Chapter 2

Helena’s voice snapped me back to reality. "Chloe, Ethan brought Vivian back. They’re getting married next month."

I nodded. "I know. We bumped into each other at the hospital earlier."

Panic instantly flashed across Helena's face. "What... what did he say to you?"

"Nothing much. He just congratulated me on finally getting my karma," I said flatly.

Helena's face flushed, then paled. She took a deep breath, as if making up her mind.

"Chloe, I know I've wronged you." Her voice sank to a whisper.

"But Chloe, for the past five years, our family wouldn't have survived without the Lockharts' support."

"I’m here today because I need to ask you for one more favor." She finally revealed her true motive.

"That boy... he still hasn’t completely let go of you. But they’ve come so far. Nothing can go wrong with this wedding."

"If he finds out the truth—that you were actually sick back then—I'm afraid he..."

She trailed off, her eyes filled with desperation and a subtle, threatening edge.

"So, could you please avoid Ethan for now?"

"Since you're... well, since the doctors said you don't have much time left anyway, it's best if you just stay home and rest, right?"

I snapped my head up to look at her.

Avoiding my gaze, she pulled a thick envelope from her purse and pushed it toward me.

"There's ten thousand dollars in here. Take it. Consider it a little compensation from me."

I stared at the envelope, a lump forming in my throat.

Five years ago, I refused her money and only begged her to help me hide my illness so I could suffer alone.

Five years later, she was still trying to buy me off, all to protect her son's marriage and her family's social standing.

I guess in her eyes, I would always be that cheap, disposable orphan who could be paid to disappear.

Suddenly, I felt incredibly exhausted. I didn't even have the energy to smile.

"Take your money back," I said, my voice dry. "Ethan already gave me five hundred thousand."

Helena froze. Her expression shifted into a complex mix of surprise and pure relief.

"That's good. Ethan always had a soft heart." She paused. "Then, about what I said..."

"Don't worry," I interrupted her, my eyes drifting to the gray sky outside the window. "I won't look for him. I won't interfere with his life, and I certainly won't ruin his wedding."

I paused, summoning every ounce of strength to keep my voice steady.

"Tell him I wish him a happy marriage."

Having secured the promise she wanted, Helena's shoulders relaxed.

After offering a few more hollow words of concern, she stood up and left.

The moment the door clicked shut, all my strength vanished. I collapsed onto the sofa.

A violent wave of nausea hit me. I rushed into the cramped bathroom and dry-heaved into the toilet. Nothing came out but tears blurring my vision.

The painkillers were wearing off. That familiar, agonizing ache began to gnaw at my bones again.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror—sunken cheeks, a skeletal frame. I forced a smile that looked worse than crying.

Chloe Sanders, look at you. This is your karma.

But if you could do it all over again, would you make a different choice?

There was no other way.