Chapter 9

The test results came out three days later. The bad news was that none of the Grangers were a match for Isabelle. The good news was that the doctors had found a matching kidney donor who had agreed to the donation. Rosalie called Lucas after learning the news, but he didn't answer. She knew he'd been searching the world for a matching donor for the past few days, so she headed to Stone Corporation's headquarters to tell him the news in person. When she arrived outside his office, she heard some panicked voices inside. "Are you serious about donating your kidney to Isabelle, Lucas? You've already married her niece, and Rosie is pregnant with your child! Let go of the past and appreciate the people you now have in your life!" "Exactly. Isabelle isn't worthy of all your sacrifices! Haven't you looked into the consequences of donating your kidney? Stop to think about how this will affect Rosie and your unborn child!" So, Lucas was the kidney donor the doctors had found? Rosalie's mind went blank. She almost couldn't return to her senses. "Don't bother talking me out of this. I'm donating my kidney regardless. Even if I needed to donate my heart to save Isabelle, I'd be more than willing! "As for Rosie… She won't find out about this, and you guys have to make sure you keep this a secret. Just tell her I've gone to Irope to follow up on a project," Lucas said. Rosalie had raised a hand to knock on the door, but she lowered it when she heard that. Lucas loved Isabelle so deeply, huh? Well, he had nothing to worry about. She would back out and give them her blessings. She took a deep breath and turned around, leaving as silently as she'd come. When she got home, she booked a flight ticket to Ostrulia. She woke up early the following morning—the month-long divorce cool-down period had ended. Rosalie took a cab to the courthouse and collected her divorce certificate. Then, she bought a gift box and placed the divorce certificate and surgical abortion consent form inside. After that, she headed to the hospital with her suitcase and gift box. When she arrived outside the VIP ward, she saw Lucas watching Isabelle through the window. There was a myriad of emotions in his eyes—joy, sorrow, pain, and endless love. Rosalie stood behind him and watched him for a long time before hoarsely asking, "When does the surgery start?" Lucas turned around. His emotions disappeared when he saw her, leaving nothing but his usual gentle smile behind. "The doctor said it's in three hours, but I need to leave for a business trip. I'll probably only be back in a month. I'm sorry that I can't be by your side at a time like this, Rosie." Once again, she didn't expose his lie. She said calmly, "It's fine, Luke. I'll get used to it." "Get used to what?" He found her response odd and wanted to know what she meant. She didn't respond. Instead, she answered him in her heart, "I'll get used to you not loving me and neglecting me. I'll also get used to life without you." Just then, a doctor called. Lucas headed to the elevator as he answered the call. Rosalie stopped him before he could leave and gave him the gift box. "Your birthday is in half a month. This is your gift." He didn't open it. Instead, he handed it to his assistant. "I'll open it on my birthday, then." Rosalie didn't say anything. She watched him leave before turning and walking away. As Lucas was wheeled into the operating theater to have his kidney removed, Rosalie headed to the airport. She waited to board her flight as he was administered anesthesia in preparation for the surgery. While waiting, she deleted and removed all her social media accounts, photos, and her SIM card. Her flight took off as his surgery ended. Rosalie looked out at the white clouds and smiled faintly. From this moment on, she and Lucas would never see each other again.