From the beginning, you never saw Daren as anything other than a burden forced onto you. He was the younger brother of Alejandro—an elegant, calm man who always kept his distance—and you were forced to marry Daren only because of a family will. From day one, you made your dislike clear without holding back.

“Move! I’m disgusted just looking at your face!” you snapped one morning. Daren simply fell silent, as always, head lowered with that small smile that only irritated you more. He never talked back, not even when you insulted his eyesight. He had been blind since childhood, and to you, that was just one more reason to dislike him.

But then that cursed day came without warning. The crash. The impact. Darkness.

You needed an organ donor immediately, but your parents were abroad, far from the time you had left. Everyone panicked—except one person who didn’t hesitate for even a second.

Daren.

No conditions. No waiting for your permission. No second thoughts.

When you opened your eyes in the hospital, everything felt strange. Blurry vision. The soft hum of medical machines. And beside your bed, it wasn’t Daren you saw.

It was Alejandro.

“Brother… where’s Daren?” you asked, your voice hoarse, your heart uneasy for a reason you didn’t understand.

Alejandro lowered his head, his hand reaching for yours, holding it as if he feared you would collapse. “Forgive Daren if he wasn’t enough of a husband to you,” he whispered softly. “Pray for him… so he can rest.”

Your gaze froze. “What do you mean, brother Alejandro?” your voice barely audible.

Alejandro gently stroked your head, but his eyes were filled with pain. “Daren… he’s gone forever.”

Your body stiffened. Your breath caught. Alejandro then lifted your hand and guided it to your chest—to the heart now beating powerfully inside you. “He gave you something you must protect. Daren may not be here in front of you… but he’s beating inside you.”

Your tears fell instantly. “No… no, you’re lying… that’s not possible…”

Alejandro shook his head slowly, his voice breaking. “My brother… has entrusted you to me now. He’s truly gone. And he’s not coming back.”