My Husband Denied Me Lifesaving Blood

"Rhys, hold up!" Maryam Dixon grabbed the sleeve of Rhys Howell's coat, her voice edged with desperation.

"I wanted so badly to save her last night," she whispered, barely audible over the endless hum of the hospital corridor. "But... I was scared. Scared I'd end up where I pulled you from. Rhys, I really care about you. I was hoping for something between us."

Her voice was fragile, yearning—it pulled at the heartstrings. But the man ahead didn't so much as turn around.

Tears spilled down Maryam's cheeks as she watched his tall, steady figure retreat.

"I know I don't measure up to her," she went on, "and in the state I'm in, I have nothing to offer. I should have died that day saving you. Just being alive feels like a miracle. I can't afford to dream anymore..."

Rhys's hand clenched at his side, knuckles going white. After a moment, he spoke, his voice steady but rough.

"Everything I promised, I'll make good on. Don't overthink it. Let me take you home."

When he turned around, hope sparked in Maryam's tear-filled eyes.

"I knew it, Rhys. You're the best!"

The next day, in the hospital room, Mathias Olson sat beside Lorelai Howell, peeling a pear.

"Spit it out," Lorelai said, unable to take his hesitation anymore.

Mathias stopped, searching for the right words. "Sis, are you sure you're not just stirring things up to get that guy's attention again?"

Lorelai was notorious for pulling stunts like this.

"Mathias," she began.

"Yeah?" He glanced up.

"Do you think I've turned into a fool after getting involved with Rhys Howell?" Lorelai asked softly, her eyes fixed on the pear.

Mathias shot her a sharp look and flicked her forehead. "Don't be ridiculous."

Then, with a cheeky grin, he added, "You've always been a little silly."

Lorelai rolled her eyes. "Really? Who used to follow me around, whining about always being outshone? The family's golden child—"

Mathias cut her off quickly, clapping a hand over her mouth.

Amid their teasing, the years of distance that had grown between Lorelai and Mathias since her marriage seemed to melt away.

"Mathias, I'm going to divorce Rhys Howell. I won't regret this decision," Lorelai said, determination written on her face.

Mathias felt relieved at her resolve. Lorelai was no longer the Howell family's leading lady. She was Lorelai Olson—his sister, and the impressive woman she'd always been.

Meanwhile, at the Howell residence, Rhys sat at the dining table, frowning at the dishes in front of him.

The flavors were off.

When he called the chef in, the explanation was puzzling. "Sir, your meals have always been made by the mistress personally. Of course, we couldn't replicate her touch."

Rhys's brow furrowed deeper. "She did all of it?"

The chef nodded. "Yes, the mistress insisted on handling it herself."

Rhys closed his eyes briefly, exhaustion creeping into his voice. "All right. I understand."

Even as he picked up his fork again, he found his appetite gone.

A few bites later, Rhys rose to get ready for work but couldn't find his favorite tie. Lorelai had always known where it was.

He called a maid for help, but got no answers. "The mistress organized all your belongings, sir. We wouldn't know where she put them," the maid explained.

At Howell Enterprises' headquarters, a manager noticed Rhys's unusual tie. "Mr. Howell, that tie color is quite... bold today. Doesn't really match your suit," he commented, trying to sound casual.

Rhys's icy glare shut him up. "If you have time to comment on my tie, maybe you should spend it fixing that proposal riddled with errors!" The reprimand was cold and sharp.

The manager left the office quickly, and word spread through the company that Mr. Howell's mood was especially foul today—especially about comments on his tie.

Despite everyone's caution, the day brought an unprecedented number of reprimands. By quitting time, employees steered clear of Rhys's stormy presence.

Once in his car, Rhys sat in silence, irritation simmering under his skin. His unease came from how different everything felt lately, dissatisfaction trailing him at every turn.

He convinced himself it was just the small changes in his daily routine getting to him, pushing the annoyance aside as he started the car. The engine came alive, and he drove to his downtown apartment.

But after parking, Rhys didn't get out right away. Moments later, he reversed and sped toward City Hospital.

When Rhys entered the hospital room, Lorelai was surprised by the unexpected visitor.

"What brings you here?" she asked, eyebrows raised.