Chapter 2

It felt like all the hardships I'd been through these past twenty-something years finally had a place to vent.

We added each other online and became friends.

Even though we didn't meet up again, it was like I finally had someone to lean on. With his comfort, I started to face my illness head-on and did my best to get better.

We got together officially about six months later. I had suddenly blacked out at home, and when Liam couldn't get a hold of me, he rushed to my place and took me to the hospital.

After that, I basically lived in the hospital. The doctors hinted that my prognosis wasn't optimistic.

Liam was always busy helping me out, even managed to get me transferred to a private room. Right there, he asked me to be his girlfriend.

Back then, I honestly thought he was out of his mind. I couldn't figure out what he saw in me. He was handsome, and obviously had money.

Honestly, I was way more suspicious than surprised or moved, but Liam never pushed me. He just kept looking after me.

Through every surgery, every wave of pain, and every tough decision, he was always there, my rock.

The nurses I was close with always praised him, saying they'd never seen a family member visit a patient every single day without ever showing a hint of impatience.

I couldn't help but fall for him, wrapped up in the gentle acceptance he showed me.

Even though I knew my time was limited, and knowing it was selfish of me, I still reached out, trying to hold onto this last bit of warmth.

After we became a couple, Liam didn't change at all. The only thing different was that he'd call me his girlfriend in front of other people.

Even the nurses would joke around, saying we were still so lovey-dovey after all this time.

But behind my back, I knew they were sighing, feeling sorry for me. I had such a wonderful boyfriend, and it was a shame we won't get our happily ever after together.

Even though I felt a bit of regret, I was satisfied. Although I was abandoned by God, I was still grateful He'd sent someone like Liam to be by my side for the final chapter of my life.

At last, the doctor told me I only had six months left. Liam's birthday was just two weeks away.

This would be the last birthday I'd ever spend with him, so I decided to give him an eagle figurine. I hoped that after I was gone, he'd be free.

Before I could get all sentimental, he suddenly asked, "Estella, after you're gone, would you donate your corneas?"

My smile froze. I was stunned. I couldn't understand why he'd say something like that.

Then, out of nowhere, it hit me. I remembered a name I'd overheard the nurses talking about a few days ago: Chloe.

I asked tentatively, "Is it Chloe? Are you planning to give my corneas to her?"

He looked at me, totally shocked. "How did you know?"

I closed my eyes, replaying the nurses' conversation in my mind.

"Hey, did you hear? The boyfriend of that girl in Room 3012 apparently has another girlfriend. Someone caught him outside, sweet-talking to the other woman and acting all lovey-dovey."

"Yeah, I heard about that too. Was it Chloe? Or maybe Marion or something?"

"You just never know, right? Even the best guys can mess around, especially when they've got money."

Seeing that I was already onto him, Liam dropped the act.

He said, "You've only got six months left anyway, and there's no way you'll get a heart transplant. Why not do something good before you go? At least someone will thank you for it, right?"

I could hardly believe these words were coming from Liam, the guy who was always so warm and caring.

He used to feel sorry for every stray cat and dog he saw, but now he was asking me to donate my corneas like it was just another everyday thing.

Even though I already knew deep down, I just couldn't stop myself and had to ask, "So all this time, you were only with me because of my corneas?"

Liam didn't say a word. He just stared at me, silent.

After a while, he said, "I'm sorry, Estella. Chloe needs them, and you're the perfect match for her."

"Get out," I said.

After that, he sent me a long message. He said he and Chloe had grown up side by side, best friends since forever.

Then, Chloe lost her sight in an accident and forced him to break up with her. That was the day he met me, and he saw Chloe in me.

Even though I resembled Chloe, he still genuinely wanted to treat me well and hoped I'd get better.

But then Chloe got in touch with him, explained her situation, and said that a cornea transplant was all she needed to be healthy again.

And when the doctor told me I only had six months left, he just blurted it out on impulse.

I scoffed and blocked him without a second thought.

At this point, there was nothing left to say between us.

I was planning to move to a regular ward, but the hospital told me my stay had already been paid up for another six months, and all my treatments were covered. I didn't have to worry about a thing.

Meanwhile, Liam kept messaging me from different accounts, pretending to care.

It felt like I was being watched by a vulture. It was creepy and unsettling.

I just ignored him, counting down the days until I die. In the end, this was a road I had to walk alone.