4.55 % Chapter 2 Marissa ended the call and headed straight to the hospital . Three stitches to her forehead . The doctor warned her not to get the wound wet . She nodded numbly , barely registering his words . But as she stepped out of the exam room , she spotted a familiar black Maybach parked just outside . The passenger window was cracked open . And there , curled against Declan's shoulder , was Celeste - crying like her whole world had just shattered . " Declan … I know I hurt you , " she choked out , her voice trembling . " But I didn't leave you because I wanted to . My parents - they were furious when they found out about us . They sent me overseas and took away my phone . I tried , I really did … but I couldn't contact you … " Declan sat in silence , his jaw tight , profile carved in stone . A few feet away , Marissa stood frozen . Her legs felt like they were bolted to the pavement . " And now ? " Declan finally spoke , voice low . " Why are you back ? " Celeste looked up at him , tears streaking her cheeks . " Because I never forgot you . I know you have Marissa now … and I'm not trying to get in the way . Just … please don't push me out of your life . Let me stay . Even if it's from a distance … just let me stay . " Marissa watched from the shadows as Declan hesitated for what felt like forever … then reached out and gently wiped the tears from Celeste's face . " I don't blame you , " he said . " And as for Marissa … I've only ever seen her as a sister . It's not what you think . " Celeste's eyes lit up , her sorrow melting into a beaming smile . " Really ? " Declan nodded . She burst into tears again - this time from joy - and threw herself into his arms . Marissa let out a soft , bitter laugh and turned away , walking off without a word . She didn't stop until she reached the immigration office . Chapter 2 EVONY The King's Koturs Download 9.09 % Inside , the clerk slid a form across the counter . " Your visa should be processed in about two weeks . " " Thank you , " she said quietly . By the time she walked out , the sky had already gone dark . She returned to Declan's estate . For the past three years , she'd lived here to care for him - made it her home . She was the one who'd picked out the throw pillows for the couch , arranged succulents on the windowsill , and taped her " stomach - friendly recipes " to the fridge like a proud little badge of domesticity . Now , she needed to erase every trace of herself . While packing , she opened the bottom drawer and found a photo buried deep . It was from the day Declan took his first steps again . He'd smiled - rare , real - for the camera . And she had stood beside him , eyes crinkled in a crescent - moon grin . The edges of the photo had yellowed , worn thin from too many touches . She stared at it for a long , long time . Then slowly , carefully , she dropped it into the trash . Some dreams … should've ended a long time ago . The next morning , Declan called . " I left my antacids at home . Can you bring them to the office ? " His voice was raspy from sleep , casual - like none of last night had ever happened . Marissa paused , just two seconds . Then : " Sure . " When the elevator doors opened at Hawthorne International , she stepped out just in time to see Chapter 2 9.09 % Celeste striding down the hall with a designer lunchbox in hand . " Well , look at that , " Celeste said brightly . " I brought lunch for Declan . Want to join us ? " Marissa didn't respond . She simply followed her into the office . Declan was flipping through a file when they entered . He glanced up , eyebrows lifting slightly . " You two came together ? " " Ran into each other downstairs . " Celeste smiled and opened the container . A strong , spicy scent filled the air instantly . " I made your favorite- spicy beef enchiladas with extra jalapeños ! " Marissa's expression changed instantly . " He can't eat spicy food . His stomach can't handle it . " Declan glanced at her , then picked up his fork . " It's fine . Once in a while won't kill me . " He cut into one of the enchiladas , the sauce bright red and steaming , and took a bite like it didn't bother him at all . Marissa clenched her purse tighter , knuckles going white around the bottle of antacid inside . Minutes later , sweat broke out on Declan's forehead . The hand holding his pen trembled slightly . " Declan ? " Celeste asked , concerned . " Are you okay ? " " I'm fine , " he said , forcing a smile . " Just … a lot of work . You two should go . " >> Marissa didn't argue . She simply placed the bottle of medication on his desk … and left . But at the elevator , she turned back . " He got serious stomach problems , " she said quietly . " Next time you bring food , maybe be a little more careful . " Celeste turned , her smile sickeningly sweet . " Marissa , sweetie … are you still confused about your role ? " " You were his nurse . A special one , sure - but that's why you know all those things . Me ? I don't have to . He loves me . I could feed him poison , and he'd still take it - because it's from me . " Marissa's hands trembled . Chapter 2 EVONY King Download 9.09 % She didn't argue . Because she knew Celeste wasn't wrong . It had taken her three years to earn a sliver of Declan's attention . And Celeste ? She didn't have to lift a finger . He'd still swallow the poison with a smile .