Paying Me with His Life

Leonard could barely contain his excitement. After waiting for so many years, the day was finally here.

Still, he put on a conflicted expression, sighing deeply as if reluctantly respecting my wishes.

I found it laughable. The joy in his eyes was practically overflowing, yet he still played the part of the grieving husband.

"Let's go. I'll take you home."

I didn't take the hand he extended toward me. Leonard's hand stiffened in midair before he awkwardly pulled it back, disappointment flashing across his face.

This was the first time I didn't reach for his hand.

For a moment, he hesitated, but then he quickly reminded himself that Sophia was still waiting for good news.

"You go ahead. I want to be alone for a while." I already formed a plan. As soon as Leonard left, I would visit Mom one last time to say my final goodbye.

But Leonard wouldn't let me stay out alone. He insisted I return home with him and even resorted to pleading with me.

I couldn't think of a way to shake him off—until a soft, delicate voice rang out from the doorway. It was Sophia.

I let out a cold laugh. I didn't expect Leonard to inform her so urgently.

Sophia walked in, holding a bouquet of roses, her expression brimming with satisfaction.

Leonard, who was clearly embarrassed, didn't expect her to come the moment she received the news.

Sophia, however, seemed to sense his discomfort. She gently caressed her belly and said sweetly, "I just finished my prenatal checkup. When Leonard told me you were sick, I wanted to visit you."

She held out the flowers to me with both hands.

But I turned away in disgust, refusing to accept them.

Leonard knew very well that I was allergic to roses, yet he didn't stop her. Instead, he scolded me, "Sophia isn't feeling well, yet she still went out of her way to buy you flowers. Just accept them—she means well."

I wanted to scream at them to get out, but I no longer had my voice.

So instead, I grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it at Sophia.

Leonard clearly never expected me to retaliate so openly. I never acted like this before. His face darkened with anger as he shoved the bouquet into my arms. The moment the pollen hit me, I started sneezing uncontrollably.

Yet he still wouldn't take the flowers away.

Sophia, who was standing at the side, watched in delight. She was thrilled that Leonard was willing to disregard my suffering for her sake.

And yet, she still feigned innocence, her eyes brimming with fake tears. "I know Clara doesn't like me. It's my fault. I'll just leave."

Leonard immediately stood up to stop her, gazing at her with a tenderness I never saw before.

"You didn't know she was allergic to roses. How could this be your fault?"

Watching the two of them flaunt their affection in front of me made me sick to my stomach. Without hesitation, I threw the bouquet straight at Sophia's head.

She gasped in shock, immediately clutching her belly.

"Leonard, my stomach—it hurts!"

Leonard turned to glare at me, fury burning in his eyes. He couldn't believe it. I was no longer the gentle, submissive woman he knew.

Without hesitation, he rushed out to call for a doctor.

The moment he left, Sophia shot me a smug look and sneered, "Do you even know why you're still alive? Your pathetic existence only serves one purpose—to save me. Otherwise, do you really think you'd still be breathing today?"

I didn't give her the reaction she wanted. Instead of shock or outrage, I remained eerily calm.

That threw Sophia off. She thought I would break down, cry, or beg. But instead, I looked at her with quiet indifference.

Her smug smile faltered. Annoyed, she leaned in closer, her voice dripping with malice.

"That old woman of your mother? She got exactly what she deserved. Back then, Leonard could have saved her. She was still breathing, you know, but he let her die—just to make sure you'd stay completely devoted to him."