The Hewitt Brothers I Chased for Years

Only Nikki herself knew—what she cared about was never marriage or a life of luxury. The only thing that truly mattered to her was the heart beating inside either Howard or Brad’s chest. That heart was the only connection she had left in this world, the only thing she depended on. But after three years of relentless pursuit, she was exhausted. And now, she had just learned that she had made a mistake. Grandma Hewitt gazed at Nikki with deep affection. Despite the truth of her origins, she had long seen Nikki as her granddaughter-in-law. Now, with everything ending in such absurdity, how could she not feel distressed? "Forget it," Grandma Hewitt sighed. "If that’s what you want, we’ll cancel the wedding in seven days. It’s those two foolish boys who don’t realize their blessing. But tell me, child, how can our Hewitt family make it up to you..." Just then, Nikki’s phone vibrated again. She glanced down, and her pupils suddenly dilated. [But I just found out—the transplant recipient is indeed someone in the Hewitt family.] [It’s Fourth Master Hewitt, David Hewitt.] David—the enigmatic Fourth Master who had left overseas years ago due to an ill-fated horoscope, remaining unmarried ever since? An impulse surged within her. Nikki looked up sharply. "Grandma Hewitt, there’s no need to make it up to me." "Howard and Brad were never meant for me. But… can I marry Fourth Master Hewitt instead, at the wedding in seven days?" The two elders of the Hewitt family were momentarily stunned, unsure if they had heard her correctly. "Child, you must think carefully. Marriage isn’t something to be decided in a moment of anger!" "Not to mention, Tomas Mueller is technically Howard and Brad’s adoptive father. More importantly, his horoscope is ominous for his spouse. That’s why he’s avoided women all these years—to protect them from misfortune!" A vague childhood memory flashed in Nikki’s mind. David wasn’t the youngest son of the Hewitt family in Seattle—he was born into the Hewitt family in the capital. Though not much older, he held a high status within the family. To counteract his ill fate, he had been adopted into the Seattle branch. With no plans to marry or have children, he had taken Howard and Brad from a side branch under his name, becoming their adoptive father in title. Nikki remembered the past—how, as a child, she had been playing hide-and-seek when Brad accidentally locked her in the basement. It was David who had rescued her, holding her gently in his arms, his warmth soothing her fears. Her gaze cleared with resolve. "Grandpa Hewitt, Grandma Hewitt, I’ve made up my mind." She wanted to return the Bray family to Lora and give her the Hewitt brothers she had chased for so many years. But the one thing she could never let go of—the only thing she had ever truly cared about—was her brother’s heart. Nikki only wanted to protect it. Forever. "As long as Master Hewitt is willing, I want to marry him. And I will never let him down." After leaving the Hewitt estate, she had yet to receive a response from David himself. But for the first time in years, Nikki felt at ease. Perhaps some things were never meant to be held onto. The identity of the Bray family’s daughter wasn’t hers to claim. And neither were the Hewitt brothers she had grown up with. When her phone rang, her heart trembled. She hesitated, fearing it was David calling to question or reject her. For a moment, she was too afraid to answer. "Miss Bray," the voice on the other end said, "the wedding dress you designed is ready. It has been airlifted to your home." Nikki froze. The wedding dress—she had designed it herself a year ago, commissioning a top designer to craft it. Now, at last, it is finished. Back then, she had dreamed of marrying one of the Hewitt brothers, sketching each detail with love and anticipation. Now, that dream felt like a distant illusion. With mixed emotions, Nikki hurried home. The moment she stepped inside, she was met with a dazzling sight. Before her stood a figure cloaked in a flawless white veil—radiant and pure. Brad’s voice rang with sincerity and admiration. "Lora, you look breathtaking. It’s impossible to look away…"

Howard stood in front of Lora, his eyes gently and stunningly covering her. "Well, Lora looks beautiful tonight." Lora was weak and the gorgeous wedding dress didn't fit her well, but the shy and blushing smile on her face was indeed moving. Nikki watched the scene in silence until the three of them noticed her presence. "Sister?" Lora met her gaze and couldn't help shaking, as if she was very scared. Nikki tightly grasped the phone, her palms burning: "This is the wedding dress I designed. Who gave it to you without my permission?" Howard's face sank first: "It's just a wedding dress. Lora likes it, so she wears it." Brad also mocked: "You have occupied the magpie's nest for so many years, and Lora has suffered so much for you. What's wrong with wearing your wedding dress? It's worthy of being a fake, so petty." Nikki's eyes dimmed fiercely. Even though she was used to being called a fake, she couldn't help but feel a tight pain in her heart when Brad, who used to favor her the most, said this to her face. Brad looked at the wedding dress, but said casually: "When did you design it secretly? Tsk, are you so eager to marry me or my brother?" Howard's eyes were cold: "I heard that you went to grandma's house today to cancel the wedding, but you regretted it in the end? Nikki, you have been spoiled since you were a child. How long will you play this trick of playing hard to get?" Nikki originally thought that the decision to change the groom today was a bit impulsive. At this moment, she had no regrets. Fortunately, Grandma Hewitt agreed with her, and everything would be made public on the wedding day. She slowly pulled the corners of her lips and looked at them: "The wedding will indeed not be cancelled, but I am not going to marry either of you." Brad seemed to have heard something funny. "Oh, you changed your tactics again? Everyone in Seattle knows that you, a fake, have been chasing us for three years just to marry into the Hewitt family. If you don't want to marry us, do you want to be our stepmother? Hahaha!" Lora pursed her lips and said righteously: "Sister, a forced marriage will not have a good result. Since Brother Howard and Brad have no feelings for you, you shouldn't force them in the name of the elders." Nikki smiled: "Yes, you are right. I regret not listening to my sister's advice earlier. So can you return the wedding dress to me now? I will wear it when I get married to someone else in seven days." Howard stared at the bitter and resolute expression in her eyes and frowned. Nikki seemed to be wronged today. Suddenly, Brad exclaimed: "Lora, why did you faint?!" Lora seemed to have suffered a great injustice. Just when she was about to untie the wedding dress, she fainted on the ground. Howard didn't have time to think about it anymore, and quickly picked her up. When he passed by Nikki, his eyes were as cold as ice: "You know that Lora has been living away from home since she was a child and has poor health.. Why do you want to provoke her again and again?" Brad also looked anxious and cold, and he grabbed Nikki's hand without saying anything and rushed to the hospital together. "Is there something wrong with the kidney you donated at that time? Why did Lora's health get worse and worse after the transplant? If she is hospitalized again, this time, Nikki, you'd better be prepared to donate another kidney!" He was very strong, and Nikki's hand was pulled so hard that it hurt. But in the great shock, she could no longer feel the pain. "Brad, what did you say?" Half a year ago, she clearly donated her kidney to him...

Outside the hospital ward, Brad looked at her with a mix of concern and cold indifference. "Didn’t you have three kidneys? Is something wrong with the one you were supposed to donate to Lora? The match is confirmed, so stay in the hospital tonight and be ready for the transplant at any time." Nikki stared at him in shock, her voice trembling. "Weren’t you the one who was sick back then?" At the time, she hadn’t felt this crushing disappointment—only worry for his health. That’s why she had rushed to get tested for a donor match. Brad let out a cold laugh. "If I hadn’t pretended to be sick, would someone as selfish and petty as you have willingly donated your kidney to Lora? If her surgery had been delayed, could you have lived with that guilt?" He had gripped her wrist so tightly along the way that angry red and purple marks marred her fair skin. But Nikki didn’t even seem to register the pain. She simply stared at Brad’s hardened face. He was only a few months older than her, yet compared to his composed older brother, Howard, Brad had always been the reckless, impulsive one—like a younger brother trailing after her with unwavering enthusiasm. He had done everything for her. He had never wanted to see her get hurt, not even a little. When a boy with a crush on her once tugged at her pigtails, Brad had spun around and beaten him so badly that he ended up disfigured—yet he had still come to Nikki afterward, grinning proudly as if expecting praise. When she accidentally burned her hand while setting off fireworks one New Year's Eve, he had been more panicked than she was. From that day forward, he never let her light fireworks again. Instead, he held them up for her to watch, staying up all night just so she could enjoy them—every single year. This same rebellious boy, once so full of passion and sincerity, had deceived her into giving up a kidney with a lie. And now, he expected her to lie on an operating table again and give up another one. Maybe everything had gone wrong the moment she had chosen the wrong heart transplant recipient. Tears blurred Nikki’s vision as a bitter smile formed on her lips. "Three kidneys? How could I possibly have three? Brad, I lied to you to put your mind at ease… and you actually believed it." Brad narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously. "I know you don’t want to donate a kidney to Lora. But don’t forget—her weak health is because of you. You stole her rightful place as the rich family’s daughter, while she suffered outside for years. Don’t you think you should atone for that?" "I…" "Enough." Howard’s voice cut in impatiently as he stepped out of the ward. His tone was deep and authoritative. "Nikki, isn’t marrying into our family all you want?" "If you agree to donate another healthy kidney to Lora, Brad and I will attend the wedding in seven days. We won’t embarrass you by not showing up. Satisfied?" Nikki met his cold gaze, his condescending tone stabbing into her. The memory of her kidney removal surgery six months ago resurfaced—the pain of the incision still lingering in her body. "I already told you—I’m not marrying either of you. Whether you show up or not, it makes no difference to me." Howard’s eyes darkened. At that moment, Lora stirred awake. The two brothers rushed inside, their voices filled with concern. "Thank God, Lora, you’re okay." From inside the room, Brad’s voice carried out loud and clear. "That fraud is truly unlucky. First, she killed Brother Bray, then she caused you to suffer outside for years, sick and weak. Now, all we’re asking is for her to donate a kidney, yet she dares to use it as leverage to force a marriage…" The mention of Brother Bray made Nikki’s heart clench violently. She bit her lip, feeling an icy wetness on her cheeks—tears she hadn’t even realized were falling. Like a wandering soul, she turned and walked away. Her phone suddenly rang. On the other end, a deep, unfamiliar voice spoke. "I heard you want to marry me." Nikki immediately recognized who it was. Her body froze for a second before she answered nervously. "Yes." The man chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of knowing amusement. "Weren’t those two so desperate to win your favor before? How quickly their affections have changed…"

Nikki didn’t know what to say. Her palms were slick with sweat, panic creeping through her veins. The next second, she heard David’s voice, casual yet firm. "I do." Then, with a hint of amusement, he added, "But you should’ve heard—I bring bad luck to my wives. I can’t guarantee what might happen if you marry me." Nikki’s breath hitched. She sniffled and forced a small, bitter smile. "I’m bad luck too. Tough life, unlucky fate… maybe we’re a perfect match." Silence stretched for a few seconds before David suddenly let out a low, soft chuckle. "Alright. Wait for me. In seven days, I’ll come back and marry you." He must have heard the quiet sobs she was trying so hard to suppress. His sigh was barely audible, but when he spoke again, his voice carried a rare warmth—calm, steady, almost reassuring. "Nikki, don’t cry. From now on, you have me." The call ended, yet Nikki felt as if she had just woken up from a dream. She hadn’t expected David to actually agree… Though his face was nothing but a vague memory now, his deep and clear voice made her wonder—he probably wasn’t that old yet, right? But it didn’t matter. She had chosen to marry him for one reason only—to protect that heart. She had no other expectations. Over the years, she had learned the hard way—wishful thinking only led to punishment from fate. And fate had already punished her until she had nothing left to lose. With David’s answer, a strange calm settled over Nikki. She focused on preparing for the wedding in seven days. The Hewitt brothers, as always, expected her to cook their meals. Over the past few days, they kept messaging her, ordering dishes for her to prepare and sending them to the hospital to help Lora recover. But Nikki never replied. Not once. They assumed she was just throwing another tantrum—until they heard from others that she was busy preparing for a wedding. Their reactions were exactly as expected—mockery, laced with disdain. "So much for saying she wouldn’t marry either of us," Brad scoffed. "Looks like that was just a reverse psychology trick to force a proposal." Lora forced a delicate smile. "I envy my sister… She had the two of you growing up with her, childhood sweethearts, two little kids playing together. But my body is weak—I probably won’t even be able to attend the wedding." Brad immediately tried to comfort her. "Who’s even marrying her? Lora, if you’re not going, neither am I. My brother and I will just skip it, let her have the ceremony alone—see how she likes becoming a laughingstock in all of Seattle!" Howard murmured a few reassuring words to Lora as well, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t shake off what he had overheard at the hospital that day. A nagging unease settled in his chest. Three days later, a delivery arrived for Nikki—an overwhelming number of gifts, all sent by David, who had yet to return to the country. There was a one-of-a-kind, custom-made wedding veil. A diamond necklace worth tens of millions. A pair of wedding shoes adorned with real crystal diamonds. She hadn’t expected him to be so thoughtful. Somehow, her heart felt… a little lighter. That night, she went to try on the wedding ring David had ordered. Just then, her phone rang. It was Howard. But when she answered, no one spoke. Only the sound of laughter and loud voices filled the line—it was a party. "Howard won the dare!" someone shouted. "Drink ten shots or kiss Lora—your choice! Hahaha!" Nikki could hear Howard’s heavy breathing against the microphone. He sounded a little drunk. The next second, Lora’s soft, shy voice came through. "Howard, you can’t drink too much—it’s bad for your heart. Let me drink for you instead… Don’t let them tease me." Then, it wasn’t Howard’s voice that spoke, but some rich second-generation heir from his circle. His tone was arrogant, dismissive. "Come to the bar right now. Howard has a stomachache." For a moment, Nikki’s heart clenched in reflex. She parted her lips, ready to respond— But the call cut off. She stood frozen for a long while, staring at the phone. Then, slowly, she curled her lips into a mocking smile. How many times had this happened before? How many times had she dropped everything, rushing to him the moment someone called? Whether it was a business dinner, a late-night party, or just another social gathering, she had always been the one to worry about Howard’s health—more than he ever did himself.

This time, she was determined to break the habit. She wouldn't go there again. Nikki tried on the ring and went home alone. As she passed by the bar, a group of drunken men blocked her path. "Well, if it isn’t the fake Bray daughter." "The Hewitt brothers are throwing a bachelorette party for the real one tonight. Didn’t you know?" One of them sneered. "Since you couldn’t climb your way up to the Hewitt family, why not settle for us instead…?" They were infamous playboys in the circle. In the past, they wouldn’t have dared to look Nikki in the eye when the Hewitt brothers were around. But now, emboldened by alcohol, their lecherous gazes raked over her as they surrounded her, hands reaching out to grope her. Nikki frowned, inhaling sharply. She turned to leave, but they forcibly stopped her. Panic surged through her as she struggled, desperately hoping for someone—anyone—to help. Then, a voice rang out behind her. "Let her go!" It was Howard. Relief flooded Nikki’s face as she looked at him, gratitude in her eyes. But the moment she met his gaze—along with Brad and Lora’s—her heart sank. There was no concern. Only disgust. "Sister," Lora sighed, her delicate features tinged with disappointment. "Even if you can't marry Howard or Brad, you shouldn’t throw yourself at random men..." Her voice was soft, almost pitying. "I may have grown up poor, but even I know that a woman should keep her dignity. Are you really willing to degrade yourself like this—just to retaliate against me? Or is marrying into a wealthy family worth losing all self-respect?" The tears that had welled in Nikki’s eyes from the earlier assault froze in disbelief. "It wasn’t—" Brad cut her off with a sneer. "I think she’s just desperate enough to take whatever she can get." His voice was cold, dripping with disdain. "Nikki, I really misjudged you. For years, you clung to me and my brother, and I could at least respect your persistence. But this?" He let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "You realize you can’t get into the Hewitt family, so you throw yourself at the first pack of dogs you find? When I think of all those years I spent with you as a kid, I feel sick." Howard stepped forward, his expression unreadable but his tone cutting. "So this is the person who said she wanted to change her marriage partner?" He scoffed. "Lora was right. You really are cheap." On the crowded street, passersby had already gathered, whispering among themselves, their gazes filled with judgment. The socialites who followed the Hewitt brothers smirked, adding fuel to the fire. "She really is a disgrace. A fake through and through." "Acts all innocent on the surface, but flirts with men behind closed doors. Who knows how many people she’s slept with already? She’s nothing compared to Lora!" For three years, Nikki had fallen from her pedestal, from the life of a wealthy heiress to rock bottom. She had endured countless rumors, endured being looked down upon. But this— This was the first time Howard and Brad had humiliated her so openly, without a second thought. Her lips quivered, but before she could say anything, she met their eyes. There was no hesitation. No regret. Just sheer contempt, as if she were nothing more than filth beneath their shoes. It was suffocating. Her mind reeled back to the past—the laughter, the warmth, the way Howard and Brad had once looked at her with genuine care. But those memories shattered against the harsh reality of the present. The crowd’s taunts grew louder, their laughter cutting through her like a blade. And the two men who once meant everything to her stood silently, making no effort to stop it. Then—something cold from her hand. The diamond ring. It landed with a sharp clink, jarring her back to reality. Right. The man she was going to marry wasn’t them. That thought alone was enough to steady her. Nikki swallowed back her emotions, lowered her gaze, and without a word, turned on her heel. Tears clung to her lashes, but she only let out a cold, bitter smile as she walked away. Howard’s expression darkened. His brows furrowed as he called after her. "Don’t you have anything to say?"

"Sister, that diamond ring on your hand is gorgeous!" Lora’s eyes sparkled as she caught sight of the dazzling gem. Without hesitation, she grabbed Nikki’s hand, gasping in awe. "Is this the Graff Pink Heart diamond—the one and only in the world?" Then, her tone darkened. "Could this be the wedding ring that Howard and Brad prepared for me? It’s stunning..." Nikki winced as Lora’s grip tightened painfully around her fingers. Before she could pull away, Brad—who had been standing nearby—noticed Lora’s interest. Without a second thought, he forcibly yanked the ring off Nikki’s finger and handed it to Lora as if offering a prized possession. His voice was filled with irritation. "Brother, when did you even get a wedding ring? Are you seriously thinking about marrying this fake, who shamelessly flirts around?" Howard’s sharp gaze flickered between the ring and Nikki’s face. His voice was cold and firm. "That’s impossible." Lora blinked innocently. "Then... Could it be that one of those playboys from earlier, or maybe some other man, gave it to my sister?" Nikki watched as Lora slid the ring onto her own finger. Ignoring the pain still stinging her hand, she quickly reached out, her face turning icy. "Give it back! It’s mine!" But just as her fingertips grazed Lora’s, Howard seized her arm with a bruising grip. His eyes were dark, his voice laced with warning. "It’s only been a few days, and you've already latched onto someone else? Nikki, are you really this cheap? Have you forgotten how you were just begging to marry us?" Brad scoffed. "Maybe she bought it herself to force a marriage. Whatever. Lora likes it, so let her wear it. The wedding isn’t happening anyway—no need for you to keep a ring." Nikki’s composure finally shattered. The emotions she had been holding back burst forth as she watched Lora—safely shielded behind them—smiling sweetly, admiring the ring in her hand. Her breathing grew heavy. Then, unable to contain herself any longer, she lunged forward. "That’s my ring! Give it back!" It wasn’t just a wedding ring—it was the last glimmer of light in her life. The symbol of David’s trust and kindness was brought to her from across thousands of miles of ocean. The only warmth she had left. Lora shrank back, trembling. She looked at Nikki with wide, fearful eyes, hiding behind Howard as if she were some helpless victim. Before Nikki could even reach her, Brad and Howard blocked her path. Brad’s expression darkened. With zero hesitation, he shoved her backward—straight onto the street. "Are you insane? It’s just a ring! After everything you’ve stolen from Lora over the years, you still have the audacity to fight her for this?" Nikki stumbled, losing her balance. A car screeched to a halt just inches from her, the blaring honk making her heart pound in terror. Brad’s eyes flickered with surprise for a moment, but his annoyance quickly returned. "If you hadn’t fought like a lunatic, none of this would’ve happened. Stop acting pitiful." Howard strode forward, grabbing her by the wrist and yanking her back, but his face was twisted with fury. "What the hell is wrong with you? Throwing yourself away like this just to force us into marriage? And now, you’re even willing to risk your life?" Lora hesitated before pulling the ring off her finger and tossing it aside. "Sister, I… I don’t want to take anything from you. But please, stop forcing Howard and Brad!" The diamond ring hit the pavement with a sharp clink, rolling away as tiny reflections of light danced across its surface. Nikki clenched her teeth, ignoring the pain from her swollen ankle as she staggered forward. Her bloodshot eyes locked onto the ring. She reached for it. But just as her fingertips brushed the pavement, a foot shot out and kicked her down. She hit the ground hard. Laughter erupted. It was one of Howard’s so-called friends. "Hahaha! Look at her!" "Howard, I invited her for drinks tonight, but she acted all high and mighty, pretending she was too good for us! And now? She comes crawling back, diamond rings in her hand, trying to force a marriage?" He sneered, shaking his head. "Didn’t expect this bootlicker to be so desperate!"

Nikki’s forehead slammed into the ground, and a blinding white light flashed in her vision. Pain shot through her skull as she slowly opened her eyes, the sound of laughter around her fading into a distant hum. At that moment, only one thought consumed her. Thank God... the wedding ring wasn’t lost. She lay sprawled on the pavement, reaching out with trembling fingers, just inches away from the ring—when a pair of spotless leather shoes suddenly appeared in front of her. Brad bent down, plucking the ring from between the bricks, and stared down at her with a smug expression. "Nikki, what kind of pathetic show are you putting on? You scared Lora to tears." "My ring..." Brad studied her pale face and the miserable state of her body, his brows knitting together in slight distaste. For a moment, it almost seemed like he was offering her the ring. His fingers extended toward her, stopping barely a centimeter away from her own. Then, just as her breath hitched in hope, his lips curled into a smirk. Straightening up, he casually tossed the ring into the air. It spun in a gleaming arc under the night sky—before plunging straight into the fountain in the middle of the street. Right at that moment, the timed music played, and with a loud bang, the fountain erupted, sending powerful jets of water spraying in all directions. Nikki’s eyes widened in horror as she watched the ring vanish beneath the surging water. Her whole body went rigid, a freezing sensation crawling through her veins. She lifted her gaze to Brad in a daze, her breath caught in her throat. It was as if all the blood in her body had turned to ice. Brad, no longer wearing his smug expression, had already turned away to console Lora gently. "Don't worry, Lora. I'll order an even better one for you tomorrow. That fake ring was cheap anyway—I mean, Nikki wore it." Lora huddled into Howard’s arms, her voice soft and pitiful. "Sister scratched my hand just now... It really hurts. She’s so scary. She’s never like this in front of Mom and Dad." Brad’s voice dropped to a commanding tone. "Nikki, come here and apologize to Lora!" But as he turned around, his expression shifted. Nikki wasn’t standing there. She was struggling to get up, her body covered in dust and grime. Her hair was disheveled, her clothes a mess, one of her high heels broken. Then, barefoot and pale, she suddenly sprinted into the fountain. Desperation fueled her movements as she plunged into the icy water, her hands frantically searching every crevice, every gap between the tiles—like a madwoman chasing a ghost. Brad and Howard watched, momentarily stunned. "It’s just a ring," Brad muttered, frowning. "Why is she acting like this?" His brows furrowed deeper, his voice dropping in disbelief. "She just wants to marry me... doesn’t she?" Howard’s sharp gaze swept over Nikki’s trembling figure. He noticed the deep scratches on her legs from earlier, the way her red-rimmed eyes stood out against her ghostly pale face. The freezing winter air turned the water on her heavy coat into sheets of ice. Yet, even as her entire body grew numb, she didn’t stop searching. She didn’t even hear the onlookers whispering. "Tsk tsk... She’s really willing to do anything just to marry one of them." "Pathetic. No dignity at all." Spit landed near her, followed by mocking laughter. But Nikki heard none of it. At that moment, nothing else mattered. She had to find that ring. The one David gave her. Over the years of chasing after the Hewitt brothers, she had already lost every shred of pride. This wedding ring—this last, ridiculous token—was all she had left. Her final scrap of dignity. Brad and Howard exchanged glances, their expressions complicated. Lora suddenly clutched her chest, her lips trembling. "I feel a little faint... I was so scared just now..." Both men instantly snapped to attention, their focus shifting back to her. Without hesitation, they picked her up and hurried to the car. Meanwhile, Nikki remained in the freezing fountain, her fingers numb, her entire body trembling violently. Yet she kept searching. Her wide, tear-filled eyes scanned the depths of the water, even as her frozen tears crystallized against her skin, turning into layers of salt.

Three days later, she woke up. Outside the hospital room, Howard had just arrived when he overheard the nurse speaking to Brad. "Ms. Bray underwent kidney donation surgery. She’s weak and shouldn’t be exposed to the cold, or there may be complications." Brad’s voice dropped. "But she had three kidneys, right? One was a duplicate. Donating one shouldn’t be that serious." The nurse hesitated, then looked at him strangely. "The scans show she only has one kidney left." Her voice was calm but firm. "Besides, I assisted in her surgery. Ms. Bray is a normal person—there was never a duplicate kidney." Brad stiffened. Howard was the first to react, his expression darkening, his gaze unreadable. "What did you just say?" The nurse didn’t waver. "She only had two kidneys. Now she has one." For a moment, silence pressed down on them. Brad frowned deeply, his mind racing. His first instinct was to reject the idea. "That’s impossible. She told me—" But then, he saw it. The scan. The undeniable truth. He and Howard stared at the image of the single remaining kidney, the weight of realization settling over them like a cold shadow. Brad’s breath slowed as he turned toward the hospital bed. Nikki lay there, pale and weak, yet even in unconsciousness, her fingers remained tightly wrapped around that wedding ring. For the first time, an uneasy guilt stirred inside him. Howard’s gaze lingered on her frail hand, a complex emotion flashing through his eyes. Near the door, Lora watched them, her face pale. She bit her lip, her voice trembling with guilt. "It’s my fault," she whispered. "If I weren’t weak, if I weren’t sick... my sister wouldn’t have needed to donate her kidney. Howard and Brad wouldn’t have been forced into this, manipulated by her step by step into a marriage trap..." Her eyes reddened as she suddenly turned away. "Maybe... Maybe I should just give the kidney back to her. That way, I can have peace of mind, too..." She made to leave, but before she could take a step, Howard and Brad moved at the same time, blocking her path. Howard’s frown deepened. "Lora, you’ve suffered enough. How could this be your fault?" Brad’s voice was firm, unwavering. "This is what Nikki owes you. One kidney, in exchange for a life of luxury—she got more than enough out of this deal." But as soon as the words left his mouth, the faint rustle of movement caught his ear. Nikki had woken up. Her eyes met his, dark and unreadable. In that instant, Brad felt something strange settle in his chest. He remembered what the nurse had said. And for the first time, he hesitated.

Howard paused, an unusual flicker of concern in his tone. "Nikki, you're awake?" Lora’s eyes darkened, but before she could speak, Howard’s phone rang. He answered, his expression shifting. "What? Hewitt… The foster father is back to prepare for the wedding?" As he ended the call, both brothers exchanged a look, their gazes turning cold as they turned back to the woman on the hospital bed. "You failed to force a marriage, so now you're using the foster father to threaten us?" Brad sneered. "Nikki, you really never run out of tricks. You’re doing everything in your power to make one of us marry you." "I’m telling you now—no matter how much pressure the elders put on us, we will never agree to marry you!" At the mention of David, Nikki’s dull eyes finally lit up. Even though the Hewitt brothers’ words were cruel, she no longer cared. However, there was still one last question she needed to confirm. Just as they were about to leave with Lora, Nikki spoke in a hoarse voice. "Wait a moment." "Howard, Brad—you both had a heart transplant when you were young because of a hereditary condition, right?" The brothers exchanged glances, confused by her sudden question. They assumed she was trying to manipulate them by bringing up childhood memories. Howard answered curtly. "Brad didn’t. I had a heart problem, but it healed before the transplant, so the surgery was never done. Why are you asking this?" Nikki nodded, a sad, knowing smile forming on her lips. "Okay. I understand now." And with that, she could finally let go completely. Howard stared at her pale face, an unshakable sense of unease creeping into his chest. It felt as if something precious had just shattered—something he hadn’t even realized he had. "Nikki, you—" Before he could finish, Lora suddenly collapsed against him, trembling as she pleaded, "Sister, please don’t force Howard and Brad anymore. If you want, I’ll even give up my place as the Bray family’s daughter. Isn't that enough?" Brad, seeing Lora on the verge of fainting from emotion, shot Nikki a furious glare. Without warning, he grabbed her from the bed. "Do you think donating a kidney and calling your adoptive father will be enough to threaten me?" He seethed. "Nikki, don’t you think you deserve this?" They hurriedly picked Lora up and left, never sparing a glance at Nikki as she crumpled to the floor. Alone in the empty ward, she had expected this. But surprisingly, she no longer cared. After all, tomorrow was her wedding—the day she would say a final goodbye to the Hewitt brothers. That night, Nikki quietly checked out of the hospital. She needed to prepare properly for the ceremony. For the first time in a long while, she managed to sleep peacefully. But just as dawn broke, a message from the Hewitt brothers arrived. "Nikki, come to the hospital now." "If you exchange your kidney with Lora again, we will agree to attend the wedding today." For a moment, Nikki thought she had misread the words. They were threatening her—demanding she trade her only healthy kidney for Lora’s failing one, in exchange for them showing up at her wedding? A blank, hollow laugh escaped her lips as her eyes turned red. Without hesitation, she grabbed the two locked wooden boxes she had packed the night before and rushed to the hospital. As soon as the Hewitt brothers saw her, their expressions were cold and mocking—exactly as she expected. They believed her attempt to change the groom had been just another manipulation tactic. Wasn’t it obvious? The wedding was about to begin, and she had rushed over in desperation, willing to give up her last healthy kidney just to ensure the ceremony went as planned.