Hearing Verena's words, Lanny's expression darkened. "You're drunk."
Before she could react, he moved as if to lift her in his arms.
"Don't touch me!" Verena shoved his hand away, then lazily traced her fingers over the model's abs. "Professor Williams, I had no idea you're such a romantic. You'd go this far for the one you love?"
Lanny's gaze fixed on her hand. "Verena, don't push me."
She sipped her drink, ignoring him.
"Bethany saved my mother's life. That's the only connection we have," Lanny said, the patience on his face fading. "This is the last time I'll ask you—are you coming home or not?"
Since they had gotten together, Lanny had set strict rules. Verena had to be home before nine, no gatherings with her friends, all her sexy clothes discarded.
If she slipped up, he would sleep in the guest room and go a month without speaking to her.
Verena had always feared Lanny's silent coldness. Sometimes she would arrive just on time and feel her chest tighten under his sharp gaze.
When she loved him, she tread carefully.
But now? She was ready to let go, and his words meant nothing.
She said calmly, "Just so you know, you don't need to show up for the wedding on the 28th."
"Repeat that after you've sobered up," he said, expression blank, then lifted her over his shoulder.
"Lanny! You jerk! Let go of me!"
Verena struggled, punching his chest. "I'm serious! You're with me only because you're afraid I'd go after the man Bethany likes? Relax. Even if we break up, I don't care about arranged marriages…"
"Shut up, you're too noisy," Lanny said, tossing her into the back seat.
The ride left her head heavy, her body tingling with chills.
By the time they got home, she was feverish. Lanny placed her on the bed and fed her a pill.
The next morning, she woke to an empty side of the bed.
"You're awake," Lanny said, pushing the door open and brushing her forehead with the back of his hand. "You're still running a fever. I'm taking you to the hospital."
Verena opened her mouth to refuse, but his phone rang.
"Hello?"
After a brief conversation, Lanny's neutral expression shifted, first to surprise, then to relief. "I understand. I'll head there now!"
Hanging up, he added, "Bethany's awake. I'll go check on her. You take a cab."
Watching him leave, Verena felt a chill creep into her chest.
Suddenly, she didn't want to tell him about the wedding cancellation.
Why not string him along, toy with him, and make him chase an empty wedding day?
A sly smile curved Verena's lips.
...
At the Rehab Center.
Lanny rushed in and saw Bethany sitting up on the bed, dazed.
Their eyes met.
Her face lit up. "Lanny…"
He had barely stepped closer when Bethany wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.
"I thought I'd never see you again," she whispered through sobs.
Lanny's mother, Marilyn Williams, who had arrived just then, watched the scene unfold.
"Bethany, you're finally awake!" Marilyn's eyes glistened with tears. "We were worried sick these past two years while you were in a coma. And you don't even know, Lanny's wedding is in ten days."
"What?"
Bethany looked at Lanny, stunned.
"He's marrying your sister, Verena. Our family has always valued refinement and proper manners. Verena's bold, reckless nature makes her completely unsuitable for Lanny," Nash sighed. "You saved my life once, and I've always hoped you'd be part of our family. But your heart belongs elsewhere…"
"Mom," Lanny interrupted gently. "Bethany just woke up. She needs rest."
He led his mother out. When he returned, he saw Bethany staring at him with a strange expression.
"Are you okay? Do you feel unwell?" he asked, moving to call a doctor.
"Lanny, about my accident, it actually had something to do with Verena."
Lanny's eyes narrowed.
"She always claimed I took away the love our father was supposed to give her…" Bethany continued, her face turning pained. "Even while I was in a coma, I could hear things. Dad said he wouldn't press charges, because the person who caused it was Verena. Mom even argued with him about it."
Lanny fell silent.
He knew Verena could be wild and headstrong, but he never expected her to be this cruel to her own half-sister.
"I'll make Verena answer for it," he said, clenching his fists.
Bethany shook her head. "It's in the past. She's my sister. You can't really send her to jail…"
The word "jail" made Lanny's brow tighten.
He hadn't planned on punishing Verena so harshly, just holding her accountable.
"Mom said if Verena admits her mistake and apologizes, she won't pursue it any further," Bethany continued with a bitter smile. "You know Verena, she won't apologize easily…"
"Don't worry. I'll handle it," Lanny said in a cold voice.
Back at home, the house was empty.
It wasn't until evening that Verena returned, looking exhausted, her hand still bearing the IV bandage.
She snapped at the person on the phone, "She woke up—what's it to me? That illegitimate brat can never be my sister."
Hanging up, she headed upstairs.
"Bethany's accident was your fault," Lanny said coldly.
Verena froze, then laughed incredulously. "Are you serious?"
Lanny didn't reply.
He walked over, grabbed her hands, and shoved her into the guest room next door.
"You—"
Before she could react, the door clicked shut.
A sharp, heavy floral scent hit her nose.
She turned, seeing the room packed with fresh flowers.
"You're crazy! I'm allergic to pollen!" Verena shouted and pounded the door as her skin began to itch.
"Apologize to the cameras in the room," Lanny's deep voice said through the crack. "Admit that you caused Bethany's accident, and promise never to bother her again."
