Chapter 2
After signing the paperwork and setting a date with the doctor, I dragged myself home, exhausted.
The moment I stepped inside, James pulled me into a kiss.
“Lillian, are you mad at me?”
His voice was deep, smooth–like the sound of a violin.
“Let me guess,” he teased. “Why is my Lillian upset this time?”
“Oh, I know. Is it because I wouldn’t let you eat fondue these past few days?”
“I’m just looking out for you. You had a heart transplant, and gaining too much weight would put unnecessary strain on your body.”
I pressed my lips together, lowering my head to hide the sting behind my eyes.
The weight chart in his office flashed through my mind.
James had always made sure I stayed at 96 pounds–because at 96 pounds, I looked the most like Sophia.
A sharp pain shot through my chest.
My legs buckled.
James caught me just before I hit the ground.
“What’s wrong?”
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. The tears spilled over, unstoppable.
“James, my surgery scars hurt. Every day, they hurt.”
“I can’t take it anymore…”
James froze. He helped me onto the couch, his hands shaking as he wiped my tears away.
“Lillian, if you’re in pain, you have to tell me.”
13:30
Ditched My Toxic Duo for a Billionaire Ingrade!
53.5%
Till find the best doctors for you.”
“Til stay with you for the rest of your life, okay?”
His words only made my chest tighten.
He wasn’t staying because he loved me.
He was staying to make up for what he had done.
Because the woman he truly loved wasn’t me.
His phone rang. He hesitated, then turned his back to me and answered.
I caught a glimpse of the screen.
It was Sophia.
“…Yeah. Okay. I’ll be right there.”
His voice was all business as he hung up.
Then he turned to me, looking apologetic.
“Something came up at work. I have to go.”
“We’ll talk about your birthday plans when I get back, alright?”
I nodded numbly.
Just as he was about to step out the door, I called after him and handed him a small charm.
“This is for you. A good luck charm. Open it on my birthday, okay?”
James chuckled, slipping it into his pocket before giving me a quick kiss and hurrying out.
He was used to me giving him little gifts.
But he had no idea that inside that charm was my medical report.
The one that said I only had a year left to live.
13:30
