The Collapse and the Truth
The sun had long since set, but Serena's room remained dark, the soft glow of her bedside lamp casting shadows over her curled figure. She hadn't moved in hours—or days. The only sound was the quiet, ragged whisper of her sobs, growing weaker as her body finally gave out under the weight of exhaustion and despair.
Evie had run to Celeste, shouting that something was wrong. Celeste immediately called Richard and Margret. Within minutes, Serena was rushed to the hospital, limp and pale, her cries having turned into shallow, unconscious breaths.
Lucien's Anguish
Lucien arrived minutes later, panic-stricken. Seeing Serena hooked up to monitors, her fragile body trembling under hospital blankets, he froze.
He dropped to his knees beside her bed, pressing his face into his hands.
"This is my fault…" he whispered, voice breaking. "If I hadn't… if I hadn't… drunk that night… none of this would have happened. I— I'm nothing but my father's shadow. I—"
He buried his face against the hospital sheets, crying uncontrollably. "I swear… never again. Never. I'll never drink beside you again, Serena. Never."
Damien, Celeste, Richard, and Margret watched silently, their expressions a mix of sorrow and relief that Serena was still alive.
Lucien stayed by her side, holding her hand, whispering apologies and promises over and over, tears wetting the hospital sheets.
Three Days Later
Three days passed. Machines beeped steadily. Lucien hadn't left her side, sleeping in a chair, refusing food, refusing anything but her presence—even unconscious.
Then, she stirred. Her eyes fluttered open. Weak, unsure, but alive.
Lucien was the first thing she saw. His red hair tousled, cheeks wet from crying, dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep.
"Serena…" he whispered, voice breaking again. "You're awake… thank God, thank God…"
"I…" her voice was hoarse. "What happened?"
He inhaled sharply, gripping her hand tightly. "You collapsed. You've been sick… I blamed myself every second. I found out the truth, Serena."
Her brows furrowed. "The truth?"
"Yes," he said, leaning closer. "Cassandra lied. The pictures, the rumors—it wasn't me. She staged it to hurt you. To hurt us. I tracked it all, found proof, everything. You—" He paused, voice trembling. "You never should have cried like this. I'm so sorry."
Tears fell from Serena's eyes. Relief, anger, exhaustion, and love all swirling together. She whispered, "Lucien…"
He kissed her gently, softly, reverent yet desperate. "I promise, no one will ever hurt you like this again."
Serena leaned into him as he pulled her into a warm embrace. They cuddled on the hospital bed, her head resting against his chest, his arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders.
Witnesses and Joy
Outside the room, Celeste, Richard, and Margret watched through the glass. Smiles broke across their faces, tears of relief and happiness in their eyes. "Finally," Celeste whispered. "They're together. Truly together."
The Truth Goes Public
Lucien, Serena, and their families held a joint press conference in the hospital lobby later that day. The room was packed, cameras flashing.
Lucien stepped forward, calm, commanding, his hand lightly on Serena's back.
"To clear the record," he said, voice strong and unwavering. "Cassandra Vale spread false rumors, claiming that she had spent the night with me. This is categorically false. I was never with her. Serena Blake—my fiancée—was never anything but mine. She is the ambassador of LUXEN and ARISTELLE, and anyone attempting to attack her reputation will be held accountable."
The media exploded.
CampusNet instantly went wild:
@EliteCampusNews:
CONFIRMED: Lucien Reed was never with Cassandra Vale. Lucien Reed releases the truth publicly! 😱💖 #PowerCouple
@ReedReactions:
Cassandra Vale EXPOSED. Serena Blake vindicated. The couple is officially untouchable. 🔥💎
@FashionElite:
Every brand wants Serena Blake now. Not just for talent, but for true power couple vibes! #LucienAndSerena
Even students who hadn't been invited to the elite party, or who had believed the rumors, felt the shock. Cassandra's social media accounts were flooded with backlash, screenshots of Lucien's proof, and angry commentary.
#CassandraExposed trended instantly.
Private Victory
Later that night, in Serena's hospital room, the two sat side by side, hands intertwined.
"I can't believe you went through all this for me," Serena whispered, voice trembling softly.
"I can't believe I almost lost you," Lucien replied, thumb tracing circles on her hand. "Never again. You're mine. Always mine."
They kissed softly, lingering, savoring the moment of truth, trust, and love restored. Serena rested against him, and for the first time in days, she laughed through her tears.
The world could see them. The internet could explode. Cassandra could be humiliated.
But at that moment, none of it mattered—Lucien and Serena were together, stronger than ever.