ite-those with wealth, influence, or the right connections. Entry wasn't grante

blocked by a stern-faced security guard who assessed her w

before him, acutely aware of her outsider status. "I don

s trembling slightly as s

ut no one answered. After several attempts, she lowered

ty guard once more. "Sir, I promise I'm not causing trouble. I just need to spe

e, unmoved by her plea. "I'm sorry, but

reated to a nearby corner, her shoulders hunched as she t

nough, the sky suddenly darkened,

g without warning, bringing with them a

into steady rainfall, the cold seep

ms wrapping around h

continued shielding her phone, stubb

l once more, a shadow fell o

ee a strikingly handsome face, one s

presence, and in his hand, he held an umbrella, t

unsteady. "Why

but there was something unreadable in his

ed. She knew w

authority he carried, she assumed he came from wealth. And now, he was

rifice of comfort for her benefit. After a moment's hesitati

replied without a m

ack by his immediate agreement. "You

iddle finger, his gaze intensifying as he studied her face. "Bu

ightly. Had she heard him correctly? He wasn't offe

s. She shook her head repeatedly, backing away slightly. "I'm sorry,

dawning on him. "The man you care about left you sta

ace. Her lips moved as if to form

re of anger and compassion crossing his features. "This

quired immediate funds, yet the prospect of binding herself to this st

ce, a final, desperate hope that Aaron might em

d. The hospital's number flashed across the scree

ands, Gianna ans

ur immediate authorization for surgery, or we may not be able to save her.

d tears. Her hands grew icy, barely maintaining their grip o

yd? Are y

ack to you as so

hat her nails dug into her palms. In that moment of crisis, clarity

features despite the fear still lurking in her eyes