Upon the realization crashing into her like a sudden storm, Vivian's pallor shifted dramatically. Her heart was heavy, yet Eva, blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing within her, casually remarked, “It was merely a light shower; I’m fine.” With those words, she advanced toward the desk, placing yesterday’s work report with an air of nonchalance. “This is the summary of yesterday’s work that I’ve organized. I have other things to attend to, so I won’t disturb your reunion.” As Eva departed, a cloud of tension hung in the air, tightening around Adrian’s brow. “Adrian?” It was only when Vivian called out to him that he emerged from his trance-like state. Seeing his disquiet, she felt an unsettling knot in her stomach, yet urged herself to speak softly and considerately, “I couldn’t help but notice that Eva seems unwell. Though she’s taken on the role of your secretary now, she was once the young lady of the Hansen family before their downfall. Please, don’t be too hard on her.” Harsh? Adrian bit back a scoff. Who could possibly be harsh on her? Meanwhile, Eva, feeling the floor beneath her shift, stumbled back to her office, the world around her growing dimmer. Overwhelmed by an encroaching wave of dizziness, she rested her forehead against the cool surface of her desk, surrendering to an all-consuming sleep. In the depths of her slumber, memories unspooled like a film reel, pulling her back to her eighteenth birthday. It was a day meant for celebrating the transition into adulthood—a joint coming-of-age ceremony for both Eva and Adrian orchestrated by their families. Clad in her favorite blue dress, her hair styled in lush waves and nails polished to perfection, Eva was ablaze with anticipation, planning to confess her feelings to Adrian under the glowing chandeliers. She lifted the hem of her dress and set off to find him, but her steps faltered when she overheard a playful discussion among Adrian’s friends. “Adrian, you’ve reached adulthood. Do you have a crush yet? Maybe it’s time to think about engagement.” “I think Eva would be a solid choice—she’s always trailing after you,” another voice chimed in, humor lacing the tone as it flowed through the air. Instinctively, Eva froze, her heart quickening as she strained to hear Adrian's reply. Yet before he could respond, a dismissive voice cut in, “Eva won’t do. He only sees her as a sister. Everyone knows Adrian’s heart belongs to Vivian.” Vivian… He liked Vivian? A sudden chill swept through Eva as her gaze flickered toward Adrian. Amid the shimmering night, he sat on a stone bench, a soft smile tugging at his lips, not contradicting the claim. “True, Vivian is gentler, more captivating, more of a woman. Eva is merely a little girl. And, let’s not forget, Vivian saved his life,” said Michael Cooper, one of Adrian's closest friends. “Remember the incident by the river? If she hadn’t jumped in, you wouldn't be here today.” The revelation hit Eva like a thunderclap. It was a well-known tale, one that swirled in whispers among their social circle—but she had known so little of it. That fateful year, she had also fallen into the water and succumbed to a raging fever, her memories shrouded in darkness. Upon waking, she found herself bereft of vital recollections, including how she had fallen in. A classmate had suggested her fall was due to reckless play, a notion Eva never fully believed. Fragments of that time danced just out of reach, and no matter how hard she grasped at them, they remained elusive. What haunted her more than anything was the stark truth confronting her now: Adrian was forever captivated by the one who had saved him. A bitter pang of jealousy coursed through her veins—if only it had been her who had plunged into the icy waters, if only she’d been the one to emerge as his hero. The weight of her longing pressed heavily onto her chest, throbbing like a relentless drum beat. Why hadn’t it been her? If only… Then, like an unwelcome specter, Adrian’s face loomed in her thoughts, his eyes cold as ice. “Eva, terminate the pregnancy.” The words sliced through her very being, and before she could gather herself, Vivian's figure materialized beside him, clutching his arm like a vine. “Eva, by refusing to terminate the child, are you attempting to ruin our relationship?” Adrian’s voice grew even colder as he stepped closer, grasping her chin with a firm grip. “Terminate the pregnancy! Do not push me to take action.” Caught in the whirlwind of these haunting echoes, Eva fought to break free from that nightmarish vision. Abruptly, she jolted awake, her body drenched in cold sweat. Her eyes fluttered open, and the shifting scenery outside the car window began to materialize—a chaotic blur of reality. Had it all been a dream? It felt too vivid, too piercingly real... “Eva, you’re awake,” a familiar voice broke through the fog in her mind. She looked up to see Vivian's face, creased with concern. “Thank goodness! I’ve been so worried about you throughout the journey.” Vivian? What was she doing here? A flicker of realization ignited within Eva as her eyes darted to the front—Adrian was behind the wheel, focused on the road, while Vivian sat in the passenger seat beside him. “Awake? Are you feeling any discomfort?” Adrian asked, his gaze flicking up to meet hers in the rearview mirror. “If you are, we’ll see the doctor as soon as we reach the hospital.” Just as Eva began to steady her racing heart, a wave of tension washed over her at his words. “No, there’s no need to go to the hospital. I’m fine.” “Stop being stubborn. Do you realize you have a fever?” Adrian shot back, casting her a worried glance. “Yes, Eva, your fever is quite high. You must go to the hospital,” Vivian joined in, her tone earnest. “I heard from Adrian that you got caught in the rain yesterday. What happened?” What happened? Eva’s lips parted, but no words formed. As she peered into Vivian's concerned gaze, she felt the weight of yesterday's turmoil crushing down upon her. Did Vivian know something about the event that unfolded? Before she could ponder further, however, Vivian’s eyes softened further, hinting at empathy. “Was it because of yesterday…” Adrian, picking up on her tacit implications, interjected firmly, “Regardless, we're heading to the hospital first. You're sick, and you need to rest. No office for you right now.” Momentarily taken aback, Vivian glanced at Adrian, confusion flickering in her eyes as he interrupted her concern. Eva, however, bit her lip, determination cutting through her haze. “I’m not going to the hospital.” Her stubbornness was palpable, and Adrian frowned at her defiance. “If you’re sick and refuse medical help, what do you intend to achieve?” Eva pressed her lips together, feeling the conflict roil within. “I know my own body,” she insisted. She couldn't go to the hospital! If she did, her secret would be exposed.