Chapter 1

The night before my heart transplant, my husband, Noah, brought me a glass of milk at midnight.

When I woke up the next day, I found that the heart meant for me had been stolen by my sister, Chloe.

The next day, I broke down at the operating room door, demanding to know why.

Noah sighed helplessly.

“Chloe’s condition is worse. You still have three years to live. Just let her have this heart.”

My mother frowned, saying I was being unreasonable.

“Chloe has always compromised for you. As the older sister, you should give in this once.”

Even my son wouldn't speak up for me.

“Chloe is afraid of pain, you’re not. The heart should go to Chloe.”

Everyone stood against me.

A sharp pain surged in my chest. I had a heart attack and died right there at the operating room door.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day before the heart transplant.

“Your physical condition is fine. The donor heart has been confirmed, and the transplant can proceed tomorrow.”

“Remember to fast and avoid liquids for 10 hours to ensure a smooth operation.”

Familiar words echoed in my ears again. I opened my eyes, tears streaming down my face, soaking the pillow.

My attending physician looked at me and smiled.

“Evelyn, congratulations. The match rate for this transplant is very high. After the surgery, you’ll be healthy.”

She thought I was crying tears of joy, but only I knew the truth.

The agony and despair of finally grasping hope, only for it to be crushed by the very people who were supposed to be my family.

The pain of the heart attack still lingered throughout my body, yet I forced a smile.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

“Could I ask you for a favor? Please don’t tell my family about tomorrow’s surgery yet. I’ll sign the consent form myself.”

Heaven had given me another chance. This time, I would hold on tight and never let go.

The doctor nodded understandingly, closed my medical file, and left the room.

My roommate, who shared the room with me, looked at me with envy and struck up a conversation.

“I’ve been waiting for a suitable donor for almost seven years. It’s so wonderful to see you get to live. Your family must be so happy.”

I smiled but said nothing.

They couldn’t possibly be happy, not when their beloved adopted daughter, Chloe, hadn't found a donor yet.

Even when I was hospitalized, no one was willing to visit or take care of me.

Several times, the pain was so severe that doctors issued a critical condition notice, requiring my family to sign. With trembling hands, I immediately called Noah.

But his first words were full of blame.

“I told you not to call me in the middle of the night. Chloe is a light sleeper; it will wake her up.”

I curled up on the hospital bed, cold sweat soaking my gown. My voice trembled as I spoke.

“Noah, I’m in so much pain. The doctor said I might not make it. I want to see you, to see Ethan and Mom and Dad.”

“Please, can you all come to the hospital and see me?”

But I didn’t get his concern. Noah’s hushed voice was utterly cold.

“Stop acting out, Evelyn. You just can’t stand us revolving around Chloe. You’re faking pain to trick us into visiting you.”

“This is the fifth time. The doctors issued a critical condition notice, and we didn’t come to see you, yet you still survived.”

I blinked, stunned, unable to believe the man I loved most would say such hurtful things.

I instinctively began to explain.

“I’m not lying, Noah…”

Before I could finish, the phone was snatched away, and my mother, Eleanor’s, equally hushed voice came through.

“Evelyn, I beg you, stop being so dramatic.”

Her disappointment was so heavy that I could almost picture her tightly furrowed brow, even through the phone.

“Chloe’s heart isn’t feeling well today. Do you need to have heart trouble too? Always copying Chloe—do you really think we can’t see through it?”

Eleanor’s voice rose slightly, disturbing Chloe, who let out a mumbled groan. My father, Richard’s, muffled voice immediately interjected.

“What’s there to say to Evelyn? Hang up quickly, don’t wake Chloe.”

And just like that, the call was disconnected.

I held my phone, feeling a wrenching pain in my heart. I couldn't tell if it was from the words I’d just heard or something else.

Just like now, knowing deep down they only cared if Chloe lived a healthy life, I still felt a stinging in my nose from their coldness at the operating room door in my previous life.

“Your family seems to be here.”

My roommate’s words brought my thoughts back. I turned to the door and saw Mom, Dad, and Noah pushing it open and walking in.

Mom’s eyes reddened the moment she saw me. She choked up and came forward to hug me.