Chapter 2

Even though I just barged in unexpectedly, the little girl's parents were so desperate to save her that they didn't hesitate to say yes.

Money really did make things happen. They had a nurse come straight to the room to draw my blood.

Then her dad made a few calls, pushing to get the test results as fast as possible.

After hanging up, he gave me a piercing look. "I don't know why you're so sure you're a match for my daughter, and I won't ask.

"Just save her. The money is yours."

He gave me a long, searching look. "Go home and wait for the results."

I nodded, left my name and number, and walked out.

After leaving the hospital, I hopped on the bus to head home.

On the way, I checked my phone. Ryan had blown it up—dozens of missed calls and a wall of texts. He kept demanding why I hadn't brought the food yet. He said his whole family was starving, and that his parents and Sophia were getting upset with me.

Then, acting all superior, he said he'd smooth things over with them, but I should buy them some expensive gifts later, and then, maybe, they'd let it slide.

How did I never see what a manipulator he was?

Expressionless, I wiped all his messages and blocked him for good.

*****

When I got home, Dad looked at me, worried. "I thought you were coming home this afternoon.

"Is everything okay?"

Seeing the concern on his face, I put on a breezy tone. "Everything's fine. I just really felt like having your pasta tonight."

He finally relaxed, smiling, "Alright, I'll make some for you."

With that, he limped off to the kitchen.

My eyes grew misty.

Dad had polio as a kid, and it left him disabled. His family didn't want him around, so when he was barely a teenager, they just kicked him out and left him to survive on his own.

He never went to school, and with his disability, the only work he could find was collecting scrap metal.

I was the kid he found in a garbage heap when he was 37.

He was short on money and skills, but he gave me everything he could. He saved every penny just to put me through college.

I'd just graduated this year, and before I could even do anything to repay him, he got sick and passed away.

When I thought about his health, my expression darkened. Right now, the most important thing was to take him to the hospital for a check-up.

While we were eating pasta, I said, "Dad, I got you a full check-up package. I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow."

He waved me off, insisting, "I'm as strong as an ox. Don't waste your money on me.

"Now that you're grown up, spend it on yourself—get something nice to wear."

I fibbed. "It's already paid for. If you don't go, the money's just wasted. They don't give refunds."

He smiled, "Alright then, I'll go."

After we finished eating, he suddenly said, "I know you were just humoring me earlier.

"But having such a thoughtful daughter... I couldn't be happier."

We shared a smile.

The next day, I took Dad to the hospital.

After the full check-up, the results showed a bunch of minor issues. That was normal for his age. His eyesight was getting weaker, he had some bone thinning, and his knee cartilage was wearing down.

But the real problem was his kidneys. They were failing. The doctor said he needed to start dialysis immediately, and of course, a kidney transplant would be the best long-term solution.

When we got home, the mood was heavy.

After a long silence, Dad finally said, "Tiffany, I'll stick with the medicine. No dialysis. And definitely no transplant."

I knew he was only saying that because of the cost. Arguing right then was pointless. So I just said, "Whatever you say, Dad."

All I could do now was wait for the test results. Once they came, everything would fall into place.

In my previous life, after I donated bone marrow to Sophia, the doctor talked me into joining the bone marrow registry.

That's how I ended up matching that little girl later.

But the timing sucked. I had just donated to Sophia, so my body wasn't ready to donate again. That's why they never reached out to me.

But this time, things were different.

*****

Three days later, I got a call from the girl's dad. His voice was practically bursting with excitement. "We got a match!"

I already knew I was a match, but hearing the confirmation finally let me breathe.

I grabbed a cab and headed straight to the hospital.

At the entrance, I ran into Ryan.

He snorted and said, "Tiffany, you disappeared without even buying the food or saying anything. My parents were about ready to explode.

"Honestly, they never liked you much, but now that you're a match for Sophia, if you go through with the donation, they'll finally stop complaining about our relationship.

"Listen, when you see them, you should apologize properly. They're not the most understanding people, so if they start in on you, just nod and take it, alright?"

Staring at his impatient face, I replied expressionlessly, "Didn't you promise me 150,000 dollars to donate to Sophia? So when do I get the money?"

Ryan froze, completely thrown off.