My Death Countdown

On our wedding anniversary, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I only had three months to live.

I planned to tell my husband, Tobias Wright, but I accidentally heard a conversation between him and his mother, Joanna Wright, when I was outside the study.

"Mom, she's finally going to die. I've been waiting for that day for five years."

"Don't rush, Tobias. Once she's gone, her heart can be given to Jolie."

So I realized that they had an evil plan when Tobias decided to marry me. They had just wanted my healthy heart.

I laughed. Then I decided that I would give them a taste of their own medicine for their five years of 'anticipation.'

...

"Ms. Jenessa Wright, here are the test results. You have advanced pancreatic cancer, and you have about... three months."

The doctor's words were like a dull blade, cutting through my heart relentlessly.

It was our fifth wedding anniversary that day.

I called Tobias and wanted to tell him the news, but he told me that he had dinner with some clients and let me have something simple on my own.

It was quiet on the other end of the line, without any background noise. It didn't sound like he was at a business dinner.

Clutching my phone, I wandered home dejectedly.

The house was unsettlingly silent. I didn't see Joanna or Tobias's sister, Jolie Wright.

I changed my shoes and was about to go to my room and have a rest when I heard hushed voices from the study.

I thought Tobias had come home earlier than expected and was about to open the door when I heard Joanna's voice. "Tobias, how are things going?"

I paused.

Tobias's voice on the phone sounded excited. "Mom, it's done. The doctor has agreed to do as we said, and she will receive the report today. She won't survive over three months."

My blood froze instantly.

What report? What were they talking about?

I held my breath and pressed my ear against the cold door.

I heard Joanna let out a long, relieved sigh. She said with satisfaction, "That's great. After five years, we finally have hope to change Jolie's heart."

Tobias's voice softened on the other end of the line. "You are right, Mom. She's finally going to die. I've been waiting for this day for five years."

"Don't rush, Tobias," Joanna said. "Once she's gone, then her heart can legitimately be used for Jolie. Over these three months, you must keep her content and never arouse her suspicion. Above all, the heart donation consent must be obtained with her willing and conscious agreement."

"Don't worry, Mom. She loves me so much. She'll do whatever I ask. Hasn't she been like this for the past five years?"

My world collapsed entirely as I heard that.

I had thought he loved me for five years, but it turned out to be a meticulously planned deception.

Tobias married me not out of love, but to get my healthy heart to extend the life of Jolie, who was weak.

I felt cold all over, and my limbs were stiff as if frozen.

My stomach churned. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited into the toilet until I was dizzy.

All that came up was bitter bile.

In the mirror, I saw that my face was ashen and my eyes were blank.

I laughed, and as tears began to fall.

I was married for five years, and I gave them everything.

When Tobias started his business, I used all the money my parents gave me to support him.

When Joanna was ill, I took care of her at the hospital without rest.

Jolie had heart disease, and I scoured the country for the best doctors and bought her the most expensive medications.

I thought I had found true love and a real family.

But I ended up like a walking organ donor.

The phone vibrated with a message from Tobias. "Happy anniversary, honey. I asked the servant to make you some soup. Remember to have it."

I read the message, and my stomach turned again.

I decided to give them a taste of their own medicine for their five years of "anticipation" in my last three months.