Left in Darkness

Professor Wayson sounded genuinely delighted.

"Finally, Wendy! Don't worry about the tuition fees. I understand your difficulties and will apply for financial aid on your behalf. As for your boyfriend's treatment expenses, I'll also try to find a way to help. We can organize a donation drive at school—"

"Don't worry about it, Professor Wayson."

Wendy gently interrupted his kindness.

"I can pay my own tuition. There are others who need such aid. As for the money for the treatment, it's not needed anymore."

Professor Wayson did not overthink her response. He assumed Wendy had found a new funding source and was genuinely happy for her.

"That's great. You can focus on studying abroad now. You still have half a month before admission, so take this time to get your things in order."

"Thank you, Professor Wayson."

Without explaining further, Wendy ended the call and tightened her grip on the backpack in her arms.

She did not waste any more time. She left the hospital, deposited the entire sum into her account, paid her tuition, and bought a plane ticket for her departure in two weeks. In the end, she had only 300 dollars left.

Wendy pressed a hand against her still-aching abdomen and glanced at the balance on her account. A bitter smile spread across her face.

Ironically, she felt somewhat relieved.

At least she had overheard the truth before handing the money to Lucas.

When she returned to the hospital ward, Lucas was in bed—alone.

Wendy hesitated briefly before stepping inside.

Lucas had put away his cocky demeanor, returning to the gentle, caring boyfriend she had always known.

"Why are you so late today, Wendy?"

Her fingers twitched as she lowered her gaze.

"Something at university held me up."

Lucas did not suspect anything. He grabbed her hand, his excitement barely contained.

"I have great news!"

Wendy paused before asking, "What's that?"

"The doctor just came by. My cancer diagnosis was a mistake! I'm not sick!"

Of course.

Wendy closed her eyes for a brief moment.

Earlier, she had caught a glimpse of Lucas' phone screen, which was still lit on the bedside table.

A message from someone named Nat had popped up in the group chat.

[Lucas, tell that broke girl your cancer was misdiagnosed. I want to see her reaction when she realizes she's wasted all her money. It will be hilarious!]

Several people joined in, laughing about how brilliant the plan was.

Some even bet on whether she would lash out at Lucas in anger.

Lucas replied to her message.

[As you wish, my lady.]

For the past two years, Lucas had given her everything she wanted. She thought she had found the perfect boyfriend.

In fact, it was all because of Natelie's orders.

To them, she was nothing more than a toy.

Wendy smiled and said, "I'm glad you're alright."

Her calm reaction caught Lucas off guard. He hesitated for a moment before putting on a guilty expression.

"I should've gotten a second opinion earlier. You wouldn't have had to waste all your hard-earned money."

Wendy shook her head.

"It was worth it to spend it on you."

She had considered that money the price she paid to buy out her two years with Lucas.

From any perspective, she—the penniless student—had gotten the better end of the deal.

Her words hit Lucas like a heavy blow.

As the young master of the Shaltons, he had always been surrounded by flattery and false affection since birth. He had long grown immune to empty words.

However, it was different with Wendy—she had never known his real identity.

Every word she spoke and every sacrifice she made had been genuine.

She had willingly spent every penny she had on him and bore no resentment, even after discovering it was all for nothing.

A complicated emotion flickered within Lucas. He pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Wendy."

Wendy lowered her gaze, hiding the mockery in her eyes.

When they returned to their tiny apartment, Lucas lay on the small, narrow bed and sighed contentedly.

"Nothing beats my own bed."

Wendy's voice was soft when she said, "You've had a hard time."

After all, it must have been exhausting for the young master of the Shaltons—used to luxurious mansions and massive beds—to lower himself and share a cramped rental with her for two years.

Soon, all of that would come to an end.