Tears filled Reese’s eyes as she spoke, the weight of her own regrets and lost dreams threatening to overwhelm her.
Bianca had become the family Reese never had.
Blake, on the other hand, felt like a distant, unreachable dream.
Still, she longed for happiness for both of them, the people who meant so much to her. Her own happiness felt like a forgotten thought.
Blake stared at her, his eyes wide with disbelief. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again as if trying to find the right words.
“You’re… you’re thinking too much about it,” Blake finally said. “I can’t make her happy right now. Maybe without me, she’d have a better life. I’m just… a burden. I don’t deserve her.”
Reese reached out and took his cold hand. “Don’t say that, Blake,” she said firmly. “Recovery is more than just rehab. There are new treatments, new technologies.”
Blake’s eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?” he asked, a spark of hope showing his eyes.
Reese’s eyes lit up after noticing his reaction. “I overheard the research center’s director talking about a new technology in Mubluosia,” she explained. “It has a high success rate for treating leg injuries, and the treatment only takes three months.” But…” her voice trailed off.
“But what?” Blake asked, sitting up straighter, a mix of excitement and disbelief on his face.
“The treatment is incredibly expensive,” Reese said, her voice heavy. “Hundreds of millions…”
Blake slumped back in the wheelchair, the weight of the news hitting him hard.
Blake never imagined money would be his biggest problem.
If it were Dave, he would have paid the money without hesitation.
Blake clenched his fists in frustration.
His adoptive parents had been very generous, paying for his education abroad. He couldn’t bear the thought of asking them for more money.
And the amount required was no small sum.
Vincent had recently funded several film projects and was dealing with tighter cash flow, so asking for his help wasn’t an option either.
“Blake, let’s earn the money together!” Reese said, gripping his hand. “If we win the popularity showdown on ‘Star Search,’ we can get fame and more contracts. We can do this together. We’ll raise the money soon. Please, don’t give up on yourself.”
A complex expression crossed Blake’s face.
“Can we really do it? And even if we do, will Bianca still be with me?” he asked, his voice tinged with sadness.
“Yes, she definitely will,” Reese reassured him. “Bianca cares for you. She just hasn’t realized it yet.”
“Really?” Blake asked, unsure.
“If she didn’t care for you, why would she do all that? When you were in the hospital, I offered to help, but she insisted on being the one by your side. She wanted to stay close to you. Look at everything she’s done lately. Who else would go that far for someone they didn’t care about?” Reese said firmly.
Surprise crossed Blake’s face at her words. After thinking for a moment, he asked softly, “What can I do to make her realize she has feelings for me?”
“First, focus on your leg rehab,” Reese advised gently. “Recovery is possible with physical therapy, but it will be tough and slow. You might not get full mobility back, and I know you don’t want to be in a wheelchair forever. Bianca has a lot on her plate with the company and her breakup. She needs you now more than ever.”
Blake clenched his fists. Reese was right.
In his current condition, he couldn’t support Bianca. He was more of a burden to her.
He decided to heal and get stronger, to surpass Dave. That was the only way he could prove to himself that he could bring Bianca more happiness.
“I understand, Reese. Thank you,” Blake said, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
Relieved, Reese smiled back and suggested, “How about we take a walk?”
“No, thanks,” Blake replied, leaning back in his wheelchair with a calm, peaceful smile. “I’m really tired.”
Reese remembered the first time she had seen that smile.
She would never forget it.
After the car accident, Blake’s smiles had become rare and filled with self-mockery and bitterness. Seeing his genuine smile now, Reese felt a wave of emotion.
But she didn’t want him to see her like this. She quickly stood up and moved behind him to push his wheelchair.
“Okay. Let me take you back to your ward so you can rest,” she said softly.
As she pushed the wheelchair, Reese looked at his back and whispered to herself, “Blake, I’ll stay by your side until you find true happiness.”
****
Meanwhile, Sophia arrived at the club’s entrance.
The club was by the seaside and had a laid-back atmosphere.
Bianca and Diana got out of the car as a valet came over to take Sophia’s keys. He glanced at her for a moment before walking away to park the car.
“He’s so unbothered by the famous movie queen,” Diana said, watching the valet leave.
“He’s probably used to it,” Bianca said with a smile. “Remember who recommended this club?”
“You’re right,” Diana nodded. “He knows Nicolas too. No wonder he isn’t starstruck.”
“Let’s go inside,” Sophia suggested, joining the two.
The club had a calm and inviting environment, which was not what Bianca had expected.
An attendant led them to a sturdy wooden door, opened it, and invited them in.
As soon as Bianca walked in, she noticed the decorations.
The room gave off a warm and luxurious feel, making guests feel relaxed right away.
It seemed more like a lively home than a part of a club.
A bright green mural filled the room. Beyond the living room, a balcony with rattan tables and chairs was visible.
Nicolas and Brandon, who were sitting there, saw them come in. Nicolas got up and walked over.
“There you are.” He looked around quickly, then his attention turned to Sophia. He asked Bianca, “Where is Reece?”
“She’s busy with work, I’m really sorry,” Bianca answered with courtesy.
“It’s no problem,” Nicolas responded with a friendly smile and motioned for them to join him. “Please, sit here.”
Bianca followed him and sat down in a rattan chair. That’s when she realized how special this private suite was. Looking outside, she noticed a large open-air swimming pool surrounded by many trees that made the place feel peaceful.