depending on me more. Run to me when you need someone to hold you… or someone to comfort you. I might not be—"
"I'm sorry," Estelle cut in quickly. "It just slipped my mind. I'm not used to relying on anyone. I've been fine on my own for years. This is the first time in ten years that someone's told me I can depend on them."
"You can depend on me too," Bryan said, his tone gentle but firm. He reached for her hand. "Maybe this marriage started as an arrangement, but I mean it — I'm offering myself as a genuine friend."
Estelle looked at him, her eyes softening. "Thank you," she whispered. "I think I really need a genuine friend right now."
Slowly, she leaned her head against his shoulder. Bryan didn't move, didn't speak — he simply let her rest there, while the city lights shimmered below them. For the first time in a long while, Estelle felt her heart begin to ease.