Chapter 3

"We consent too."

My parents finally spoke, their voices flat. "Either way, we watched Vera grow up. We care about her."

Garrett and my parents had casually sentenced me to death without a second thought.

My voice hoarse, I called out to Garrett, refusing to give up.

I couldn't believe that after all these years together, he had no feelings for me—less than his idealized first love?

Perhaps I called out too miserably. Garrett turned around and stood motionless for a long moment.

Dad frowned and grabbed Garrett's wrist. Garrett gently pulled away.

He turned back, eyes red, voice trembling.

"I know it's not fair to you, but Vera is my love."

"All these years I've thought of her, loved her. No matter what, you must donate this kidney."

Garrett took a deep breath. "I asked—you won't die. You'll just be in poor health afterward."

"When you come out, I'll compensate you and take good care of you."

Years of companionship vanished in an instant.

In the end, all I got was: you won't die.

"Ha..."

I laughed in self-abandonment, cursing myself masochistically. "I won't survive. I'll definitely die."

Garrett interrupted me in horror, shouting, "Impossible! I'm having your father perform the surgery himself!"

Even Dad, a medical sage, couldn't save someone who wanted to die.

My silent mother helped me up, then together with a nurse, strapped me to the operating table like a fish awaiting slaughter.

Dad held the surgical consent form. Garrett quickly signed his name.

I lay there on my side, powerlessly watching.

Until Dad was about to wheel me into the operating room.

I blinked, staring emptily at the ceiling as tears slid down.

I forced a smile uglier than crying and said, "I can give it to her. My kidney, my life—whatever."

"But I have one condition..."

"I want a divorce."

Garrett frowned and scolded loudly, "Why bring that up now? Are you still trying to resist?!"

"Vera suffered so much because of you, waited all these years—and you dare make demands?!"

Suffered? Who really suffered all these years, now reduced to gambling with their life?

I just wanted release.

Mom sighed. "After all these years, let her know the truth."

"It's good for her to give up hope."

Garrett also spoke, impatient. "Fine, I'll sign! From now on, we're even."

I smiled with relief.

Good. After all these years of devotion, I should finally give up hope.