My Family's Test Subject

When my husband threatened me with divorce for the hundredth time, demanding I sacrifice myself for my sister, I did not cry or make a scene. I simply signed my name on the divorce papers and willingly handed over the man I had loved for ten years to my sister.

A few days later, my sister spoke recklessly at a banquet and offended a powerful family. Once again, I stepped forward to take responsibility, bearing all the consequences in her place.

When they later proposed that I become a test subject for my sister's drug research, I gladly accepted.

Mom and Dad said I had finally grown into someone mature and responsible.

Even my cold husband stood by my hospital bed and, for the first time in so long, gently stroked my cheek. He said tenderly, "Don't be afraid. The experiment won't be life-threatening. When you get out, I'll cook you a big meal."

However, he did not know that regardless of whether the experiment was dangerous or not, he did not have to wait for me because I was already dying from a terminal illness.

My husband, Jonathan, always threatened me with divorce to force me to sacrifice myself for my sister, Adriana. My parents would also threaten me with disinheritance to make me give all the good things to Adriana.

In the past, I would cry and make a scene, but when my husband threatened me for the hundredth time, demanding I test drugs for my sister, I agreed.

I even treated Adriana exceptionally well. Everyone praised me for finally being mature, but they did not know I was dying soon. None of this mattered anymore.

…

On the day I was diagnosed with cancer, Jonathan pushed the divorce papers in front of me for the hundredth time.

"Elena, your sister's condition is getting worse. She can no longer continue the drug trials. If we can't develop the medication within a month, her life will be at stake.

"You and Adriana are twins with similar genes. The doctor said you could replace her in the trials. If you disagree, then we should divorce. After all, Adriana doesn't have long to live, and she wants me to help fulfill her final wish."

I listened quietly, watching him speak these absurd words with complete seriousness.

At the start of it all, when they saw Adriana drenched in sweat during treatments, they wanted me to take her place in the drug trials. My parents and husband had taken turns trying to persuade me. However, rather than persuasion, it was more like threats.

My parents threatened that if I did not test the drugs for Adriana, I would lose my inheritance rights. And my husband proposed a divorce nearly a hundred times.

At that time, I did not know I had cancer, but my body was growing weaker, so I refused. The moment I said no, everyone was extremely disappointed, calling me heartless and immature.

"Your sister is dying! If you just help her test the drugs, she could live. How could you refuse?"

"That's right! Adriana has been on the drug trials for half a year. You only need to complete the last few months, but you won't even do that? I'm so disappointed in you. Since you refuse to save Adriana, we'll act as if we never had a daughter like you!"

Those harsh words still hurt terribly when I thought about them now, but that was all in the past. Now that I was dying, none of it mattered anymore.

Whether I died at home or died on the testing table made no difference. No one cared either way.

Jonathan's frown deepened, as if he wanted to continue threatening me. However, I smiled at him and said, "Alright. I agree to help Adriana test the drugs."

He froze, then looked up at me with surprise and joy. "Really? That's wonderful! Adriana is finally saved!"

He hurried to the balcony to call my parents and share the good news.

I watched his ecstatic silhouette and smiled mockingly at myself. My gaze fell on the divorce papers on the table, and I reached out to pick them up. Then, I pulled a pen from my bag and signed my name without hesitation.

When Jonathan returned, he caught sight of me placing the divorce papers back down.

He froze. "What are you doing?"

I smiled. "Nothing."

Seeing that I was in low spirits, a flash of regret crossed Jonathan's eyes. He quickly stuffed the divorce papers back into his bag. "I was just joking with you. I won't divorce you."

I hummed softly in acknowledgment, my face showing no emotion. Jonathan looked at me but said nothing more.

On the way home, he began to take care of my daily needs and stopped by the store to buy me various health supplements. Yet all this concern was probably just so I could build up a healthy body in preparation for the drug trials.

I carelessly tossed the supplements into the back seat and stared blankly out the window. The sunshine was brilliant, though I would not be able to see it much longer.

The moment we stepped through the front door, I heard my parents' excited voices. Mom was holding Adriana and crying. "Adriana, you're saved! You're not going anywhere..."

Afraid I might change my mind, Dad handed me a test subject consent form the moment I walked in. Only after they saw me sign the agreement did they smile with relief.

"Elena, you've finally matured. You're finally taking your sister and this family into consideration. Don't blame us for this. Your birth was so complicated that it caused Adriana to be born with poor health. Compared to you, she needs us more.

"But we won't shortchange you. The family's assets will be split equally between you and your sister. We won't give you any less."

I shook my head, suppressing the bitterness in my heart.

"Give it all to Adriana. I won't need those things anymore."