Chapter 6

Elara Vance POV

For me, the days spent furiously writing flew by.

Trapped in the basement with only a desk lamp, I couldn't even tell day from night without checking my phone.

It wasn't until I felt I had no strength left to type that I stumbled to bed for a nap.

I had barely closed my eyes when there was a knock at the door.

"Ms. Vance, it's Leo!"

I frowned but roused myself to open the door.

Ethan stood there, holding Leo's hand.

"Leo has a check-up at the hospital today. He wanted you to come with him."

As soon as Ethan finished, Leo tugged at my dress. "Ms. Vance, will you come with me, please?"

Facing their identical eyes, my refusal caught in my throat. But then I remembered how long it had been since I'd gotten my medication from Dr. Derek, so I agreed.

The three of us went to the hospital.

Leo was very well-behaved. He didn't cry or fuss, even around the cold medical equipment.

Once he went into the examination room, I happened to glance towards a corner and saw Dr. Derek.

Dr. Derek's light gray eyes naturally held a touch of melancholy. He subtly gave me a signal, then turned and walked towards his office.

Ethan was very observant. He had noticed our interaction the moment I turned my head.

"I have something to do. I'll be gone for a bit."

I ignored Ethan's reaction, threw out that line, and left.

In the doctor's office.

Dr. Derek looked at me, his eyes filled with sorrow.

"I contacted my mentors. They reviewed your scans and all agreed that the risk of surgery is too great."

My expression remained neutral. I had already prepared myself for this.

"I understand. You don't need to feel burdened. I considered going to Switzerland for euthanasia, but I'm too tired to bother."

Hearing my lighthearted tone, Dr. Derek's eyes showed pity.

I knew he admired my free spirit and resilience, yet he couldn't bear to see such a young life lost to the torment of illness.

As I prepared to leave, he gave me a restrained and polite hug.

"Ms. Vance, I'll pray for you."

Feeling his pure kindness, my eyes welled up. "Thank you."

Stepping out of the office, I turned and almost bumped into Ethan, who was standing outside the door.

He glanced at Dr. Derek, who was already back at work. "Who is he?"

I continued towards the examination room. "A doctor."

"I asked what your relationship is."

Ethan's brow bone was prominent. His current grim expression made him look rather fierce.

I didn't answer, instead changing the subject. "Is Leo okay?"

Ethan's face darkened, his tone growing a bit stiff. "Two more tests."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang.

I glimpsed him from the corner of my eye. He answered directly.

"You're still awake?"

His expression softened, and his voice became much gentler.

"Ethan, it's dangerous over there. You need to be careful. Is Leo causing you any trouble? Can you manage taking care of him alone?"

They were close, and the woman's gentle voice from the other end of the phone also reached my ears.

And Ethan returned her concern with even softer words.

"Leo's doing great now. You need to take care of yourself at home. We'll be back soon."

I clenched my hands. My mind couldn't help but recall a night many years ago.

We weren't divorced then. On any stormy night, no matter how busy Ethan was, he would call me.

"Elara, don't be scared. I'll be home soon."

His gentle, patient words made me fearless.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but turn to look at the man beside me.

Seeing his gentle eyes, I suddenly felt less resentful.

Perhaps I was too tired to hate anymore. I was a person with no future. Leaving without any ties felt like peace.

Ethan hung up the phone, his gaze sweeping over my deep, contemplative expression.

"What's wrong?"

I forced a smile. "...Nothing."

The atmosphere became subtle with our silence.

It wasn't until we returned to the examination room door that Ethan spoke, somewhat abruptly. "I've been reading your serialized novel. It's very good."

He paused, then added, "The heroine's experiences are very similar to yours."

I gave a dry laugh.

The protagonist of this book was based on myself. The only difference was that I didn't give my character the same incurable illness I had.

"Art imitates life, after all."

Ethan turned to look at me, his voice growing husky. "As your tenant, can I know the ending of the novel in advance?"

My pupils trembled. Memories rushed through my mind.

Happy, sad, touching... finally stopping at the moment four years ago when I stood alone on the chaotic streets of Detroit.

"It should be... the heroine taking her own life."