?<strong>Chapter 342:</strong>


    Lacey’s words were sharp.


    Michael paused, his anger dissipating as he clenched his fists, feeling powerless. “Your life isn’t just about you.”


    Lacey’s eyes shifted from his tense face to the window, where the sunlight streamed in, contrasting the sudden chill she felt. “This is my life, Michael. Why can’t you understand that I want to control how I live it? Why do you even care?”


    Michael was taken aback, his emotions raw. “Because I—” Lacey cut him off, her gaze still fixed outside, her voice tinged with despair. “My entire life has felt like some cruel joke. I lost my mom too soon, and my dad saw my sister and me as nothing more than tools for his own ends. I’ve been fighting just to survive this long. I don’t want to just fade away, but what choice do I have?”


    Her voice cracked as she continued, tears glossing her eyes. “Nobody hopes more than I do that I can have a normal life. But I can’t bear the thought of living in constant pain, confined to a bed. Michael, please, let me have some peace in my final days.”


    It took a moment for Michael to gather himself, his voice strained. “I refuse to let you give up. You can’t just surrender. Remember our bet? You promised me. I’m going to speak with the doctor about the surgery right now!”


    Lacey reached out as if to stop him, but Michael had already turned, his resolve as firm as his stride. He didn’t look back.


    Encouraged by both Joelle and Adrian, Lacey eventually found the courage to consult the doctor about her options, her heart heavy but open to the possibility of hope.


    Lacey stood outside the doctor’s office, ears pressed against the door, catching every word exchanged inside.


    “Heart donors are rare. I had already ced you on the waiting list during your initial hesitation,” the doctor exined with a calm demeanor. “Still, the waiting could be extensive.” Michael’s voice trembled slightly. “What’s the estimated time? Could it be soon?”


    “It might be as soon as tomorrow, or it might never happen. The uncertainties are vast in these situations.”


    Lacey’s heart sank. She slid down against the wall, wrapping her arms tightly around her knees, the weight of the words too heavy to bear.


    Instead of entering, she retreated quietly to her room, leaving the conversation behind.


    Joelle asked, “How did it go, Lacey?”


    Lacey managed a half-hearted smile. “I didn’t speak to them. We’ll find out when Michaeles back.”


    Yet, when Michael did return, his smile was as strained as hers. Choosing to distract herself, Lacey suggested, “Let’s not talk about it. How about we y some video games instead?” As the room dimmed with the evening sunset, Lacey gazed towards the softly billowing white curtains. “Joelle, Adrian really is a good person. He might have made mistakes, but he’smitted to changing. His word is his bond. If you give him a chance, he’ll prove his worth.”


    Joelle listened, sensing the weight behind Lacey’s words, almost as if they were parting words.


    Then, in a quieter tone, Lacey asked, “You and Adrian are truly back together, aren’t you? This isn’t just something you’re saying to encourage me for the surgery, is it?”


    “Absolutely not, Lacey,” Joelle replied with a reassuring yet forced smile.


    “Good.” Lacey handed Joelle a room key with a meaningful grin. “I have a friend who recently opened a hotel that’s perfect for couples. The ambiance is exceptional. You and Adrian should spend a night there. It might add a little excitement to your rtionship.”


    “Isn’t that a bit rushed?”


    “Are you hiding something from me?”


    “No, of course not,” Joelle replied, epting the key reluctantly.


    Lacey’s expression turned yful. “You should definitely go. My friend is eager for some customer feedback.” Joelle realized the importance of the gesture.


    If Lacey’s friend reported back that they hadn’t shown up, it might undo all the progress they had made that day.


    “Alright, we’ll check it out.”


    Later, outside the hospital, Joelle exined the situation to Adrian, showing him the room key.


    Adrian raised an eyebrow but was supportive. “Do you think we should go?”


    “It seems we must. Lacey will expect her friend to report back.”


    “Then let’s head over and take it from there,” Adrian suggested.


    “Alright,” Joelle agreed.


    Upon their arrival at the hotel, Joelle was impressed by the setting.


    The hallways were serene, leading to a spacious room decked out with luxurious amenities.


    The hotel offered everything from massage services and saunas to a private swimming pool and a mini cinema. There were even discreetly ced sex toys for those interested. The lighting was tastefully done, a soft, warm yellow that added to the room’s inviting atmosphere.


    Each piece of furniture was integrated with voice-activated technology. At a simplemand, the curtains drew back to reveal a breathtaking panoramic view of Illerith through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.


    As Joelle stepped into the room, she was struck by the careful curation of the environment.


    The room exuded a romantic essence; even the air was infused with a delicate, inviting fragrance.


    She found herself avoiding Adrian’s gaze; under the soft, ttering light, his features seemed even more sharply defined, making her heart flutter.


    Adrian noticed the change in the atmosphere and felt an involuntary tension in his muscles. He fought to keep his thoughts appropriate, but the setting challenged his restraint.


    Startled when he reached out and touched her shoulder, Joelle flinched, stepping away quickly.


    Adrian hurried to rify. “You had a hair on your shoulder.” Joelle’s heart raced, not from fear but from a surprising rush of excitement mixed with anticipation. She half-turned towards him, her voice a yful warning mixed with a tease. “Hey! Keep your distance!”


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