He Took My Heart for His First Love, Then Lost His Mind Over Me

The pain was blinding, but through the haze, I saw the system notification flashing in the corner of my vision like a neon sign.

[Progress: 99/100 Wishes Fulfilled.

Current Status: Final Sacrifice in Progress.]

I looked at Edwin, seeing the guilt and confusion warring on his face as he ignored Rose’s hysterical sobbing to hold me. I wanted to tell him not to flatter himself. I wanted to tell him that this blood wasn't for him.

“Just…” I coughed, the metallic taste of blood filling my mouth. “Just schedule the surgery, Edwin. Don’t… don’t let this heart go to waste.”

I closed my eyes, the darkness pulling at me. One more wish. The surgery. Then, I would finally be able to tell Mark that I was coming home.

***

When I opened my eyes, the antiseptic smell of the hospital was the first thing that greeted me, followed by the rhythmic, artificial hum of a heart monitor. Every beat of my heart felt like a dull hammer striking the wound in my shoulder.

I opened my eyes to a sea of white. As the blur faded, I saw a figure sitting by my bed.

Edwin looked terrible. His expensive suit was wrinkled, his hair was a mess, and his eyes were bloodshot. The moment he realized I was awake, he leaned forward, his hand hovering over mine as if afraid I might shatter if he touched me.

“Victoria,” he breathed, his voice thick with an emotion I hadn't heard in years. “You’re awake. Thank God.”

I tried to sit up, but a sharp spike of pain forced a gasp from my lips. Edwin was immediately on his feet, gently pressing me back into the pillows with a tenderness that felt alien.

“Don’t move,” he whispered, his eyes searching mine with a desperate, soft intensity. “The bullet missed your vitals, but you lost a lot of blood. Why... why did you do it, Victoria? After the way I’ve treated you... Why would you throw yourself in front of a gun for me?”

I looked at him, my expression blank. He was looking for a confession of undying love. He was looking for the old Victoria—the one who would have wept with joy at this sudden display of affection.

When I didn't say anything, he spoke, “If there’s anything I can do for you, just tell me.”

“I’ll do it for you.” He said, his voice firm.

“Anything?” I raised my eyebrows.

Edwin nodded eagerly, clutching my hand. “Anything. Just name it. I’ll get you the best specialists in the world, the finest recovery suite—whatever you want.”

“Hasten the surgery,” I said.

The air in the room seemed to freeze. Edwin’s grip on my hand loosened as his face went pale. “What?”

“The heart transplant,” I continued, my gaze steady on his. “Don’t wait for my shoulder to heal completely. If Rose needs the heart, let’s get it over with. Schedule the surgery for as soon as possible. Tomorrow, if the doctors allow it.”

Edwin recoiled as if I had slapped him.

“Victoria, I—I was angry when I said those things at your door. I was frustrated. I didn't mean...” He swallowed hard, his eyes shimmering with a sudden, panicked guilt. “You just saved my life. How can you ask me to take yours?”

‘It was your hundredth wish, Edwin.’ I replied, though the words never came to my lips.

“Don’t back out now. I’m ready.” I said instead.

He looked like he was about to break. He opened his mouth, perhaps to apologize, perhaps to tell me he had changed his mind, perhaps to finally see the woman he had ignored for three years. His fingers brushed my cheek, his eyes filled with a raw, blooming regret.

“Victoria, I think I—”

Bang!

The door to the private suite swung open. A frantic nurse stood there, breathless.

“Mr. Edwin! It’s Miss Rose! She collapsed in the recovery ward. The trauma from the mall... her heart rate is spiking, she’s fainted, and the doctors can’t stabilize her!”