Victoria blinked, scanning the room before her gaze landed on the unfamiliar man. She couldn't help but look at him again.

Even just a hint of Elijah in him felt like a lifeline tossed into the abyss she was drowning in.

Henry adjusted her bed with practiced ease, then offered her a warm glass of water with quiet care.

"Drink a little first. I was just visiting a grave when I saw you passed out. Called an ambulance and brought you here."

"I see... Thank you," she replied softly, wrapping both hands around the cup. The warmth seeped into her palms, easing a bit of the chill inside.

Almost absentmindedly, she bit the rim of the glass, eyes flicking around in search of her phone. Henry caught on instantly.

"Your phone's dead. I've already plugged it in. Tried calling your emergency contact too, but no one picked up."

That "emergency contact" was Theodore.

They were divorced now-he couldn't even pick up a call anymore?

The thought twisted something in her chest. She lowered her head, staring into the cup like she could find some answer in it.

The irony stung-hospitalized, and the only person by her side was a complete stranger.

Noticing the shift in her mood, Henry cleared his throat lightly, probably trying to distract her.

"I just realized I've been talking a while and didn't even introduce myself. I'm Henry Carter."

She hesitated a second before lifting her hand. Her slim fingers grazed his rough, dry palm. When their gazes met, her dark eyes were deep and focused, and for a moment, Henry felt his heartbeat stumble.

"Victoria Ellis."

"You kept whispering a name while you were out... was that your boyfriend?"

The name Elijah flashed in her mind, and her gaze fell again. She shook her head slowly. That kind of love-gentle, wholehearted-there might never be a second person like that in her life.

So she didn't have a boyfriend... Henry was oddly relieved, which caught him off guard. He barely knew her. Why did he care?

"The doctor said you're really weak. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I just bought some simple food. Hope it's okay."

Victoria stared at his profile, slightly dazed.

He really did look like him.

She wasn't the type to believe in fate, not with her job. But right now, she couldn't help it.

Maybe Elijah, watching from up there, saw how hard she was struggling... and sent someone like Henry into her life?

Henry brought over a bowl of milky oatmeal, simple and soft. She didn't even notice-gazing at something only she could see. His hand shook unexpectedly, and some of it sloshed over the edge.

"Sorry, I'll clean this up," he said quickly, patting the stain on his shirt with an embarrassed smile before heading out.

Alone again, Victoria's eyes settled on her phone.

Days had gone by. Not a single missed call.

She wondered-if she disappeared today, would anyone even notice?

Pulling the IV from her hand, she grabbed a coat and slipped it over her shoulders, walking out of the room without hesitation.

She couldn't waste any more time.

She had to find out what really happened to Gina. Who set her up? Who buried her in that mess?

But she hadn't made it far when her vision started spinning.

No food, plus the rain from before-it was a miracle the IV even helped as much as it did.

She pressed a palm to the wall to steady herself, her strength fading fast.

"Victoria!"When Henry came back to the room, it was already empty. Only the IV line was still swaying by the bed, like it had just been yanked free.

Noticing that her shoes were still by the bed, Henry's chest tightened. Fearing something might've happened, he rushed out right away.

Luckily, not too far down the hallway, he spotted that familiar slim figure.

"You shouldn't be out of bed yet-the doctor said you need rest. And look at you, no shoes? You're already so fragile, what if you get sick again?"

As he spoke, Henry crouched slightly, about to lift her up.

Victoria quickly waved her hands, stopping his, her raspy voice hoarse. "No need."

Really, whether someone cares or not... it's all in the little things.

The first thing Henry noticed was whether she had shoes on.

That one line of concern-it yanked her straight back to a memory years ago. Back when she was overseas with Elijah.

He used to say the same kind of things.

In the end, Victoria didn't insist. Letting him help her up, they slowly made their way toward her room.

Henry frowned, clearly anxious she'd get sick again. He crouched in front of her. "Here, get on. I'll carry you."

"It's not far... I'll manage," she mumbled. She wasn't that delicate-plus, they'd only just met, not exactly on carrying terms.

But Henry didn't budge. He even reached for her hands. "Just listen, yeah?"

"Victoria?"

A female voice rang from not far behind.

She turned her head instinctively.

What she didn't expect, was to see Isabella and Theodore-together, in this hospital of all places.

So this whole time, the reason Theodore hadn't picked up her calls... hadn't even checked in on her, was because he'd been with Isabella?

A crushing weight slammed into her chest, taking her breath away.

The smell of disinfectant filled the air, nurses and doctors walked past, but the four of them just froze there, like time had stopped.

It was awkward. More than that, it was suffocating.

Henry slowly straightened up, eyes zeroing in on the man and woman standing arm-in-arm in the distance.

He recognized the guy. This was the one the nurses had been gossiping about earlier.

So they knew each other?

Theodore's brow furrowed. Victoria's in the hospital?

But then his eyes landed on Henry's face... and he stiffened slightly.

Elijah?

He blinked hard. No. Similar features, sure, but not the same guy.

Then his gaze slid down to Victoria's hand, clutching Henry's arm-and his lips twisted into a cold, mocking smile.

Elijah was gone, huh? So she just found a lookalike?

Guess she really hasn't moved on.

"Are you kidding me, Victoria? What kind of game is this? All this chaos-just because of some guy? You actually dragged yourself into a hospital bed to prove a point?"

"What did you just say?" Her voice trembled, eyes wide with disbelief.

Not even one question.

Just straight-up judgement.

So that's how deep his prejudice ran.

Theodore slipped one hand into his pocket, smirking. "Am I wrong?"

"She doesn't actually love you," he snapped at Henry. "You're just a stand-in. Don't fall for her act."

Even if Henry didn't fully get their history, he knew enough to step in. He glanced at Victoria, who looked like she might collapse any second.

"She's a patient. Watch your mouth," he said sharply, planting himself between them.

Victoria looked at the side of his face-it was so familiar it ached.

But in that moment, the ice around her heart began to thaw, just a little.

She gritted her teeth, stepped forward, and tugged Henry's sleeve.

"Go ahead, twist it however you like. People see only what they want to see," she said coolly.

Hearing that, Theodore's face turned completely dark, his eyes locked on Victoria with a stormy glare.

So now she's got someone backing her up, even the way she talks has changed?

"Victoria, say that again."

Just as it looked like he was about to storm over, Isabella quickly grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Victoria, are you okay? Why are you here too? Are you sick?"

Victoria didn't even glance at her fake concern. Without a word, she turned and headed straight for her room.

Yeah, she really didn't need to stick around and watch her ex live out his fairytale with his 'one and only'.

Henry watched Victoria's lonely back as she walked away, then turned to give Theodore a glance filled with unspoken meaning.

Something told him there was way more going on between those two than either was letting on.

But he was smart enough not to poke around. Better stay out of it.

Once Victoria and Henry disappeared down the hallway, Isabella finally looked back at Theodore.

She suddenly wasn't so sure of herself anymore.

Theodore never wore his emotions on his sleeve, but the way he just snapped at Victoria? That wasn't nothing.

"Theo, Victoria didn't look so great just now... Should we maybe check in on her?"

She asked carefully.

But Theodore's voice was cold.

"What's there to check?"

"Let me help you back to your room."

Hearing that, the tension in Isabella's chest finally eased. Maybe she really was overthinking it. If Theodore had been that quick to divorce Victoria, then she shouldn't have to worry.

So what if Victoria was sick?

Even if she didn't have much time left, Isabella was still determined to make every minute count-and she wasn't going to waste the chance to hit Victoria where it hurt.

In the hospital room.

Victoria glanced at Henry, who looked like he had something to say but hesitated. She took a sip of water.

"Thanks for taking care of me these past couple of days. I shouldn't take up any more of your time."

The message couldn't be clearer-time to leave. They barely knew each other anyway. Even if he looked like Elijah, Victoria knew deep down-he wasn't him.

She had to let the past go, no matter how hard it was.

Henry slipped his hands in his pockets and stepped forward. "That guy just now, your ex?"

Victoria met his gaze, the flicker in her eyes betraying emotions she couldn't quite hide.

Not just an ex. He was her ex-husband, too.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. It just seemed like... something was off between you two."

Victoria shook her head. She really didn't feel like explaining anything right now.

But Henry didn't leave. Instead, he pulled up a chair and sat down beside her. "I've got nothing urgent to do. It's kinda fate we met, right? Mind if I stay with you for a bit?"

She didn't say anything more. Just pulled the blanket up and laid down, her back facing him.

The room went quiet.

At some point, she fell asleep.

Maybe it was because of Henry's presence... but for the first time in a while, she dreamed of Elijah again.

In the dream, he hadn't started chemotherapy yet. He still looked the same-kind and warm.

He stood in the sunlight smiling at her, just like old times. "Victoria, make sure you take care of yourself."

"Elijah..."

When she opened her eyes, the IV had already been removed from her arm. Night had fallen outside the window-she hadn't realized she'd been asleep that long.

Slowly propping herself up on the bed, her head still a little foggy, she sat for a moment in silence.

Just then, the door opened and Henry walked in.

Their eyes met-both caught off guard for a split second.Victoria hadn't expected him to still be there.

For a brief second, in the quiet loneliness of her heart, a strange warmth crept in.

She quickly snapped out of it and reached for her cup, but in her haste, almost knocked it over.

"Careful."

Henry instinctively reached out to steady the cup but ended up grabbing her hand instead. The cup clattered to the floor, water splashing onto his pant leg.

The two of them froze, an awkward silence settling in the air.

At the same time, Theodore, after much hesitation, stood right outside Victoria's hospital room.

Through the window, he saw their hands... together.

His brows furrowed instantly.

Something in his chest was starting to boil-something he didn't quite want to name, but it was loud enough to drown out rational thought.

His fingers tightened around the doorknob, but he didn't push it open. Instead, he stood there, eyes locked on their hands like they were glued together.

"Sir, are you a relative of the patient?"

The sudden voice of a nurse startled Victoria. She immediately pulled her hand back from Henry's, her cheeks turning a faint red as she shifted her gaze to the side with a couple soft coughs, trying to compose herself.

And just like that, as she looked away, her eyes met his-dark, intense, and impossible to ignore.

She was momentarily thrown off, her breath catching in her throat.

The nurse stepped in, holding a thermometer, glanced at it casually, and said, "You're looking much better than earlier. Don't forget to eat on time, okay? You're young, take care of yourself."

Victoria didn't answer. Honestly, the nurse's words went in one ear and right out the other.

Her full attention was on the man at the door. Meanwhile, Henry, acting every bit the considerate partner, spoke up on her behalf, his tone gentle and a little too familiar.

As the nurse walked out with the tray, she couldn't help but glance back at the three of them-good-looking people, sure, but the vibe? Off.

"Is there something you want?"

Henry's voice broke the silence, cold and even, as if the incident earlier that day with Theodore meant nothing.

"No offense, but she needs rest."

Henry was usually warm and accommodating around Victoria, so his sudden change of tone caught her slightly off guard.

Theodore stood under the soft hallway light, one hand in his pocket, the other still clenched from earlier. The warm glow edged his figure in gold, but his expression was unreadable.

Still, Victoria felt a strange chill crawl up her back.

"You seriously don't have anything to say to me?"

Theodore stepped closer, slow and measured, like he already knew the answer.

Victoria's hand clenched the sheet under the covers.

After half a minute of tense silence, she let out a low laugh and shot back, "It's late. Why aren't you off with Isabella? What exactly are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to see what brilliant moves landed you back in the hospital."

Even he didn't know why he'd said that.

He'd literally read her medical file earlier-knew she was admitted for severe malnutrition.

He came here planning to check on her. Show a little concern maybe. But the words that came out? Pure sarcasm.

Too late to take it back now, and no way he was going to show weakness with another man in the room.

"Appreciate the concern, but maybe save that for Miss Waters."

Victoria barely got the words out when a woman in a white dress showed up in the doorway. With hair that long and dark, all she needed was red lipstick to give anyone a proper scare.

"Theodore."

Isabella's eyes were watery, like she'd burst into tears any second.

Theodore didn't spare a glance at Victoria on the hospital bed, striding straight to Isabella.

"What's going on? You didn't even put shoes on."

"I had a nightmare. Woke up and you weren't there... I got scared."

"I'll take you back to your room."

Theodore draped his jacket over her shoulders and bent down, ready to pick her up.

But Isabella clearly wasn't ready to leave-her gaze locked firmly on Victoria, full of suspicion.

What, showing up in the same hospital room? Was she trying to get Theodore back?

Whatever her plan was, Isabella wasn't about to let it work.

She spotted the man from earlier and decided to confront directly.

"This gentleman looks familiar. Are you Victoria's friend?"

Henry, who had just been observing, was now directly called out. He gave Victoria a brief glance but said nothing.

He could tell Isabella had her own agenda.

So staying silent felt like the smarter move.

The air turned stiff. The atmosphere tense and awkward.

Theodore shifted slightly, his eyes catching the two figures behind him. His chest tightened.

Without another word, he scooped Isabella into his arms and carried her back to the room.

He tucked the blanket around her gently, about to stand up, when Isabella grabbed his hand.

"Theodore, I don't think Victoria looked too well just now... Is she okay?"

That question irritated him. The last thing he wanted was to think about what he saw earlier.

Victoria? Worried about her?

She was probably having the time of her life in someone else's arms.

He reached up, switched the overhead light to the bedside lamp.

"Focus on yourself first. Don't worry about things that don't matter. The important thing is getting you better."

Isabella's expression dropped again. "But Theodore, I can't help worrying..."

She hadn't felt at ease ever since learning the truth.

She was scared. Scared that she'd lose before she even had a chance to fight.

And with Victoria in the same hospital... it just felt like trouble waiting to happen.

Theodore gently patted her head. "I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you."

"I just didn't expect... you'd be the only one left beside me now."

Isabella leaned into him, her cheek on his chest, silently mapping out her next move.

The next day, Victoria was ready to be discharged.

She knew if she stayed even a little longer, Henry would keep visiting with some excuse or another.

But he wasn't Elijah. Their bond wasn't like that. She didn't feel comfortable troubling him further.

"Weren't we clear on being friends? Now even a friend offering you a ride home gets rejected?"

Hard to push someone away with a smile like his.

Seeing that faint grin, Victoria gave up on turning him down again.

"Then thanks. Sorry to trouble you."

Two days wasn't long. But not exactly short either.

She still didn't know much about Henry, but from the way he spoke, she could tell-he wasn't just some nobody.

The sun was warm and gentle as they stepped outside.

Victoria tilted her face up, closing her eyes against the light.

For a second, she looked completely out of it.

At the same moment, Theodore and Isabella exited the hospital.Isabella was worried something might go wrong again, so she used the excuse of her "awkward identity" to have Theodore help with her discharge paperwork.

But what were the odds? Just as they stepped outside, they spotted two painfully familiar figures.

By the car, Henry had his hand up to shield Victoria's forehead. "Watch your head."

To anyone else, the scene looked like a super lovey-dovey couple moment.

Theodore suddenly stopped. His whole vibe turned ice-cold, and that wave of heaviness he couldn't quite explain crashed down on him again.

He took a step forward, but before he could go any farther, Isabella winced, clutching her chest with a tight-lipped expression.

He glanced sideways. "What's wrong?"

"Probably because I ate too fast this morning... I feel kind of short of breath."

She was about to ask him to take her back to the hospital when he calmly removed her hand from his arm.

"Just rest here for a bit."

Then he walked straight toward the nearby car.

"Theo-"

Isabella's voice came out soft and unsure, her raised hand slowly falling back down.

Why?

Why was Theodore still prioritizing Victoria like she didn't even exist?

Theodore's eyes darkened. Just as Henry reached to shut the car door, he stuck out an arm to stop him.

"What are you doing here?"

Victoria blinked, caught off guard, and before anyone could react, he yanked her out of the car.

He didn't hold back at all-his grip was rough, and she stumbled, nearly falling over.

"Theodore, what the hell are you doing?"

She was already feeling weak after all that time in the hospital, and now he was dragging her around like this? It was exhausting.

He didn't say a word, just clutched her wrist tighter.

"What do you think? If I hadn't shown up, were you planning to go home with him?"

His gaze was locked on her, like he was trying to see right through her.

Victoria frowned, immediately realizing he'd gotten the wrong idea-but explaining wouldn't help.

She tried pulling away, but his grip didn't budge. Henry got out of the car too, eyes sharp. "Let her go."

"This is between me and my wife. Not your business."

Theodore turned his head slightly, voice low but forceful.

The words made Henry freeze for a second. He looked at Victoria, totally confused. Wife?

But nothing about how they acted screamed "married couple."

Isabella had heard it too as she walked over, and it hit her like a brick to the chest.

She bit down on her lip hard, but her expression shifted quickly, switching to soft and understanding.

"Theo, it's cold and Victoria's not fully recovered. Let's just take this home, okay?"

Theodore clearly agreed. The driver had already pulled up, and he pushed Victoria toward the car.

"I'll have my assistant pick you up later, Isabella."

With that, he told the driver to leave, not even looking back. The gloom in his eyes didn't escape Isabella-she could tell he was seriously upset.

But even so, he still chose Victoria over her.

She just stood there, watching that black car disappear from sight, and couldn't stop the bitterness from eating at her.

They were divorced. Why couldn't Victoria just back off already?

Her smile turned thin and cold, but then she realized Henry was still nearby.

She didn't care about him-but Henry suddenly stepped in front of her.

"So... what exactly is going on between those two?" said Henry.

Noticing the sudden gleam in his eyes, a fresh idea instantly popped into Isabella's mind.