New beginning: Billionaire love story

Claire's heart was still pounding as she looked at Matthew, standing before her with a frail but determined posture. His hazel eyes, though tired, sparkled with warmth, and his smile-weak as it was-felt like the sun breaking through a storm.

"Matthew," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I thought-" Her words caught in her throat, and she just shook her head, fresh tears welling up in her eyes.

Matthew chuckled softly, though his voice carried a hint of strain. "I'm alright, Claire. Really." He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It seems I just needed a little extra nap."

Claire managed a shaky laugh, blinking away the tears threatening to spill. "A two-week nap? That's a little more than extra, don't you think?"

He grinned, though the color hadn't quite returned to his face. "Maybe I just wanted to make a dramatic entrance." His eyes softened, and he took a careful breath. "But seriously, I'm here now. I'm okay." She nodded, her hand reaching out to touch his cheek, as if confirming he was real. "I missed you, Matthew. I didn't know how to-how to handle things without you."

His smile faded a little, and he tilted his head, studying her. "I can tell something's been eating at you. I know that look." He paused, his brows drawing together. "What happened while I was out?"

Claire's lips pressed into a thin line, and she glanced away. "It's... complicated."

Matthew let out a soft sigh, his fingers brushing against hers. "Claire, when has anything in our lives not been complicated?" His voice was gentle, but there was an insistence in it. "Talk to me. You know you don't have to go through things alone."

Her eyes flickered to his, full of vulnerability. She hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, her voice low. "It was at the Christmas party." She took a shaky breath. "A man came up to me... he claimed to be my brother."

Matthew's eyes widened, his face a mixture of disbelief and concern. "Your brother? But... how?" She shook her head. "I don't know. He just came up to me and said that he is my half brother. I was confused hearing it and also doesn't believe. I mean who would?"

Matthew's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening. "Claire, that's... that's a lot to process." He paused, considering his words carefully. "Do you believe him?"

She bit her lip, her gaze distant. "I don't know. Part of me doesn't want to believe it. But there was something in his eyes. Pain. Resentment. It felt... real."

Matthew sighed, his fingers threading through his hair. "If it is true, then your parents had secrets none of us knew about."

"Secrets that are now ruining everything," she muttered bitterly. "Matthew, he confronted me in front of guests. He was angry, hurt. I didn't know what to say, and I just-I felt like my world was shattering." Matthew took her hand in his, his grip gentle but firm. "Claire, listen to me. You are not responsible for your parents' choices. Whatever happened in the past, it's not on you to fix."

She looked down at their intertwined hands. "But how do I move forward? How do I make sense of this?" He tilted her chin up so she was looking into his eyes. "You take it one step at a time. You're strong, Claire. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. And you're not alone in this."

A tear slipped down her cheek, and Matthew brushed it away with his thumb. "But what does he want from me? He didn't elaborate on this matter, only mentioning that I am his sister. I was in the middle of a business conversation with my guest then all of a sudden he came... strutting like he had a plan to humiliate me in front of my guest at my own party."

"Then you decide what to do with that knowledge," he said softly. "It's not about the past anymore. It's about what you do now. How about finding him and talking to him about it? Who knows he will tell you the reason."

She nodded, taking in his words. "I just... I don't know how to face him again."

Matthew's lips quivered into a small smile. "You've faced worse, haven't you? Eligos, scandals, betrayals -you've come out stronger every time. This is just another challenge."

She let out a shaky breath. "I guess you're right. But it doesn't make it any less terrifying."

"Fear is just proof that you care," he said. "And caring isn't a weakness. It's what makes you who you are."

Claire gave a small, watery smile. "You always know what to say."

He squeezed her hand. "That's because I know you, Claire. You don't have to pretend with me."

A sense of relief washed over her, the weight on her chest lifting just a bit. "Thank you, Matthew." He smiled, his eyes soft. "Always."noveldrama

Later that afternoon, Matthew insisted on taking a slow walk through the hospital garden. Claire walked beside him, her arm looped gently around his for support.

"Does it feel strange to be up and moving again?" she asked.

He nodded, inhaling the crisp winter air. "Yeah, but in a good way. I missed... this. Just being outside, feeling alive.'

Claire smiled. "I missed you feeling alive, too."

He chuckled. "You make it sound like I was gone forever."

"Two weeks felt like forever," she said quietly. "I don't know what I would've done if—"

"Don't go there," he interrupted gently. "I'm here, and that's what matters."

They walked in silence for a moment, the only sound being the crunch of gravel beneath their feet. Finally, Matthew spoke again. "What's your plan with this... Andre?"

Claire sighed. "I don't know yet. I need to figure out if he's really telling the truth. And if he is... maybe I need to find a way to make things right."

Matthew nodded. "Just remember, you don't owe him your whole world. You can't fix everything."

"I know." She looked up at the gray sky. "But I can't ignore him either."

He stopped walking and turned to face her. "Whatever you decide, I've got your back and you know I will not leave you alone. Doesn't matter what my condition, I will be by your side and help you face your problem."

Her eyes softened, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. “I know. And I'm grateful. I'm glad to meet you and have you as my best friends. You are the best Matthew.

Really. What would I do without

you."

After a moment, he cleared his throat. "Now, how about we go get some coffee or maybe some real food?

Cause I've had enough hospital food to last a lifetime."

Claire laughed, a genuine, light sound that eased some of the tension in her chest. "Deal."

As they walked back inside, Claire

felt a flicker of hope. There were still battles ahead, secrets to unravel, and wounds to heal. But with

Matthew by her side, she knew she could face whatever came next.

swn y

And perhaps, just perhaps, she could find a way to rebuild the pieces of her world—no matter how shattered they seemed.