Chapter 1

In my previous life, I donated bone marrow to save my best friend, Hannah Cooley, which led to severe complications. Not only did I go through hell, but I was also betrayed by Hannah and my boyfriend, Mason Lindon—the very people I trusted most.

When I discovered that Hannah and Mason had been secretly in love, even scheming to be together after my death, I was utterly devastated. In utter despair, I ended my life by jumping off a building.

When I opened my eyes again, I was shocked to find myself transported back to my junior year of college—the exact day Hannah was diagnosed with aplastic anemia and told she needed a bone marrow transplant.

*****

"Quinn, don't cry. Let me think about it," Gianna, Hannah's mother, said, gently squeezing my hand, her eyes full of hesitation. "You and Hannah are a perfect match, but a bone marrow transplant carries risks for you too. I just can't..."

With tears streaming down my face, I pleaded, "Mrs. Cooley, Hannah and I grew up together. We're like sisters from another mother. Please don't worry. The doctor said bone marrow regeneration is quick and there won't be any major issues."

In my previous life, I had been completely fooled by Hannah Cooley's so-called "sisterly love" and foolishly agreed to donate my bone marrow.

I ended up with a severe infection and permanent complications, suffering excruciating pain every day, until those two backstabbers finally drove me to my doom.

The thought of getting a second chance at life almost made me laugh out loud.

"Quinn, you're back?" The familiar voice made my whole body tense up.

Mason Lindon stood at the end of the corridor, his white coat accentuating his tall, handsome frame. As the top student at the medical school, he was the heartthrob of many girls and my once-beloved boyfriend.

He hurried over, worry etched on his face. "How's Hannah doing?" he asked.

I bit my lip, discreetly studying Mason, the man who had betrayed me in my previous life. His eyes flickered nervously, and his fingertips trembled ever so slightly. Beneath that mask of concern lay the hypocrisy I'd failed to see through before.

"Acute aplastic anemia. She needs a bone marrow transplant," I said calmly.

"I heard you're a perfect match for Hannah?" Mason took my hand, his gentleness making me want to gag. "Don't rush into this. A bone marrow transplant carries risks for the donor too."

"Yeah, I'm still thinking about it." I pulled my hand back, pretending not to notice the surprise in Mason's eyes.

In my previous life, Mason had kept pushing me to donate, always preaching that saving a life was the greatest good. Back then, I'd been so naive. I'd jumped onto that operating table without a second thought.

Gianna's face lit up with hope as she emerged from the hospital room and saw Mason. "Dr. Lindon, you're here. Could you please explain the risks of the transplant to Quinn? She's so determined to donate, and I'm afraid..."

"Mrs. Cooley, please don't worry. I'd never let Quinn take any risks," Mason said, putting on his most innocent smile. "Why don't we hear what the attending doctor recommends first?"

I lowered my head, listening to their hypocritical exchange, while memories of the pain I had suffered after surgery in my previous life flooded my mind.

During my post-op recovery, my whole body had ached so badly I could barely turn over. Once Hannah's condition improved, she'd visit with all those sweet, caring words, while Mason would dutifully stay by my side every day.

But behind my back, they had been making eyes at each other and even scheming about how to dispose of me once they'd gotten what they wanted.

"I'm going back to the dorm to grab some stuff," I blurted out, turning away before they could respond.

Just as I stepped out of the hospital, I heard Mason's footsteps approaching from behind. "Quinn, wait!" he called out.

I stopped in my tracks and turned to face Mason, my so-called "Prince Charming" from the past.

Mason frowned at me, his voice dripping with fake concern. "What's wrong? You don't seem like yourself. Are you that worried about Hannah? Don't worry. I'm here for you."

I stared straight into Mason's eyes. "Mason, let me ask you something. If it were you, would you be willing to donate your bone marrow to Hannah?"

He froze, then forced an awkward smile and said, "Well... of course I'd be willing, but we're not a match."

"Really?" I sneered. "But I heard there's a rumor at the med school that 'Dr. Lindon would develop iatrogenic anemia if he donated bone marrow.'"

Mason's face paled. "Quinn, who told you such nonsense? I just—"

"What? You're just afraid it might jeopardize your precious medical career?" I gave him a mocking glare. "So my health and future don't matter at all?"

"How could you possibly think that about me?" Mason grabbed my hand abruptly. "Quinn, I truly care about you. It's just that—"

"You just love yourself more." I yanked my hand free. "Well, now so do I. My decision is final. I'm not donating."

I couldn't help but savor the look on Mason's face. Shock, anger, and panic flickered by in an instant, only to be replaced by that sickeningly sweet, fake concern. "Calm down. We're talking about life and death here."

"Yeah, and my life matters too," I said coldly, spinning on my heel and striding away, leaving Mason standing there dumbfounded.

With this second chance at life, I swore I'd never repeat my mistakes. I wouldn't sacrifice myself for those hypocrites.

I returned to the dorm to find it empty. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating a framed photo on my desk—Hannah and me, arms draped over each other's shoulders, beaming. It was taken right after our freshman orientation.

I used to believe our friendship would last forever. Little did I know she only saw me as her substitute to take her place in death.

My phone buzzed. Gianna's number flashed on the screen. I took a deep breath and answered.

"Quinn, dear, have you made up your mind?" Gianna's voice trembled with anxious hope. "The attending doctor says Hannah's condition is critical. We're running out of—"

"Mrs. Cooley, I'm sorry, but I can't donate," I interrupted. "I just spoke to a specialist, and they said I'm not fit to be a donor."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, then Gianna's voice suddenly rose. "What do you mean, not fit? Aren't you a perfect match? Quinn, this is Hannah's life we're talking about!"

"I know, so I've already contacted the bone marrow registry. They'll find another compatible donor as soon as possible."

"But how long will that take? Hannah doesn't have that kind of time!" Gianna's voice broke into sobs. "Quinn, after over a decade of sisterhood between you two, how could you possibly—"

I closed my eyes and steeled myself. "Mrs. Cooley, I'm truly sorry, but this concerns my own health. I can't take that risk."

"Quinn... when did you become so heartless?" Gianna's voice shifted from grief to anger. "Hannah's always been so good to you! When she got sick, you were the first person she thought of. She really believes you'll save her."

In my previous life, it was this emotional blackmail that had broken my resolve and led to tragedy. This time, I wouldn't be so easily manipulated.

I said calmly, "Mrs. Cooley, please be reasonable. You're asking me to trade my life for Hannah's. Everyone has their limits. Please don't push me."

I hung up, my hand still shaking. Memories from both timelines—previous and present—crashed together in my mind. I never imagined that saying no would take so much courage.

In less than half an hour, my phone was bombarded with calls and messages.

Relatives from the Cooley family, our mutual friends, and even my lecturer all came to pressure me.

Everyone kept throwing around phrases like "saving a life is sacred" and "years of sisterhood," making it seem as if refusing to donate my bone marrow was an unforgivable sin.