When took the phone. "Shea, any updates on what 1 asked you to look into?"noveldrama

There was a briet pause on the other end. "When are you okay?"

That was the third time someone had asked him that question, and Wren wanted to laugh, but he couldn't. The ache in his chest was unbearable; it was as if his heart was on the verge of breaking into pieces. "I'm fine," he replied hoarsely. "Did you find anything?"

time

"Not yet." Shea hesitated. "My team is still working on it. You low how many hospitals there are in Ostia alone, not to mention the rest of Urbumia, it'll take ti to comb through everything"

Wrenclenched his fist tightly. "I appreciate it. I owe you for this. I'll treat you to dinner when I'm back in town."

She chuckled lightly. "Why wait until later? It's almost lunchtime. I just wrapped up a meeting-how about we grab a bite together now?

Wren started, but Shea cut him off.

"Don't even think about saying no. You'll just be waiting for news anyway. Might as well wait with me, and I can keep you updated in real-time."

When let out a tired sigh, unable to argue. "Fine. See you soon."

"Great Hand the phone back to my assistant-I'll give him the details."

When retumed the phone to the assistant, who nodded after a brief conversation and ended the call. "Mr. Yate has arranged everything. I'll take you to the restaurard now."

Brodie drove Wren to a quiet, upscale spot, where Shea was already waiting in a private room. Hearing the door open, She stood up, a smile ready on his face. "Wren, you're finally-"

His words froze in his throat. She stared at Wren, his expression shitting from surprise to disbelief. The smile faded, replaced by a deep trown

The man standing in front of him was almost unrecognizable. The Wren he knew was always self-assured, composed, and sharp-a guy who carried himself with unshakable confidence. But this Wren? He looked completely wom out, his usual spark gone. "What the hell happened to you? shea asked, his tone serious. He gestured to the dark circles under Wren's eyes and his pale complexion.

He comminued, "How long have you

cope without sleep? You look like a wreck Are you even taking care of yourself?"

Wren ignored the concem, dragging himself to a chair and sinking into it,

tie," he muttered, though the tremor in his voice betrayed him. He took a deep breath and raised a hand to cover his face. "I just...I just messed everything

She studied him for a moment, then poured a glass of water and handed it over. "Does this have something Wren stiffened, gripping the glass tightly yet not drinking. His cracked lips and hoarse voice gave in away as he nodded.

g to do with Clara?" Stradaled deeply and sat down beside him Waving tolds assistant, be signated for some food to be brought in and t Whatever When needed to say, it wasn't meant for an audience.

since we were kids, you've always been like this," she started, his voice tinged with exasperation. It t Sometimes, I wonder if she's really just your stepmother's niece or if you're ber actual father.. then dis

dismissed everyone else from the

Toom

thas anything to do with Clara, you lose your damn mind.

"You've been watching out for her since day one. You gave up a full scholarship to Timberfell University just to stay close to her. You put ev

everything on hold your

"And don't think I've forgotten that camping trip when she got lost. You were already on crutches, but you still hobbled into the woods to find her. V your leg to badly that the doctors said you were lucky you didn't end up in a wheek halt persanently." Shea shook his head, leaning is "metimes I look at her and wonder what she did to you in a past life to make y You've treated her like she's the center of your world, and now look at you you're rompletely falling apart "

He paused, historie soltering as be studied Wen'sluggard expression "Did she leave because of your engagement to try?

ber. You wrecked

Lowe her so much in this one.