Chapter 274 How Could Fate Be So Cruel?

Chapter 274 How Could Fate Be So Cruel?
Selena's POV

My entire body went rigid as I stared at the image on Kevin's phone. That bracelet—my bracelet—glimmered back at me from the screen.

My heart hammered against my ribcage as shock coursed through my veins. How did Kevin have a photo of it?

"Ms. Garcia, are you alright?" Kevin's concerned voice pulled me back to reality.

I forced my expression to neutralize, handing his phone back with slightly trembling fingers. "No. It's nothing. I'm sorry about that."

"It's fine." He slipped the phone into his pocket, studying my face with genuine concern. "I heard you mentioning a medical consultation recently. Has anything been scheduled yet?"

My mind raced, barely registering his question as the image of that bracelet burned in my thoughts.

That delicate silver piece with sapphires had been the key to my entrance into the Garcia family.

And I had thrown it away overseas, far from where anyone could find it!

"Not yet," I managed to reply, my voice surprisingly steady despite my internal panic. "These specialists, you know... their schedules aren't exactly something I can control."

Kevin nodded sympathetically, completely unaware of the chaos erupting inside me. My heart raced and my palms grew clammy with anxiety.

I needed to know more—needed to understand how that bracelet had made its way back into my life like a ghost from the past...

"Ms. Garcia, try not to worry too much," he said gently. "You need to trust medical science and believe in yourself. Everything will be fine."

"Yes, that's what I keep telling myself too..." I paused, carefully crafting my next words. "By the way, I couldn't help noticing that bracelet in the photo on your phone. It's really beautiful."

"Yes, it is. Excellent craftsmanship with a unique design."

I watched his expression closely, searching for any hint that he knew the bracelet's significance. He seemed casual, treating it like any other jewelry piece.

He hadn't mentioned any connection to a family heirloom, which gave me a sliver of hope.

"Did you buy it yourself?" I asked, keeping my tone light and curious. "Could you send me the link? I've always loved these kinds of things and would like something similar... if that's okay?"

I was gambling everything on his answer. I'd already investigated that bracelet extensively after I'd discarded it. There were no retailers selling anything remotely similar—it was a handcrafted one-of-a-kind piece.

If Kevin said it was readily available in stores, I could breathe easy. If not...

"I found it by chance in a vintage shop overseas," he explained. "The owner mentioned it was on consignment from someone. I'm not sure if they have more, but I could ask for you."

A fucking vintage shop? I hurled that crappy bracelet off a rotting bridge in some shitty foreign country. Some damn bum must've grabbed it and pawned it to the shop.

What absolute bullshit luck.

"I see," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "The style looks like it's meant for a young woman. Are you buying it for your girlfriend?"

"Not at all—I don't have a girlfriend," he chuckled. "It's for my sister. She's always appreciated these things."

His sister. Katherine. My blood ran cold, a wave of pure terror washing over me. If that bracelet found its way to Katherine, and Anthony ever saw it... my entire identity as the Garcia family heiress would collapse like a house of cards. The very thought left me paralyzed with shock.

I needed to change tactics immediately.

"You're such a wonderful brother," I said, letting my expression darken with sadness. "I envy her. I've been an only child my whole life, and now with my condition, I don't even know who my father can rely on..."
I allowed my eyes to redden and my voice to crack slightly. Kevin's face immediately softened with compassion, just as I'd intended.

"Ms. Garcia, please don't talk like that," he said earnestly. "If you ever need anything, you can call me anytime. We're friends now."

"I couldn't possibly trouble you," I demurred. "I already shared so much of my troubles with you last time. I feel embarrassed about it. But that bracelet truly is exquisite. I studied jewelry design before, and I've never seen such a surprising design."

"Yes, the bracelet is special. I never expected to see it again, actually."

Never expected to see it again. Those words sent another wave of fear through me. This wasn't just some random piece of jewelry to him—he recognized it specifically.

I needed that bracelet. I couldn't let Katherine have it.

"Mr. Jordan, could I ask you a favor?" I ventured, looking up at him hopefully. "When you receive the bracelet, could I perhaps see it? I really do like it quite a lot. Would that be possible?"

Kevin hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Sure."

"Thank you so much."

I smiled, appearing relieved, while my mind continued racing through worst-case scenarios.

The moment Kevin disappeared down the hallway, my smile vanished. I wheeled myself rapidly back to my hospital room, my fingers already pulling up search results for the vintage shop he'd mentioned.

Within minutes, I found their website and dialed the international number, drumming my fingers anxiously on the armrest of my wheelchair as I waited for someone to answer.

"Hello?" a voice finally answered.

"Hello. My friend recently purchased a bracelet from your store. His name is Kevin Jordan. Do you remember him?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Ah, yes, I remember. How can I help you?"

"I'm very interested in that bracelet," I explained. "I was wondering if you could put me in touch with the designer. I have another piece I'd like them to design for me."

"I'm terribly sorry, miss, but that bracelet wasn't designed or made by our shop. Someone sold it to us, and we resold it."

My grip tightened on the phone as my worst fears were confirmed. "Would it be possible to contact the seller? I'm really interested in this bracelet. You must have records, right?"

"We do have records, but the original owner didn't leave any contact information. The seller was a homeless person, and given the bracelet's unique design, I remember it clearly. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."

I ended the call and stared blankly at the wall. It was definitely my bracelet—the one I'd thrown away, believing it would never resurface.

How? How could fate be so cruel? I'd been so careful, had planned everything down to the smallest detail.

The chances of that bracelet finding its way back to Katherine's family seemed impossible. Yet here it was, about to destroy everything I'd built.

My mind flashed back to the first time I'd seen that bracelet, when everything changed. The memory hit me like a physical blow, and I felt my carefully constructed world beginning to crumble around me.

That bracelet could never reach Katherine's hands!

I still remember who I was back then...