Teresa said, “Just do what you want.” With that, she hung up. She felt helpless; she had moved on, but Jennifer was still stuck.

Donald had been bedridden for three days and couldn't take it anymore. Jennifer's distant attitude over the past few days had been driving him crazy. Unable to contain himself, he cornered Jennifer in the hospital garden during her lunch break. He pulled her into a tight embrace, ignoring her struggles.

He said, “Why are you being so cold again? Are you having second thoughts? Or are you still planning to leave me? Didn’t you promise you wouldn’t? I’ve already arranged the transfer to Nareigh General Hospital. We’ll go together, okay?”

Jennifer gently pushed him away. “But I’m Teresa’s sister. I don’t think we should be together.”

Donald said firmly, “As long as I love you, that’s all that matters. I don’t care about anything else.”

Jennifer hesitated, her gaze dropping. “I still need more time to think about it.”

Donald said, “Jennifer, don’t push me to the edge. I’ve already told my mom. I don’t care about your family, that you’re Teresa’s sister, or your past. You’re a kind, upright woman, and I love you. I want to be with you.”

Jennifer began, “But I…” Before she could finish, Donald kissed her. He pulled her closer, his kisses deepening with desperate intensity. Jennifer felt her resistance melt away under his fervor. She placed her hands on his waist, but the moment her fingers brushed against his still-healing wound from the car accident, she froze.

Jennifer thought, ‘He was willing to risk his life for me.’ Lost in thought, she didn’t even notice when a platinum ring slipped onto her finger. Stunned, she stared at it in disbelief.

Donald, rarely seeing her so dazed, kissed her forehead and took her hand in his. His fingers trembled slightly; he couldn’t tell if it was from nerves or urgency. He said, “I’ve had this ring ready for a long time, just waiting for the right moment to give it to you. Jennifer, will you be my girlfriend? I promise to love you, protect you, and heal the wounds of your past.”

Tears welled up in Jennifer’s eyes. The afternoon sunlight refracted off the ring, its brilliance piercing her vision and warming her frozen heart. She never imagined she could receive such a solemn promise. She brushed over the ring carefully. She had been lying to herself; she wasn’t indifferent to love. Deep down, she longed for this kind of pure, unwavering love.

In that moment, she couldn’t bring herself to say no. The days of hesitation melted away as she gave a small nod.

Donald felt relieved. He gazed at her with deep affection and kissed her fingers tenderly. He murmured, “Finally, you’re my girlfriend. Jennifer, I love you. Tell me you love me, too.” He carefully kissed her lips again, wrapped his arms around her waist, and deepened the kiss.

Jennifer closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks as happiness enveloped her. Yet, a sense of unease lingered. She thought, ‘He called me upright, exceptional, and kind. But what if he ever found out the truth? I swapped the samples to protect Teresa, but from Donald’s perspective, it would look like I hurt Jonathan. If Teresa’s child were ever discovered, Jonathan would undoubtedly blame Donald, accusing him of betrayal. It could tear them apart, turning them into enemies. Cathy would resent me too. No, I can’t let that happen. I have to protect Teresa, my nephew, myself, and most importantly, Donald, the man I love. I have fought so hard for this happiness; I can’t afford to lose it.’

Donald chuckled softly, loosening his hold. “You’re kissing me, but your mind’s somewhere else. Am I that bad at it? Looks like I need more practice.”

Jennifer shook her head. “I was just thinking I’ll protect you too, Donald. Always.” She was determined to guard the secret about Teresa’s child.