Paying Me with His Life

Renowned doctors from across the country rushed over to examine me, but all left, helpless and defeated.

There was no cure for my condition.

Leonard fell into complete despair upon hearing the news. Deep down, he knew this could happen, but he still wanted to try. What if there was a chance?

However, I wasn't surprised. From the moment I entered the field, I anticipated this day would come. I just never expected it to be now.

Yet, after learning the truth, I no longer wished to stay here.

I knew he wanted me to survive only for Sophia's sake. I pushed him away, looking him directly in the eyes as I said, "Stop wasting your efforts."

He was visibly shocked by my response. After all, I loved him so deeply—how could I possibly bear to leave him?

"Clara, don't say such foolish things. I'll find someone to cure you, no matter what."

Just as he was about to continue reassuring me, his phone rang.

The moment he saw the caller ID, an expression I never saw before appeared on his face—an overwhelming tenderness.

He immediately stood up and stepped out of the room.

"What's wrong, Sophia?"

A weak voice came through the receiver. "It's nothing. I just wanted to ask how Clara's research is progressing. I coughed up blood again today."

Leonard's heart twisted in agony. He knew he couldn't afford to wait any longer. This sudden catastrophe disrupted all his plans. He originally hoped that once the experiment succeeded, he could stay with me and make it up to me.

But now, the situation was dire. He had to make a choice.

After offering a few comforting words, he immediately called for Daniel to find a solution.

"We have to find a way to keep Clara alive. She's still so young."

Daniel hesitated before replying, "There's a drug available domestically that can prolong her life for a while… but it may cause her to lose her voice."

"Will it affect her ability to conduct experiments?"

"No. With advanced AI, she'll still be able to communicate her findings."

Leonard paused for only a moment. But then he thought of Sophia—her condition couldn't be delayed any longer.

Besides, he still had time. He would make it up to me.

Determined, he gave the order. "Put the drug in her milk."

He turned to me, his voice gentle as he said, "Clara, have some milk."

As he spoke, he brought the glass toward me. I knew what was in it. Without hesitation, I pushed his hand away.

Seeing my refusal, his expression darkened with anger. "Someone, hold her down!"

The maids rushed in, pinning me in place. He forcibly pried my mouth open and poured the milk down my throat.

"Clara, you're sick. You need to take care of yourself. You need to eat well to get better."

Watching him put on this act of concern made me sick to my stomach. What a hypocrite!

Pain seared through my body the moment the drug took effect. The agony was so intense that I blacked out.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital. The blinding white light overhead made my eyes sting. It reminded me of the morgue where Mom was laid to rest.

I tried to speak but couldn't make a sound. Desperately, I struggled to sit up.

Leonard rushed over the moment he saw me awake.

"Clara, I'm sorry—I was just too anxious and afraid that you wouldn't eat anything. That's why I called the maids for help.

"Your voice… The doctor said you've lost it due to thallium poisoning. But don't worry, I'll find the best specialist to treat you."

I shut my eyes again, filled with nothing but resentment for him.

One more day. Just one more day, and I would disappear completely.

Now, every time I saw Leonard and heard his voice, all I could think of was Mom's tragic death.

Leonard immediately called the doctor over, who recommended that I remain hospitalized for further observation.

But I refused. Instead, I picked up a pen and wrote on paper, "I still can't let go of my research. I feel like I'm close to success."

I knew this was the only thing I could say that would make Leonard let me go.