Over the next few days, Stanley left early and returned late, sometimes not coming home at all.

Tessa waited silently, until the day of the surgery finally came. Coincidentally, it was Stanley's birthday.

She got up early, dragging her weak body, and carefully made a birthday cake for him. It was a small, delicate one, just like the first cake she had ever made for him after they got together.

As he got dressed and prepared to leave, she spoke, holding the small cake in her hands. "It's your birthday. Do you want to have a bite before you go?"

Stanley stopped in his tracks and glanced at the cake. His expression didn't waver at all. Instead, he suddenly waved his hand.

The cake hit the floor, cream and sponge splattering everywhere.

"Tessa, what trick are you playing now?" His tone was cold and impatient. "I don't have time to waste on you. Claire's getting her heart surgery today.

Just as Stanley was about to lift the sheet, the phone in the inner pocket of his suit started vibrating like a death knell, its sharp ringtone cutting through the silence of the room. 

He froze, frowning impatiently. He hadn't wanted to be disturbed, but the phone wouldn't stop ringing, as if demanding to be answered. He clicked his tongue, withdrew his hand, and pulled out the phone.

The screen flashed the number of the head of the security team guarding Clarissa's room. A sense of foreboding surged through him, and he answered immediately.

"Mr. Frey, you need to come back right away! Ms. Sutton has already woken up, but she's extremely agitated. She's been crying out your name nonstop. We couldn't calm her down, and she almost pulled out her IV!

"We're barely keeping her under control!" The bodyguard's voice was frantic, with Clarissa's tearful screams faintly audible in the backg

Tessa listened quietly with an expressionless face. The only sign of her emotions was her hand on her knee, clenching so hard her nails pressed into her skin.

"Go to the hospital." Her voice was hoarse.

Owen froze for a moment. "Mr. Frey said that we should take you—"

"Go to the hospital." She repeated, calm but with a resolute edge that brooked no refusal. "Right now."

After a brief hesitation, Owen finally turned the car around.

The car stopped under the VIP wing of the hospital.

Tessa opened the door, using almost all her strength just to stay upright. Step by step, she walked toward the ward heavily guarded by bodyguards.

Through the glass, she saw Stanley. He was in a tailored, expensive suit, gripping Clarissa's hand on the hospital bed. His eyes were full of a fear and anxiety she had never seen before, mixed with an uncontainable tenderness.

The doctor stood beside him with a grave expression, speaking earnestly.

Stanley suddenly looked up, his voice raw with emotion as he said, "If there's no suitable donor right now, use my heart. I'll give my heart to her. What's the procedure like? I'll do whatever it takes!"

"Mr. Frey, please calm down," the doctor said. "A heart transplant isn't just about willingness. Blood type and tissue matching are critical. Your blood type doesn't match Ms. Sutton's, and a forced transplant would cause severe rejection…"

"Then find a way!" Stanley roared. He pressed a trembling hand against his brow. His tone was laced with helplessness and a wild, obsessive desperation. "No matter the cost, use every means! I must save her!"

Tessa stood frozen, nailed to the cold hallway. She watched him panic and worry over another woman, completely lost in fear and urgency, even willing to give up his own heart.

Her chest ached so sharply she could barely breathe. She leaned against the wall. Then, she slowly squatted down, tears streaming down her face. 

Suddenly, she remembered her own blood type… it was the same as Clarissa's.

Once that thought rose, it could not be suppressed.

She wiped her tears and went alone to the doctor's office, requesting a heart compatibility test.

The results came quickly.

A perfect match, fully eligible for donation.

Holding the thin report, she stood at the end of the hospital corridor, looking out at the gray sky. For the first time, she smiled softly.

So be it.

She wouldn't live much longer anyway. She might as well give her heart as her final gift.

From here on, Clarissa could stand in her place at his side. It would be her way of repaying the debt she owed Alexis for saving her life back then.

Without hesitation, she signed her name on the heart donation consent form. The pen scratched across the paper, a soft sound marking the end of her brief, bitter life.

Back home, her health worsened day by day, and she vomited blood more frequently. But she cleaned it up silently, letting no one know.

That night, Stanley came home drunk again. He staggered into her room, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and pressed his hot breath to her neck.

Tessa stiffened, hearing him murmur incoherently, "Claire… don't be afraid… I'll save you…"

Each word was like a poisoned ice spike, piercing her completely.

He had indeed fallen in love with Clarissa.

Her body shook in pain, yet she couldn't help raising her hand to gently stroke his thick black hair. Tears soaked the pillow.

"Stanley, you promised to love me forever. It's only been five years, and you've already fallen for someone else. But… that's fine. If you don't love me anymore, it's okay.

"From now on, Clarissa will be the one who stays with you."

The next morning, Tessa got up and saw Stanley in a suit, standing in the living room on the phone.

"Have you found one? A living donor? And they're volunteering?" His voice carried an impossible mix of disbelief, joy, and relief. "Okay, I'll be there immediately!"

He hung up the phone, and for the first time in days, his features softened. There was even a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

He turned and saw Tessa standing at the staircase. His gaze immediately hardened. "I'll be busy the next few days. Stay out of my way and don't cause any trouble."

With that, he strode out.


Over the next few days, Stanley left early and returned late, sometimes not coming home at all.

Tessa waited silently, until the day of the surgery finally came. Coincidentally, it was Stanley's birthday.

She got up early, dragging her weak body, and carefully made a birthday cake for him. It was a small, delicate one, just like the first cake she had ever made for him after they got together.

As he got dressed and prepared to leave, she spoke, holding the small cake in her hands. "It's your birthday. Do you want to have a bite before you go?"

Stanley stopped in his tracks and glanced at the cake. His expression didn't waver at all. Instead, he suddenly waved his hand.

The cake hit the floor, cream and sponge splattering everywhere.

"Tessa, what trick are you playing now?" His tone was cold and impatient. "I don't have time to waste on you. Claire's getting her heart surgery today. Nothing matters more than this."

Without another word, he left, not looking back.

Tessa stared at

Chapter 9