Chapter 1
Samara Freeman had been married to Kaiser Freeman for five years, and he loved her deeply. The only blemish on their seemingly perfect marriage was the absence of a child to complete their family. Since her miscarriage two years ago, Samara hadn't been able to conceive again, and Kaiser had been trying to arrange an appointment with one of the leading specialists in the state. However, on their way to the clinic, they were caught in a car crash.
With tear-filled eyes, Kaiser accompanied Samara to the operating room. As she slipped in and out of consciousness, she overheard Kaiser's conversation with the surgeon.
“Quickly, we need to remove her kidney for Paloma's pet. Buddy can't wait. When she comes around, just say it was due to internal bleeding from the crash.”
The doctor glanced at Samara, who was smeared with blood, with a moment of hesitation. “Mr. Freeman, your wife is an athlete. Taking a kidney would end her career in gymnastics.”
“Moreover, she's a human being. It's not right to treat—”
Kaiser cut off the doctor coldly, “Stop wasting time and do what I've instructed!”
“Samara can survive with one kidney, but if Buddy dies, Paloma will be devastated.”
The anesthesia took effect, and Samara's consciousness began to slip away. She wanted to speak but lacked the strength to do so. She distinctly remembered that Paloma Gray didn’t have a child, only a dog named Buddy.
When Samara awoke, she found herself in a hospital room. Kaiser stood by the window, engrossed in a phone call.
“Ensure the accident appears accidental. It should look like a stroke of bad luck, no matter who investigates. You need to look after Paloma and Buddy for the next few days; I can't be there.”
Samara listened to the clear voice with a growing dread. She stared at the sterile white ceiling, her tears flowing freely. The realization hit her that the car accident had been deliberately arranged by Kaiser.
Kaiser ended his call and, seeing Samara awake, shifted into a posture of concern.
“Samara, are you in pain? What’s hurting? Why are you crying?”
His bombardment of concerned inquiries made Samara wonder if it had all been a nightmare. But the scar from the kidney surgery still throbbed with a dull pain.
Clinging to a glimmer of hope, Samara asked, “Buddy, that's Paloma Gray's dog, isn't it?”
Kaiser responded without hesitation. “Yeah, Paloma has had Buddy for three years. She dotes on him like he's her child. Buddy had a kidney transplant yesterday and is still at the vet clinic.”
The mention of “kidney transplant” snuffed out the last glimmer of hope in Samara’s heart. Memories from five years of marriage floated through her mind like waves.
Everyone said Kaiser was a husband beyond compare. Just a day before, he had tenderly kissed her forehead, assuring her not to worry about having kids.
For five years, despite his family’s pressure, Kaiser had supported Samara. Even after her miscarriage two years ago, when her health ruled out having children, he remained steadfastly by her side.
She had been plagued by guilt for not providing him with children. The chance to visit a top specialist had been sacrificed by Kaiser, all for a dog.
Her kidney, taken by Kaiser, was given to Paloma Gray’s dog.
Kaiser was well aware that losing her kidney meant Samara could no longer continue her gymnastics career.
He mistook her tears as ones brought on by physical pain.
Gently wiping away the tears from her cheeks, Kaiser said, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep you safe.”
Samara pulled away from his touch, her movement tugging at her wound, sending a sharp, stabbing pain through her side.
Her face paled instantly.
“Samara, what’s wrong? Are you feeling okay? I’ll get the doctor!”
She stopped him, her voice unsteady, “No need. I just want to sleep for a while.”
After checking multiple times that Samara was alright, Kaiser finally eased his worried expression.
“Alright, then rest up.”
He thoughtfully straightened her blanket before leaving the room.
Once the door to the hospital room closed, Samara took out her phone and dialed a number. “You spoke earlier about joining a special training base as a coach. I'm in.”
“Really? But joining the special training base means cutting off communication with the outside world. Did Kaiser agree to this?”
Samara fought to contain the whirlwind of emotions within her. “I don’t need his permission. I'll divorce him and head straight to the base afterward.”