“Fair enough," Vera conceded.

Suddenly, she drew nearer to Rena and posed a candid question, “So, tell me the truth. Did you really spend the night with Waylen? I saw him smoking downstairs and he looked incredibly alluring... The way he smoked... It almost like you were having it again this morning.”

Vera's playful taunting became unbearable for Rena.

Blushing, she responded, "No, I was drunk."

In that moment, Rena's mind was struck with the realization that Waylen would be heading to the hospital to donate his precious Rh-negative blood to Elvira...

The mere thought of it stirred up distress within her.

First love, rare blood type, the constraints of societal norms...

Waylen was far from being her Mr. Right.

After the completion of breakfast, Rena intended to make her way to the music studio when her phone rang, interrupting her plans.

The caller was Eloise, her voice brimming with anxiety.

“Rena... Hurry and come to the hospital. Your father woke up early, feeling dizzy, and he collapsed during his morning exercise. The doctor diagnosed him with cardiovascular disease... Please come quickly. We're at Mercy Hospital."

Without a moment's hesitation, Rena rushed downstairs and opened the car door, preparing to embark on the journey.

“Eloise, don't fret. I'll be there in no time.”

Half an hour later, Rena arrived at the hospital.

Darren remained in a dazed state.

A cluster of doctors encircled his bed, engrossed in studying the course of action. Eloise sat on the edge of the bed, clutching Darren's hand while tears streamed down her face, unable to contain her emotions.

Rena's heart sank.

As Eloise caught sight of Rena approaching, a sense of relief washed over her.

“Rena!"

Rena gently placed her hand on Eloise's shoulder, offering solace.

Then, her gaze shifted towards Darren, lying motionless on the bed, causing her voice to quaver slightly.

Darren had endured immense hardships over the past six months.