Eugenia sat down heavily in the chair, her fingers weaving through her hair as she tried to process the news. The weight of concern settled in her chest, and she placed her head in her hands, willing the emotions swirling within her to settle. After a moment, she lifted her head and glanced over at her mother-in-law, Mandy, who wore a look of shared worry.

"When did this happen?" She asked, her voice trembling slightly as she sought clarity amidst the confusion. Mandy sighed, her gaze shifting to the floor.

"She called to say she checked herself in for low blood count because of her health," She explained, her tone low and steady, as if to cushion the blow of the revelation. Eugenia's heart sank further.

"She should have told me," She replied, a mixture of anger and hurt flaring inside her. The thought of her fiancé enduring such struggles alone was unbearable.

"She didn't want to worry you with what happened," Mandy offered gently, her eyes filled with compassion. Eugenia nodded, though the frustration bubbled beneath her surface.

"I understand that," She brushed aside, but the remorse lingered.

"I am really sorry you had to find out this way," Mandy said, her voice softening the blow of the news.

"It's okay; I'm here for her now," Eugenia reassured, her thoughts racing to her fiancé's well-being. "I really do hope she is doing better." Her words hung in the air, tinged with hope and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

"She didn't seem off," She observed quietly.

Mandy nodded in agreement. "Well, she could have felt different when she was alone." The truth in those words settled uncomfortably in the space between them.

"Yeah, I guess you are right about that," Eugenia admitted, the reality of isolation hitting home. Yet, her heart ached for the battle her fiancé's faced daily, and her own sense of powerlessness gnawed at her. "I'm really sorry once again," Mandy said, but Eugenia could only shake her head, overwhelmed with sorrow for the struggle ahead.

"It's okay, but I feel so horrible," Eugenia replied, anxious thoughts swirling; she couldn't envision the depths of her fiancé's battle with illness. "She is battling this disease every day, and I can't imagine what she is going through." The enormity of the situation brought tears to her eyes.

"I'm sure all we can do is support her through this," Mandy said, and Eugenia nodded, feeling a flicker of determination ignite within her.

"I really do hope people don't think this is because he is getting married after their so-called break-up," She said.

"People will think whatever they want to think about my daughter," She commented, leaving a bitter taste in the air. Eugenia opened her mouth to express her feelings further, but the words caught in her throat.

"All we can do is just hope for the best," Mandy replied.

Eugenia nodded, thankful for the support they offered one another. A prayer slipped silently from her lips; she desperately wished everything would be alright. The memories of upheaval from years past haunted her still, but she resolved then and there not to let those thoughts take root in her mind. She made a promise to herself: she would be there for her fiancé when everything came crashing down.

No matter how excruciating the journey ahead might be, she would ensure everything turned okay. The stakes were too high, and she was determined to prove her willingness to stand strong in their relationship; there would be no room for failure. Eugenia looked around the sterile hospital room, her heart heavy as she bit down on her lip, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. She hoped against hope that everything was fine, but the tension in the air felt palpable.

With a weary exhale, she leaned her head back against the chair, fighting the urge to succumb to the fatigue that tugged at her. She caught the soothing cadence of her ex-mother-in-law's voice, desperately wanting to be filled with reassurance amid the storm of anxiety brewing inside her.

"Eugenia, you can take a nap. I'll let you know if anything changes," Mandy offered gently, her voice cutting through the silence with a sense of warmth. "I will try," She replied, feeling the energy drain from her body as she shut her eyes.

Sleep wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and as dreams crept in, a flicker of hope ignited within her; Selena was a fighter, resilient and strong, just as she had shown in 2015. Two and a half hours later, the gentle shake from Mandy pulled Eugenia from her slumber.

"Hey, is everything okay?" She murmured, the remnants of sleep still heavy in her voice.

"She's awake. She asked to see you," Mandy replied, prompting Eugenia to shoot up in the chair.

Her heart raced as she hurried towards Selena's room, a mix of anticipation and dread coursing through her veins. She paused at the door, swiping a hand through her hair, taking a moment to steady herself.

"Can I come in?" She called softly, the tightness in her throat betraying her cheery facade.

"Come in," Selena said faintly.

Stepping inside, Eugenia felt the warmth of familiarity surround her, quickly shutting the door behind her to close out the world. Grabbing Selena's hand, she took her seat across from her, searching her eyes for signs of reassurance.

"Are you feeling alright? Do you need anything?" She asked, concern etched across her features.

"No, I'm fine for now," Selena responded weakly, but her bravery shone through. Eugenia's heart ached at the sight.

"I was really worried," She admitted, and Selena's gentle gaze acknowledged her concern.

"I heard," She said quietly, a soft smile tugging at her lips. The love between them pulsed in the air, palpable.

"I love you so much, baby. I'm so glad you are doing alright," Eugenia said, her voice filled with tenderness.

"I love you too, Eugenia. I'm really glad you're here," Selena replied, her eyes glimmering.

"I missed you so much," Eugenia revealed, vulnerability creeping into her tone.

"I guess I missed you as well," Selena confessed, causing a blush to stain her cheeks.

"Aww, baby..." Eugenia cooed, making Selena's heart swell.

"I'm going to kiss you now," She announced.

"Go ahead, babe," Selena replied, her smile wide as anticipation built in the concise space between them.

She let out a soft chuckle, squeezing her hand gently before resting her head on the pillow. Eugenia pressed a light kiss on her lips. In response, she kissed back, her hand cradling Eugenia's cheek. Eugenia pulled away slightly, and Selena smirked at her, glancing toward the door as a noise interrupted the moment.

Her gaze shifted to her mother, Mandy, who was leaning against the doorway. She tilted her head slightly and exhaled softly before stepping into the room.

"Hi there, sweetheart," Mandy whispered.

"Hey, Mom," Selena replied faintly.

"Are you feeling alright?" Mandy asked.

"Yeah, I'm good right now," She answered.

"I'll let you two talk," Eugenia said, rising from her seat.

With a gentle smile, Mandy moved to a nearby chair, flashing a grin at Selena. She returned the gesture. Eugenia exited the room to join her own mother.

"How are you feeling?" Mandy asked.

"I'm feeling really good," She responded.

"I'm glad to hear you're doing much better, sweetie," Mandy said warmly.

Eugenia took out her phone, scrolling through social media. Selena noticed the buzz around her, as Eugenia was feeling frustrated that she was facing such scrutiny. She tightened her grip on her phone before slipping it into her purse. Leaning her head back against the chair, she felt grateful for her current state.

She waited patiently for Selena to finish her conversation with her mother, aware that their relationship had its ups and downs. It was hard to believe they were together for a third time. Their lives seemed to intertwine and separate repeatedly since that chance encounter on the sidewalk. She recognized the intensity of their bond and realized she could never truly stop loving her soon-to-be wife.

Eugenia couldn't help but smile at the thought of their journey together, a tapestry woven with love, misunderstandings, and the sweet promise of a future. After their reconciliation a few months back the second time, she remembered that fateful trip where everything changed. The memory of that dinner loomed large in her mind, the unexpected proposal catching her off guard. Despite her initial uncertainty about marriage, she found herself saying yes, propelled by a moment that felt absolutely right.

Four years later, with their hearts finally aligned, she wouldn't trade that impulsive decision for anything in the world. But today, a heavy weight of worry pressed down on her, dimming the brightness of those cherished memories.

"Please don't let anything else happen to her," She whispered fervently, as if her words could carry a protective charm. The thought of losing Selena was unbearable; the very idea sent a chill through her spine. Their relationship, though strong, had experienced its share of bumps, and she realized how deeply she had come to depend on the vibrant spirit of the woman by her side.

"What's wrong?" Theresa's voice was soft, concerned, cutting through Eugenia's spiraling thoughts. Eugenia's heart raced as she masked her fears with a shaky facade. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it," She lied, her voice cracking under the pressure. The moment the words left her lips, she felt the truth lingering just beneath the surface, heavy and unrelenting. She pulled Theresa closer, allowing the warmth of her presence to soothe her. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, each drop a testament to her love and vulnerability.

"I can't lose her. I just can't," She confessed, her voice trembling. The weight of the situation felt like a storm threatening the delicate peace they had built together. "She will get through this," Theresa reassured her, strength mingling with tenderness in her tone. Eugenia nodded, anxiously chewing her lip, emotions swirling within her like a tempest. She began to pace, her leg jittering, fingers intertwining as if searching for something to hold on to. Taking a deep breath, she tried to find calm amidst the chaos.

"She needs to get through this," She murmured, closing her eyes as exhaustion descended, surrendering to the hope that tomorrow might bring brighter days.

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