Chapter 444

Bianca's knuckles turned white as she clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She had never imagined this day would truly come.

Leaving the country. Changing her name. Breaking free from the Fairchild family's shackles once and for all.

This dream had haunted her for years. Now, it was finally within reach.

Evelyn gazed at the churning sea of clouds outside the airplane window, but her thoughts drifted to the man who had shielded her.

When Ethan had thrown himself in front of her, she had seen the resolve burning in his eyes.

The muffled thud of the bullet piercing his chest still echoed in her ears.

"I need to see him."

She suddenly unbuckled her seatbelt, her voice barely audible.

Julian opened his mouth as if to speak, then silently watched her walk toward the business-class cabin.

The modified cabin reeked of antiseptic.

Ethan lay on a specialized medical bed, surrounded by monitors emitting cold, clinical light.

His lips were as pale as paper. Crimson stains seeped through the bandages wrapped around his chest.

Evelyn gently touched his icy hand.

She remembered how warm and strong those hands had always been. Now, they felt like frozen jade.

"Was it worth it?"

Her whisper traced the lines of his palm.

The steady beeping of the heart monitor answered her silent question.

The soft cabin lights cast faint shadows across his face, his long lashes forming crescent moons against his cheeks.

Suddenly, she remembered that morning on the island—when he had turned toward the rising sun and extended his hand to her.

He had smiled then and said, "I've got you."

Now he lay here, proving it with his life.

An unfamiliar ache swelled in her chest. She pressed his hand against her cheek.

Warm tears fell silently, soaking their intertwined fingers.

"Ethan..."

She whispered his name like a distant dream.

Outside, a golden ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, streaming through the window to illuminate their clasped hands.

As if fate had offered its faintest reply.