The Price of His Sick Love

The Last Thing I Needed

It wasn't until I saw him wrap the scarf around Zoey's neck with his own hands that I realized how foolish I'd been.

Maybe it was because I was dying and still unwilling to let go, but seeing that scarf again stirred something fierce in me. For one irrational moment, I wanted it desperately.

The second Elias saw me point at it, his expression changed. "No. The scarf keeps her warm, and Zoey's fragile. Besides, I made that myself. She'd never be able to part with it. Pick something else."

Maybe some pathetic part of me still wanted proof that Elias cared about, so I held my ground. "That's the one I want."

Instead, he snapped. "Celia, Zoey could save your life someday. You donated a kidney to her. Isn't that enough? You never used to care about material things, so why are you so determined to steal something she loves?"

A bitter laugh escaped me.

He really wasn't even trying to hide his favoritism.

…

A year ago, during Zoey's pre-employment physical, Elias discovered that she shared my rare blood type.

That was when he started treating her differently.

He promoted her and raised her salary at the drop of a hat. He even handed her credit for projects I'd completed, turning her into the office darling.

In private, he washed her clothes, cooked for her, made sure she never missed a meal, and showed up the second she called.

If I voiced the slightest complaint, he accused me of being petty. He'd say Zoey was my future savior and that I owed her my life. Somehow, I ended up carrying that crushing moral debt.

Considering how shamelessly he was showering her with affection, the fact that I'd still been hoping he genuinely loved me was almost laughable.

Now that I was staring death in the face, I could finally see what was in Elias' heart.

All those nights I'd spent lying awake, hurt and unable to let things go, suddenly felt meaningless.

"Just kidding," I said with a short laugh. "Why would I steal something she loves?"

I chose to let it go. And with it, my love for Elias.

Zoey immediately put on her wounded act.

"Celia, I know you're rich and already have everything money can buy. My things probably seem cheap to you. You're right. I'm just your blood bag, after all. I shouldn't have dreamed of being friends with you."

Elias looked at her like she'd been stabbed. "It's okay, Zoey. There's an auction today. I'll take you and buy you something better."

Then, he turned to the bodyguards and ordered them to pack up everything on my bed, clearly terrified I might actually take something.

At the door, He suddenly stopped, as if remembering something. He shut the window, draped my coat over my shoulders, and softened his voice.

"Cece, I'm not taking you because I don't want you getting tired. You know I love you most. Tell me what you like, and I'll bid on it for you. Consider it a wedding gift, okay?"

Then, he left with Zoey at his side.

…

Through the window, I watched them downstairs.

Inside the car, Elias leaned over to fasten Zoey's seat belt. Zoey pointed at the framed photo of Elias and me sitting in the front passenger seat.

The next second, our picture was tossed out the window.

The rear tire crushed it as the car rolled forward.

So, this was how he loved me, or what he thought love was.

'Elias, I don't have much time left. And I don't want to marry you anymore.'

I drew the curtains shut and went to find the doctor. "I want to be discharged."

"Ms. Starling, according to regulations, I have no right to stop you. Still, if you refuse treatment, I'm afraid—"

I curved my lips into something that wasn't a smile. "Doctor, I only have one request. Prescribe me ten days' worth of pain medication."

If I only had ten days left, I wouldn't be spending them in a hospital. Ever since my parents died there, hospitals had filled me with a fear I could never shake.

I had just stepped outside when Elias called. "Why did you check out?"

"It's getting too stuffy there," I said. "I was getting tired of lying there."