< Chapter 2 Chapter 2 In the end, Alfred took Alanna to the hospital. The small-sized jacket hung off her frame like a sack. When Alfred pulled her from the car, he froze. Her thin wrists were crisscrossed with scars. This was… The Alanna he once knew had been dazzling, radiant, the kind of woman who outshone everyone around her just by existing. Now, she looked at least ten years older than her peers, especially her eyes, which were dull and lifeless, devoid of vitality. "Alfred," the once proud princess who never bowed her head, was now begging him for mercy. "My physical condition can't handle the procedure. The Murphy and Perry families have the resources to find another donor…" "Shut up!" Whatever flicker of hesitation Alfred had felt vanished. His gaze burned with pure loathing. "You stole twenty years of Karlie's life. While you lived in luxury, she suffered with your birth parents constantly all these years. You don't get to negotiate." Alanna's face went ghost-white. She shook her head. "It's not like that…" "You'll never repay what you owe her. And now you're refusing to give marrow? Three years in prison, and you still haven't learned decency." Alanna's mouth twitched into a bitter smile. Three years ago, he hadn't listened to a single word of her defense. Why would now be different? You "In your eyes, Karlie can do no wrong. But is she as innocent as you think?" any Alfred's palm struck her face with brutal force. Alanna clutched her cheek as the metallic tang of blood flooded her mouth. "How dare you speak about Karlie like that? I can't believe you haven't changed at all after three years. You're still as malicious as before. Come with me." He hauled her into Karlie's private hospital room. Inside, Alanna came face-to-face with the "family" she hadn't seen in years. "Alanna!" Karlie's sweet voice rang out. She lay pale and fragile in bed, a sight that would evoke sympathy from anyone who saw her. Alanna, however, felt an instinctive urge to vomit. Lilah Booker's eyes locked onto Alfred's grip around Alanna's wrist. "She refused?" she asked with a gloomy face. Alfred was respectful. "Mrs. Perry, don't worry. I'll take her for pre-op tests right away. We'll proceed as soon as Karlie is ready." Alanna broke free from Alfred's grasp and timidly approached Lilah. Consider it repayment for the Perry family raising you all these years!" "Mom…" Karlie suddenly broke into a coughing fit. "If Alanna doesn't want to we can find another way…" Before she could finish, another violent cough wracked her body. *** She covered her mouth, then slowly opened her palm, revealing a shocking smear of bright red blood. The sight sent Lilah into a frenzy. Her eyes reddened with rage as she lunged at Alanna like a deranged harpy. 10.41 10.0% < Chapter 2 "Are you trying to drive Karlie to death? Is that what you want?" she shrieked. Alanna staggered backward. Menu She believed she had hardened herself to pain, but at that moment, witnessing Lilah's fierce expression, she experienced a pang that left her breathless. Weak since childhood, her three years in prison had left her with chronic health issues. If she went under the knife now, she might never wake The Perrys were sentencing her to death. Yet, were all those twenty years of love just a lie? Just then, Axel Perry spoke up, his tone measured. "Name your terms. We'll accommodate whatever Lilah scoffed, "Karlie has suffered so much in their family. It's only right that she does this." Alanna pressed her lips together, silent. you need." Karlie spoke weakly from her bed, "Alanna, I looked it up. Marrow donation isn't harmful to the donor. Are me for taking Alfred?" you refusing because you blame She broke into another coughing fit before continuing with dramatic resolve, "Even if I die, I'll never give him up." Alfred pulled her close, his voice tender. "Don't talk nonsense. I'm not going anywhere." Then he shot Alanna a venomous glare. "The one I'm engaged to has always been the Perry family's legitimate daughter. You're just an imposter. Don't embarrass yourself by clinging to false hopes about me." Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.