THE COST OF SURVIVAL
Elara sat in the hospital bed, pale and shaken. Lucien refused to let go of her hand, as if the moment he did, she might disappear again.
"I thought I lost you," he whispered.
She managed a weak smile.
"I'm still here. We both are."
---
Julian Confesses
In the interrogation room, Julian finally broke.
"It was Serena," he admitted.
"She promised me money, power… revenge."
The officer leaned forward.
"And the accident?"
Julian hesitated.
"She planned it. Wanted to scare them… maybe worse."
Lucien clenched his fists outside the room.
"She would've killed them," Julian continued.
"She's obsessed."
---
New Charges for Serena
The police immediately added:
• Attempted murder
• Kidnapping
• Conspiracy
Serena screamed when she heard.
"You're lying!"
"Lucien still loves me!"
The guards dragged her away.
---
Elara's Health Crisis
Back at the hospital, the doctor returned.
"We need to talk," she said gently.
"Stress has affected your pregnancy."
Lucien froze.
"What does that mean?"
"You need complete rest," the doctor said.
"No work. No stress. Or there may be complications."
Tears filled Elara's eyes.
"My baby…"
Lucien hugged her.
"Our baby will be fine," he whispered.
"I promise."
---
A Painful Decision
Elara looked at him seriously.
"I have to step back from the company."
Lucien shook his head.
"No—"
"I need to protect our child," she said firmly.
"My dream can wait."
He pulled her into his arms.
"I'm proud of you."
---
Serena's Final Breakdown
In prison, Serena laughed hysterically.
"She thinks she won," she muttered.
"She has no idea."
Her eyes darkened.
"This isn't my last move."
---
A Quiet Moment
That night, Lucien lay beside Elara.
"No more fights," he whispered.
"Just us."
She rested her head on his chest.
"Promise me we'll choose peace."
He kissed her forehead.
"I promise."