Chapter 2

Before my consciousness faded, waves of excruciating pain surged through my body.

I trembled violently, curling into a tight ball, trying in vain to ease the agony.

But it was useless. The muffled shouts of doctors and nurses echoed in my ears, but I no longer had the strength to open my eyes.

"Her organs are failing," someone sighed nearby. "Without the A9 experimental drug, not even a miracle can save her."

"Let's contact her next of kin to prepare for her funeral..."

The A9 experimental drug.

Hearing that familiar name only brought a sharp, tearing pain to my chest.

I had been so close to surviving. But Ethan, my husband, had shattered that chance with his own hands.

The A9 drug was the latest breakthrough from Ethan's research lab.

Because it was still in the early stages, the production was extremely limited. The only existing dose was in Ethan's possession.

Two weeks ago, I finally tracked down Ethan, who had vanished with the drug.

I found him at Chloe's private studio.

I watched them huddled together. Chloe was sobbing softly while Ethan whispered sweet comforts to her.

Then, he pulled out the vial containing the A9 drug and placed it in her hand.

A spasm of pain shot through my body. I burst into the room to confront him.

My voice shook uncontrollably. "Ethan, I told you! I will die without this medicine!"

"You refused to give it to me, saying it was reserved for someone who truly needed it. Is she that person?!"

Ethan looked at me, his eyes showing no guilt or hesitation.

He met my gaze coldly. "Nora, stop faking your illness. It's getting pathetic."

"I'm a medical researcher. You can't fool me with these cheap tricks."

"Chloe isn't like you, always jealous and insecure. Five years ago, she risked her life as a volunteer for my drug trials, which pushed my project forward. Now, the side effects are causing her organs to fail. How can I just stand by and do nothing?"

I stared at Ethan in absolute disbelief, pointing at Chloe, who was shrinking back into his chest.

"You think *she* was the volunteer five years ago?"

Ethan didn't answer. He just tightened his grip around Chloe's waist.

My throat tasted metallic, like blood. I gritted my teeth against the searing pain in my chest. "Ethan, go look at the registry files from five years ago. I dare you! I don't believe you can't find the truth."

"If it weren't for you, why would I have spent the last five years screaming in pain every single night because of the side effects?!"

I couldn't hold it in anymore. I covered my mouth and coughed violently.

Ethan only frowned, his eyes filling with deep annoyance.

"Nora Mitchell, I thought you'd know when to stop."

"Without Chloe's help, I wouldn't have the status I have today. Do you think the money you've been spending all these years grew on trees?"

"I'm going to put an end to your lies once and for all today."

Ethan sighed, throwing a folder onto my chest.

"See for yourself. I pulled the original records from back then."

"I know exactly who saved my career."

With that, he wrapped his arm around Chloe and walked out of the studio.

Before they turned the corner, I heard him whisper to her, "Don't worry, Chloe. I'll save you. I wouldn't be here today without you."

Out of Ethan's sight, Chloe turned back and flashed me a smug, triumphant smile.

With trembling, blood-stained hands, I opened the folder.

The volunteer report—the one that used to have my face on it—now had Chloe's photo attached.

After that day, Ethan subjected me to endless, freezing silent treatment.

He didn't even pick up my last call before I died.