Chapter 3

Watching the nurse hastily change my medication, the cold solution seeping into my veins felt like a piercing ache deep in my bones.

The nurse advised me, "Your condition has worsened recently. You really should call your family to come look after you."

I was silent for a moment, then shook my head. "I can manage on my own."

The nurse noticed my forced bravery, and a flicker of pity crossed her eyes.

"The hospital recently received a grant specifically for high-risk patients. I've applied for you, and someone will come to process the paperwork shortly."

Seeing the nurse's kindness and concern, a warmth spread through my heart.

It had been so long since anyone cared for me like this.

If I were still the arrogant, overbearing Scarlett of the past,

Such charity would have been a profound insult.

That Scarlett had everything she wanted and never put anyone in her eyes.

But now, times had changed. Every unknown tomorrow was a luxury I couldn't afford…

I thanked her, my lips pale.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the door, as if many people were exclaiming in surprise.

The nurse looked up at the commotion, her expression growing excited.

"The donor is here! They said they want to check on the patients."

I was confused. "What donor?"

The nurse's expression turned to one of awe.

"Haven't you seen the news? It's Mr. Liam, the incredibly devoted fiancé! He donated a hundred million dollars to our hospital for his fiancée!"

Her words hit me like a bolt from the blue.

Liam was the one who donated to me?

He would soon discover me in this pathetic, half-dead state, lying here in such a mess?

Almost instinctively, I struggled, trying to hide.

The nurse quickly grabbed me.

"Ma'am, you're still on IV! You can't move around like that! You'll start bleeding!"

I didn't care about bleeding; my mind was consumed by the single thought of hiding!

The woman who had been arrogant and overbearing in front of that man for ten years was now a pathetic wreck.

I could almost imagine the triumphant look on Liam's face.

He would be so happy that I was finally getting my just deserts.

The next second, a tall man, surrounded by a group of bodyguards, stepped into the ward.

"Mr. Liam, please take your time."

"Okay."

Just one word, and my heart lurched. My entire body froze, as if nailed in place.

I stiffly raised my head and met a pair of trembling eyes.

I heard his voice, filled with disbelief:

"What are you doing here?"

I remained silent, quietly retreating to my bed.

After Liam saw the name Scarlett Campbell on the bed,

A trace of mockery instantly flashed in his eyes.

"A year apart, and you've found a new trick? Is playing games fun?"

My heart trembled, and my eyes welled up, almost imperceptibly.

The nurse, bewildered, looked at Liam.

"Mr. Liam, what do you mean? Ms. Campbell has genuinely been ill and receiving treatment here…"

Liam scoffed, cutting her off, his voice full of coldness.

"Alright, how much did she pay you to play along? I don't have time for your games."

He stared at me, as if I were a pathetic joke.

"You can act however you want in front of me, but if you cause trouble for Melody, I will retaliate."

I looked at the conviction on his face, silently mocking myself.

I knew this was how it would be.

So why, when he first appeared, did I still hold onto such unrealistic hope?

When I was still the imperious Ms. Campbell, I always enjoyed playing pranks on him.

I'd pretend my leg was injured, pouting for him to carry me to the car.

Or I'd fake period cramps, whining for him to rub my stomach.

Each time, he would sigh in resignation, patiently doing as I asked.

His eyelashes would curl, and the sunlight would fall on his brows; I would stare in a daze.

Those were my happiest times.

But now that I think about it, he was probably filled with nothing but disgust.

He just couldn't say anything, forced by my overwhelming power, cursing me silently in his head.

After crying wolf so many times, he naturally wouldn't believe me anymore.

It's fine. Maybe I don't need him to.

I forced a smile, still trying to be tough:

"Why are you so conceited? Even if I were acting, it would never be for you."

The next second, Liam's eyes widened, his breathing becoming ragged.

He scoffed mockingly.

"I should have known you, you manipulative, vicious woman, never tell the truth!"

"You love to act, don't you? I'll play along to your heart's content!"

He turned to the nurse, sneering:

"Unplug all her machines, don't waste any medicine on her, get rid of her bed, and kick her out immediately!"

The nurse looked stunned and quickly explained:

"Mr. Liam, Ms. Campbell is truly ill… If we kick her out, she could die…"

Liam narrowed his eyes, full of suspicion. "How much did she pay you to protect her like this?"

He waved his hand, and a bodyguard respectfully pulled out several thick wads of cash.

Then he flung them at me, the red bills scattering across the floor.

"Is this enough money for you to turn on her?"