Stole My Kidney for His Crush

I cried out. The door flew open.

Bryson stormed in. "What the hell are you doing?!"

He kicked the nurse a few times, then scooped me into his arms, face twisted with guilt. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let this happen again.

"But you've gotta stop picking on Lily. She didn't grow up with much—she sees you as her only sister. Try to understand her."

Sister?

I exhaled sharp and hard. I'd never hated that word more.

I met Lily at one of Bryson's company events. Just an intern back then—no background, no backup. People pushed her around.

I felt bad and stepped in.

After that, she clung to me. Said she had no family, called me the sister she never had.

I bought it. Taught her the ropes, even brought her along when I hung out with Bryson.

Back then, I thought it was cute how well they clicked. Now? I see it clear as day—it was all planned.

In a company that size, she wasn't the only one with a rough past.

This wasn't fate. Bryson planted her next to me so he could flaunt her out in the open.

Too bad I figured it out too late. Now I was down a kidney and stuck in this massive city.

"Kayla, are you listening? I know you're upset about the engagement falling apart. Don't worry. Once you're out, I'll throw an even bigger ceremony. I'll invite every partner we've got. I want the whole world to see how happy I am."

Back in college, marrying Bryson had been the dream. White dress. Perfect wedding.

Not anymore.

"We're not getting married."

My voice was raw, but I meant it.

He cupped my face, pulling me close. "Don't be like this. You're just scared from the kidnapping, right? It's okay. I hired the top security firm in the world. Even their CEO's coming. I swear—you'll be safe."

That was a lie.

The Schuberts didn't have that kind of power in Crellan City. No way he scored that CEO.

I did the math. The world's top security company? Eastwood Corp. My dad's.

These days, my sister Robin Eastwood ran it.

But Robin didn't know I was here. Which meant... she wasn't coming for me.

"Kayla, I'm finally gonna marry you. I've waited so long for this," Bryson whispered in my ear.

I gripped his sleeve, already picturing Robin's face when I saw her again.

She'd probably chew me out for letting things get this bad.

But honestly? I missed her more than I ever wanted Bryson. I missed my parents. My brother.

"Kayla, Bryson, what are you two whispering about? Let me hear too."

A tug yanked me from his arms.

Lily had arrived—white dress, ghost-pale face looking extra tragic.

Bryson flinched, then reached out like it was pure instinct.

"You're not feeling great. Don't push yourself. Kayla's got me—and doctors. No need to stress. We don't want you sick before she's even better."

He tapped her nose, all cutesy. Then realized I was watching and quickly tucked his hand behind his back.