Chapter 2

I didn't actually want to go to a hospital when I said that. I just wanted to test Bella.

And sure enough, a flicker of panic crossed Bella's face, quickly replaced by indignation.

"Alice, what exactly are you trying to pull? You know the Masons are revered for our holistic health practices, and Liam has been meticulously tending to your recovery. Going to a regular hospital now? What do you think that says about us? If word gets out, other prominent families will laugh us right out of town! They'll say Liam is incompetent!"

Liam's expression turned grim, and his gaze held a hint of reproach.

"Don't be ridiculous, Alice. Just rest easy. I'll make sure you get completely healthy."

Perhaps because I was about to leave this world, I didn't want to play the innocent, devoted wife anymore.

My gaze swept over the two people in front of me, finally settling on Bella's face.

I spoke with a smirk.

"Oh, really? But I somehow feel like someone *doesn't* want me to be healthy."

Following my gaze, Liam and Bella exchanged a look. The next second, he frowned and spoke.

"Are you letting your paranoia get to you again? You were like this when we first got married too."

"Bella and I are just siblings. Stop being unreasonable."

Hearing Liam's words, I remembered how Bella had insisted on living with us after we got married.

She claimed it was to better monitor my progress and perfect my regimen.

But countless nights, I'd seen Liam and Bella in the study, heads bowed intimately together.

I could feel that Bella's feelings for my husband were far from platonic.

I'd brought it up countless times, but Liam always dismissed it as my jealousy getting the better of me, just like now.

He picked up the empty bowl I'd drunk from and took Bella's hand.

"Since you've finished your medicine, get some rest."

"I know you're not feeling well because of your sickness, but you can't just accuse people like that. Calm down."

With that, he pulled Bella from my room.

Before they left, I caught Bella's smug, triumphant glint in her eyes.

Her eyes seemed to say, "See? My brother will always choose me."

But my heart was unmoved. I called out to the system in my mind.

"When's my final curtain call?"

The electronic voice chimed.

"Seven days from now. This incorrect blend, if taken for seven consecutive days, will lead to organ failure."

I lowered my gaze to the wedding ring on my finger and murmured.

"Soon. I'll be free soon."