Hailee’s sentence faded into a breath as she exhaled quietly, the weight of her reality settling in her features. “But they told me Dr. Atkinson doesn’t see ordinary people. She’s too hard to reach, and even if I could find her, I’d never be able to pay what she charges. Her consultation fees start in the millions. For a surgery like his, the bill would be in the tens of millions.”
With a faint, bitter curve of her lips, Hailee pushed through the next part. “Every day, I spend over two thousand dollars just on his medicine. I’ve drained everything I have just trying to keep up. How could I ever afford a surgery like that?”
Emotion choked off Hailee’s voice, catching her mid-sentence. “These days, I’m juggling several jobs, barely affording cheap meals for myself. The little I save goes straight to his prescriptions. I’m terrified every moment that I’ll lose one of my jobs, that I’ll fall short and fail him. Therefore, no matter how hard it gets, I can’t stop. I can’t rest. I have to keep working and somehow find a way to earn more. It’s just that I’m exhausted… I’m drowning.”
Tears spilled freely now, her shoulders trembling with quiet desperation.
Across the table, Elliana said nothing. Her silence wasn’t indifference-it was the stillness of someone listening deeply. Her gaze reflected Hailee’s pain like a mirror. “Doesn’t your boyfriend have family? Someone who could step in?”
“He’s an orphan. He grew up in an orphanage,” Hailee answered softly, shaking her head.
This simple reply brought understanding. Elliana didn’t press further. She felt conflicted, uncertain if helping Hailee was the right move. Her identity as Milena was constantly watched by powerful figures and global elites. Some truly needed her skills, but others had darker motives, aiming to exploit her for their own gain. Because of that, exposing herself as Milena wasn’t a choice she could make on a whim. As much as she had the heart of a healer, she had to protect herself first. As if realizing she’d said too much, Hailee quickly dabbed her eyes and gave a sheepish smile. “I’m so sorry, Elliana. You invited me out for a nice meal, and here I am, dumping my problems on you. I promise I won’t bring it up again.”
Before either of them could say more, the waiter arrived with their food. While arranging the plates, Hailee mustered a smile and gently ladled a portion onto Elliana’s plate. “Let’s just eat, okay? Forget all that.”
With an understanding nod, Elliana picked up her fork and sliced into the steak. Juices spilled across her plate with every cut, the first bite melting tenderly on her tongue-but despite the flavor, her chest felt heavy. Hailee had a genuinely kind soul. Even with such a heavy weight on her shoulders, she always kept a smile on her face around others, not wanting to be a burden or make anyone worry. Moreover, the moment someone threatened her friend, she stood without hesitation. Someone like her deserved more than silent sympathy.
After finishing her first bite, Elliana met Hailee’s eyes. “What about your family? Do they know what you’ve been doing for your boyfriend?”
In response, Hailee gave a subtle shake of her head. “My family is simple, just me and my dad. He raised me by running a tiny diner. Paid for everything-school, rent, food. After all that, I feel like I’m failing him now.”
Tears were beginning to well again, her voice growing thinner with each word. “I can’t let him find out. He’ll just worry, and I’ve already put enough on his shoulders. But I can’t abandon my boyfriend either. He’s got no one else. I’m all he has. If I let go, he’s alone in the world.”
Elliana wanted to ask what made this man worth such a sacrifice-what kind of love could drive someone to give so much-but the time wasn’t right. A love strong enough to make a woman give up everything had to be a story with many layers. If she had asked Hailee about it, they’d be talking for hours, and that would have pushed back the evening’s recording session.
Rather than press further, Elliana tucked her curiosity away. A quiet gesture followed as she gently scooped a bit of food onto Hailee’s plate. “Come on, eat something. Things won’t stay like this forever. Who knows-maybe that unreachable Dr. Atkinson will appear one day and grant every single wish you’ve been holding onto.”
Tears still clung to Hailee’s lashes, but a smile managed to break through. “You don’t know how much that means. I know it sounds impossible, but your words make it feel a little less hopeless. Thank you.”
No more words passed between them after that. Their meal continued in calm silence, a comforting pause in the chaos of their lives. By the time they stepped outside, the sky had darkened into a velvet curtain. Across the road, the museum glowed beneath golden lights, its entrance flanked by polished luxury cars. Guests in tailored suits and floor-length gowns filed inside, laughter and murmurs drifting on the breeze.
Anticipation buzzed in the air-the grand finale of the Starry Oil Painting Competition was about to begin, drawing eyes from every corner of the art world.
With a look that carried more than confidence, Elliana tilted her chin slightly and crossed the street with steady steps. She wasn’t here just to compete. Tonight, someone was going to regret crossing her
The Starry Oil Painting Competition was a big deal, the kind of event that sent shockwaves through the art world. The pieces that made it to the finals were top-notch, and the guest list was a who’s-who of heavy hitters.
When Elliana and Hailee rolled up to the museum’s entrance, a long red carpet was already rolled out, screaming glitz and glamour. Big shots stepped out of their cars, strutting down the carpet into the museum.
Security was hustling to keep things orderly, while a swarm of media had set up a fortress of cameras and mics, tripping over themselves to snag interviews with any celeb who passed by. The vibe was electric, buzzing with excitement.
Nobody gave Elliana and Hailee a second glance as they were just two regular folks in a sea of stars.
Among the media’s darlings were Luciano and Paige, stepping out as the official mentor-disciple duo, soaking up the spotlight.
Luciano had swapped his usual getup for a robe, looking every bit the art guru.
Paige, clinging to his arm, rocked a sleek gown, her pricey jewelry sparkling like fire under the camera flashes.
The two made sure to park themselves right in the reporters’ sights, lapping up interviews to boost their fame.
“Miss Jones, you’re absolutely glowing tonight,” a reporter gushed. “Word is your painting made the finals. You feeling good about snagging the top spot?”
Paige flashed a demure smile. “I’m just a hobbyist. Getting to the finals is already a dream come true. I wouldn’t dare hope for more.” She glanced at Luciano with a coy grin. “Going forward, I’ll keep learning from my mentor, Mr. Scott, and aim to bring everyone even better work.” While Paige played humble, Luciano piled on the praise. “Paige is selling herself short. Her skills are already top-tier, and I’m betting big on her taking the crown.”
“Whoa!” The reporters ate it up.
“Mr. Scott’s the head of the Calligraphers and Painters Association. Since he says Miss Jones is the real deal, it’s gotta be true. Miss Jones, if you win, don’t dodge our follow-up interviews!”
“Miss Jones, we caught your live show, ‘The Heiress’ Graduation Trip.’ Looked like Elliana was just green with envy, stirring up all kinds of trouble.”
Paige’s sweet smile widened, basking in her moment of glory. Spotting Elliana and Hailee walking together, ignored by the press, her ego swelled even more. She was shining brighter than a supernova, while Elliana was left in the dust. It felt good! If she could clinch the Starry Oil Painting Competition tonight, her star would burn even brighter, and she would surely catch Cole’s attention.
That day at the Royal Club, being humiliated by Elliana while Cole just stood by, Paige had given up on winning his heart. But now, hearing he’d stormed out of the Evans estate, rumoredly fed up with Ruben pushing him to consummate the marriage with Elliana, hope flickered again. She was convinced Cole only kept his distance because of Ruben’s pressure. Deep down, he must have a thing for her. Now that he’d broken ranks with Ruben, he wouldn’t hold back his feelings anymore. Raylan was decent, sure, but he couldn’t hold a candle to Cole. If she could win Cole’s affection, that’d be the ultimate victory.
As Paige’s mind crafted her prospective union with Cole, her eyes gleamed with imaginary triumph, and she shot Elliana a look dripping with challenge.
Elliana brushed off the silent challenge and strolled into the museum with Hailee. No reporters swarmed them. No celebs tried to chat them up. They walked in without a hitch.
Inside the competition hall, they spotted Haley barking orders at the camera crew to set up their shots, while the other guests were nowhere in sight.
When the two walked in, Haley threw them a cold glance. “Find a seat anywhere. You’re not needed on camera tonight.”
The whole point of the live broadcast was to showcase Paige’s big win in tonight’s competition. Everyone else could take a backseat. Elliana and Hailee didn’t care about being off-screen and headed to the spot Haley pointed out.
Soon after, Paige walked in, arm-in-arm with Luciano.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.