Liam remarked with a sigh, "Popping pills like they''re candy, of course you''re gonna have a bitter taste hangin'' around. Look at ya, tongue''s as white as a sheet."


    Brett took a deep breath, his gaze dropping to the bracelet sped around his wrist. The silver band with its tiny lock had once adorned Izabe''s delicate wrist, and now it felt oddly out of ce on his own. Initially, it had been too tight - a constant reminder of its presence. But over time, even the most ill-fitting things find a way to settle in.


    He could still remember that day, Izabe''s birthday, when shey in his arms, and he had fastened the bracelet around her wrist, telling her only he could unlock it.


    But in the end, it was a raging fire that imed Izabe''s life and tore the bracelet from her, leaving it to fall from her charred wrist.


    After swallowing another spoonful of soup, Brett nced at the sunlight streaming through the window.


    "It''s stuffy in here. Let''s crack a window, get some fresh air."N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    "It''s winter; opening the window will bring in a draft. You''re not at your strongest; you could catch a cold," Liam reasoned with patience.


    "But it''s sunny outside, how can it be cold? If you won''t open it, I will," Brett said, attempting to rise to open the window himself. Out of options, Liam reluctantly grabbed the remote and cracked the window open.


    As anticipated, a chill breeze swept through the room, making Brett shiver slightly. Indeed, even the gentlest winter wind can cut to the bone.


    Upon entering the room, Liam spotted the live stream still running on theputer, the camera circling the happy couple.


    Izabe''s sweet voice filled the air. "I vow to take Casey as my husband, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. I will forsake my own desires, betray my nature, to be loyal, to honor, to care for, and to support him. I will share my life with him, from first sight to our final days."


    It was a beautiful day, and Brett watched as Izabe blissfully married another man, his heart quietly wishing her all the happiness with her new love.


    He continued to sip his soup, not noticing the tears that mingled with the broth.


    There was nothing to be upset about, really. Everything had simply returned to the way it always was - he had nothing to begin with.


    After a few bites, Brett couldn''t eat anymore. His body was short on nutrients, and soon he''d have to be hooked up to an IV drip. The bags wererge, and the fluid ran slowly


    a full hour to administer. Even with the heater on, the cold would seep in, numbing his hands to the point he couldn''t even make a fist.


    Once Liam had stepped out, Brett moved closer to theputer. This time, he shut it down and set up a camera instead. Facing the lens, he chewed his lip, pondering what to say. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "Let this be a message to myself at twenty."


    The Dempsey household, now under the care of Beck and Wendy, was settling down after the wedding festivities. Izabe had delegated her work responsibilities to enjoy a honeymoon with Casey, whose condition had improved, with fewer nightmares and sleepwalking


    episodes.


    On their return to Wye before the New Year, perhaps due to Bunny''s hearty holiday cooking, Izabe had put on a few pounds, her cheeks rosy and bright, free from stress; her days were filled with rest and good food.


    It was a Dempsey family tradition to have an annual health check-up, scheduled regrly. The thought of a hospital visit still scared Izabe, especially check-ups, remembering how years ago, an extensive exam which cost several hundred bucks led to a stomach cancer diagnosis.


    But this time was different. She wasn''t alone; her family was by her side, especially Casey.


    Sensing her anxiety, Casey squeezed her hand. "Don''t worry, love. You''re in fine health. There won''t be any bad news, and I''ll be with you every step of the way."


    She had to agree. Regr meals, exercise, she felt strong and healthy.


    Midway through the check-up, the doctor suddenly paused, causing Izabe''s heart to race again.


    Not just hers, the entire family looked on anxiously, Bunny especially. "Is there something wrong, Doc?"


    The doctor offered a reassuring smile. "No problem at all, I just wanted to ask you, Ms. Salotti, when was thest time you had your period?"


    Izabe was taken aback by the question.


    It was then she realized she had indeed missed her period. Always one to expect the worst, her mind didn''t jump to happy possibilities, and she grew tense.


    "It''s been a while," she admitted, her cycle sometimes irregr due to stress or hormonal imbnces.


    But this time, the wedding prep and honeymoon had filled her days, pushing such concerns out of mind.


    "Ms. Salotti, you''re seven weeks pregnant, and it appears to be twins."