?Chapter 1689:


    “Kylee, don’t say that.” Car’s voice softened, her heart aching. “Look around—our world is changing, and medicine hase a long way. HIV no longer means a death sentence. With consistent treatment and discipline, many never develop symptoms at all. Besides, your grandfather has already founded a research institute overseas. It’s filled with top medical minds dedicated to HIV research. Maybe someday, a cure won’t just be a dream. So please, Kylee, don’t give up. Hold onto hope. Do you hear me?”


    Car’s words stirred something in Kylee—an odd mix of warmth, gratitude, and a spark of surprise. At that very moment, her conviction deepened: under no circumstance could Car discover her true identity. Because if the truth ever surfaced, everything she had now could vanish.<fnbbd7> Chapters first released on fin?novel</fnbbd7>


    With that thought anchored in her mind, Kylee nodded firmly. “Yes, I understand, Mom. I’ll follow the doctor’s advice. I’ll take my medication as prescribed.”


    “That’s the spirit.” Car sighed, visibly relieved. “Let’s continue to eat.”


    “Okay.” Kylee lowered her eyes and quietly scooped food from her te. Inwardly, she made a silent vow—Belinda must pay for all the pain she had caused her. But before anything else, she needed to find a way to take Belinda’s ce and make Elwood recognize her as his daughter.


    Only then would she have the strong backing she needed. That way, even if she went after Belinda, she wouldn’t have to live in fear of Lucas’ wrath.


    Taking a slow breath, Kylee clenched her fork tighter, her mind already working two steps ahead.


    Meanwhile, after finishing their meal, Belinda and Lucas left the restaurant. Once they were home, Lucas guided Belinda to the sofa and gently ushered her to sit beside him.


    “Belinda,tely it seems like your attention has been everywhere but on me. Faye, Barbara, the Wrights… it feels like it’s been ages since we talked about us.” His tone carried a quiet trace of hurt.


    “Us?” Belinda blinked her longshes, a soft smile ying on her lips. “What do you want to talk about regarding us?”


    g?lnσν???s?c?m brings endless adventures


    Lucas’s expression turned serious. His voice dipped low, husky with emotion. “Since we’ve been together, have you felt happy? Content?”


    “Absolutely,” Belinda responded without missing a beat. She reached up, cupping his chiseled face between her palms, and leaned forward, nting a tender kiss on his lips. “Every day with you brings joy to me.” Her words rang with honesty and affection.


    A light danced in Lucas’s eyes when he heard her reply. He held her gaze, eyes deep and searching. With quiet resolve, his lips parted as he said, his tone hopeful, “Then… about us remarrying, when do you think we should do that?”


    Stunned by Lucas’s words, Belinda froze, her mind reeling. She fell silent, unable to find her voice for what felt like an eternity. Herck of response spoke volumes, and Lucas’s heart sank.


    The realization hit him hard—she hadn’t even entertained the idea before. His face betrayed a flicker of pain, his eyes dimming with disappointment.


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