Chapter 5

I hung up, returned the phone to the driver, and told him to ignore any further calls.

The car continued smoothly toward the hospice facility in the suburbs.

I thought that would be the end of it.

But I underestimated Julian's callousness, and overestimated his remaining rationality.

The car stopped at a temporary infusion center for my daily nutritional support injection. Just then, the door to the infusion room was violently pushed open.

Serena stood in the doorway, her face pale, but with a sickly, triumphant smile.

Behind her stood two tall security guards in hospital uniforms.

"Clara, Julian told me everything."

She slowly approached, looking down at me, weak and lying on the chair.

"I know you're not feeling well, but I can't wait."

My pupils constricted. Before I could react, the two guards stepped forward, pinning my arms down tightly!

I struggled with all my might, but my post-chemotherapy body couldn't muster an ounce of strength.

One of the guards skillfully took out a component blood collection kit from a medical box; the thick needle gleamed coldly under the light.

"What are you doing! Let me go!" I screamed hoarsely.

Serena chuckled softly, then played a recording on her phone.

From it, Julian's voice, devoid of any emotion, came through clearly.

"Her blood source is the safest. Use it directly."

"Make her donate! Whatever happens, I'll take responsibility!"

"I'll take responsibility."

I hadn't expected Julian to be so utterly ruthless, but I still struggled with my last remaining strength.

I didn't know if Serena's illness was real or fake, but a cancer patient's blood cannot be used!

Choking back the metallic sweetness rising in my throat, I glared at the triumphant woman before me.

"I have cancer. If you're not afraid of dying, go ahead and use it, but don't harm innocent people."

Serena scoffed, then suddenly looked pitiful as she glanced behind me.

"I know you resent me for taking Julian from you, but you shouldn't lie like this..."

I had no intention of arguing and stumbled, trying to walk past her.

But Serena suddenly collapsed to the floor, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at the person who had just arrived.

It was Julian.

Before I could react, a stinging slap landed on my face. A mouthful of blood finally spilled from my lips.

Julian looked at me with deep disappointment, the delicate woman in his arms still softly sobbing.

"Julian, please don't blame Clara. She just said she has cancer, maybe... maybe she really has some difficulties."

Julian's eyes showed a flicker of panic for a moment, but he quickly composed himself.

"Clara, don't test my patience with these crude tricks. I know you're not sick. Today, even if I have to drain your blood dry, I will ensure Serena's safety."

"Clara, I don't like women who stoop to such lows."

I wanted to laugh for some reason. The lowest I'd ever stooped in my life was giving up my career to be his personal assistant.

Actually, in the first few years, I really wasn't sick.

Julian was afraid of inherited cancer from our parents, protecting me like the apple of his eye. He said,

"Clara, I wish for us to have many years together." So he took me for full body check-ups every year.

But he hadn't called me Clara in years, and he hadn't taken me for a check-up in a long time either.

Now, he used that nickname for the sake of another woman.

I stopped struggling and closed my eyes in despair.

Julian, once this blood is drawn, I owe you nothing.

You were with me after I lost my parents, giving me the courage to live.

My life was a gift from you. Now, I'm giving it back.

The cold needle, mercilessly pierced my vein.

Blood began to be forcibly drained from my failing body, and my consciousness slowly blurred.

When I next opened my eyes from the cold operating table, no one else was around.

I struggled to push myself up, but stumbled and fell after only two steps.

Perhaps my light was truly fading, I thought.

It was a shame, I still had so many things I wanted to do.

Just as I thought I would die there, I saw a pair of polished shoes step into my shadow.

I expected it to be Julian, returned, but when I looked up, I saw an unexpected face.

His face was as handsome as ever, but his eyes now held a mature sharpness, and he looked at me as if I were a pile of hopeless trash.

He leaned down slightly, a familiar, cutting sneer gracing his lips.