Chapter 3

It happened over and over, year after year.

That was the thing about heroines; trouble always found them, and there was always someone rushing to save them.

I kept reassuring myself, over and over, trying to believe it.

Nina was always in life-or-death situations; of course, Lucas would drop everything to save her.

It was just that I hadn't been in any real danger yet. If I ever was, Lucas would definitely choose me.

Until today, the moment that pole came crashing down, he didn't even think; he shielded Nina without a second thought.

And that was when I finally saw the truth.

It was never me.

Lucas's injuries were so bad that he blacked out on the way, losing too much blood.

The System kept blasting a piercing health warning in my head, again and again.

I let out a quiet sigh.

My points were already gone. If I wanted to save him, I'd have to sacrifice something else.

I bent down close to his pale face and whispered in his ear, "Lucas, this is the last time."

In the end, I gave up all my feelings for Lucas in exchange for a sliver of hope for him.

The moment the System ripped those feelings from my heart, the world went eerily quiet.

I looked down at the unconscious Lucas, as if he were a total stranger.

All those emotions that once made my heart ache, brought me joy, or kept me up at night, were gone in a heartbeat.

There were still six months left before the mission deadline.

Out of nowhere, a thought crossed my mind; one I never had before.

So what if I failed the mission? The worst that could happen was that I missed out on the bonus.

If he died, it was not like I would drop dead, too.

Besides, if he insisted on going down that road, what was I supposed to do?

I looked at the blood splattered all over the ambulance and couldn't help but step back in disgust.

I considered just disappearing, finding some place where nobody knew me, and lying low until the mission was finally over.

But if I bailed halfway, who knew what kind of punishment the System might hit me with?

I hunched my shoulders and decided to slack off in secret, just phone it in.

On the morning of the third day, Lucas finally came to.

He shifted slightly, letting out a suppressed groan.

I was sprawled out on the next bed, immersed in a mobile game.

When I heard him stir, I set my phone aside without rushing and looked over at him.

When he saw me, his eyes instantly lit up with joy, and in a raspy voice, he called out, "Wifey."

I answered blandly, "Mm."

He reached for my arm, his voice carrying that same old pitiful tone. He said, "Wifey, everything hurts."

I shot him a puzzled look, hesitated for a second, then asked politely, "Should I get the doctor for you?"

He was clearly taken aback.

Back then, I would've comforted him softly, done whatever I could to take his mind off the pain, cooked for him, and stayed up all night holding his hand, telling him stories in a low voice.

But now, all that was left in me was impatience, clear as day.

After a while, he said in a low voice, "I'm kinda hungry."

I nodded, didn't even think twice, just grabbed my phone and ordered some takeout. And while I was at it, I hired a pro caregiver, too.

The caregiver showed up fast, super professional, and thorough. It really put my mind at ease.

Under Lucas's stunned gaze, I quickly packed up my things and said in a relaxed tone, "I've got some stuff to handle. I'll come see you in a couple of days, alright?"

With that, I left without looking back.