Chapter 18 Valencias POV The hospital loomed ahead , a building of pale grey bricks with large glass windows reflecting the morning sun . The structure looked functional rather than welcoming , with its straight , rigid lines and the faint smell of disinfectant in the air . People buzzed around the entrance some hurried , clutching paperwork , while others sat slumped on benches , their eyes red rimmed with worry . Marcelene walked ahead of me , looking completely different from her usual self . She wore a soft baby blue dress that hugged her waist and flowed gently to her knees . The roses emboidered on the fabric matched her hair perfectly . Her hair . normally tied back in her practical soldiers ponytail , was styled fleatly open today , with her bangs framing her sharp cheekbones . You look stumting , I said sincerely . Marcelene rolled her eyes , brushing me off with a wave of her hand . Dont get used to it . My mom hates it when I act like a man , so I do this to keep her happy . I frowned at her words . Act like a man ? What does that even mean ? You look great no matter what you wear , She scoffed . Tell that to her . Her eyes flicked to me , and she smirked . Besides , its not like you dont benefit from my manly acting . You get to act like a complete baby . I laughed softly but couldnt help studying her closer . Marcelene was tall , nearly a foot taller than me , with a toned figure that spoke of her soldiers training Her dark skin glowed in the sunlight , and her sharp jawline added to her air of confidence . She was undeniably gorgeous , no matter how she dressed . If she hates the soldier look , how did she let you join the army asked . The atmosphere suddenly turned cold . She didnt , Marcelene replied curtly , her tone clipped . She got sick , and we needed the money . Her words lingered between us , heavy with meaning . There wasnt much I could say to that , so I simply nodded . Marcelene opened the door to a hospital room , and we stepped inside . The room was small but clean , with pale green walls and a single window overlooking the parking lot . Her mother lay on the bed , her face gaunt but peaceful , her eyes closed . Machines beeped softly in the background , tubes snaking from her arms . -She has stage three breast cancer , Marcelene said quietly , her voice steady , though her hands clenched at her sides . I placed the fruit basket Id brought on the bedside table as her mother stirred , her eyes fluttering open . She blinked a few times before smiling weakly . Marcy , youre here Marcelenes face softened , the hard lines smoothing as she approached the bed . Of course , Im here . How are you Mom feeling They exchanged pleasantries , her mothers soft voice carrying a warmth that made me feel momentarily like an intruder . I stayed quiet , observing their dynamic . Marcelene , usually so composed , seemed more vulnerable here , her every word and gesture infused with a tenderness I hadnt seen before . The door creaked open , and a boy stepped inside , clutching a rucksack . He looked to be around Celestes age , with bright eyes and a nervous energy that filled the room . His gaze darted to me , widening slightly before flitting back to Marcelene . 1/3 Chapter 18 What are you doing here ? Marcelene asked sharply . Why are you at school ? The boy hesitated , his shoulders slumping . I was just visiting during lunch break . Marcelene huffed . It isnt even 9am , what lunch break ? Mario , this is Valencia . Valencia , this is my little brother , Mario I smiled politely , nodding . Nice to meet you . Marios checks flushed as he nodded back , muttering a shy , Youou . I turned to Marcelene . I didnt know you had a brother . She shrugged . Hes a cadet . The word hung in the air , but a memory suddenly surged forward , unbidden . I was hunched over in a cramped medical tent , the air thick with the metallic tang of blood and the acrid scent of antiseptic . Soldiers groaned in pain around me , their wounds fresh from battle . Marcelene sat across from me , wincing as I disinfected . a gash on her arm . Its good you treat your sister so well , She said trying to distract herself from the sting . But I was too distracted by Jaxon not showing up for lunch again to think too deeply of her words . I wish I had done the same for my brother . What happened ? I asked just for the sake of it . Marcelenes expression darkened , and her voice was low when she replied . He died last year . During the Blue Moon Festival bombing . His name was Mario . The weight of the memory hit me like a punch to the gut . My chest tightened as I looked at Mario , alive and smiling as he handed his mother a bouquet of wildflowers . My stomach churned as a sudden thought hit me . What had I been worrying about in my past life ? Jaxons infidelities ? His wandering eyes ? How petty and selfish had I been , consumed by my own insecurities while soldiers and children like Mario were being sacrificed in pointless wars ? I forced a smile as Marcelenes mother thanked me for the fruit basket I had brought along , but my thoughts were a mess . The Blue Moon Festival was tomorrow . And the day after , the Steele Packs surprise attack would devastate the rearguard of our battalion . Many cadets , including Mario , would lose their live . If I remember correctly . We left the hospital an hour later , Marcelene walking ahead of me . I couldnt stop replaying the memory in my mind , the haunting realization of how many lives had been lost in vain . Was it possible to stop the bombing ? If Celeste married Dante and peace talks continued , perhaps the war would cease before it reached that point . Just as I felt a flicker of hope , a sharp pain shot through my abdomen . I doubled over , clutching my stomach . Valencia ! Marcelene was at my side in an instant , her hands steadying me . Whats wrong ? It hurts . I managed , grimacing as the pain subsided slightly . Marcelene frowned , her hand swiping over my stomach . Have you been eating too much junk again ? I knew I shouldnt have given you so much . Chapter 18 Tears welled up in my eyes , confusion swirling in my chest . But I felt movement . Her eyes widened , and for a moment , neither of us spoke .. Movement ? Marcelene repeated , her voice wary . I nodded , pressing a trembling hand to my belly . It didnt make sense . The pregnancy tests were negative . I couldnt be … could I ? SEND GIFT Title: Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation," a young woman finds herself without a home after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend of four years. 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