Chapter 3

3.

I was rushed to the hospital.

The test results were grim.

Stage one leukemia.

The butler who brought me in panicked and insisted on reporting this to Valerie.

I stopped him.

Her heart and mind were completely consumed by Bradley. What did my life or death have to do with her?

Besides, it was only stage one.

The doctor said that as long as a suitable donor match was found for a transplant, my chances of survival were high.

I complied with the blood tests for matching.

However, on the first floor, I ran into Valerie and Bradley.

They held a stack of medical reports in their hands.

Upon seeing me, Bradley deliberately raised his voice.

"See, I told you I was fine."

"How about you, Valerie? Your pre-marital checkup results should be normal too, right?"

Pre-marital checkups...

So they had already reached that step?

My body swayed for a brief second.

I lowered my head, intending to pretend I hadn't seen them and walk away.

Valerie's eyes had already locked onto me, her brows furrowing immediately as she called out.

"What are you doing at the hospital?"

"Was hurting Bradley not enough? Are you planning to do it again?"

"Mason, when did you become such a disgusting person?"

Hearing those words from her lips made it feel hard to breathe from the sheer pain in my chest.

I instinctively tried to explain, "I'm here to see a doctor."

Her brow furrowed even deeper.

"See a doctor? Couldn't you come up with a better excuse?"

"Bradley feels unwell, and suddenly you feel unwell too? What next, are you going to tell me you're dying and beg me to cancel the wedding to stay with you?"

I really was dying.

If a donor match couldn't be found.

Still, I didn't want to say that to Valerie.

Because I knew that even if I told her, she would only see it as another cheap excuse.

Ignoring her words, I turned and headed toward the lab on my own.

Valerie assumed I was throwing a fit at her.

She dragged me back forcefully and demanded that I apologize to Bradley.

The emotions I had suppressed all day finally erupted.

I looked at her coldly. "Why should I apologize?"

Valerie spoke as if it were obvious.

"You caused Bradley's injury. Shouldn't you apologize?"

"Mason! You're getting more out of line by the day! If you keep this up, get out of the Prescott family!"

"Fine by me!" I agreed instantly, which only fueled the fury on her face.

She raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face, ordering me to kneel on the floor.

I wasn't allowed to stand until I admitted my fault.

The hospital floor was freezing cold.

Yet, no matter how cold it was, it couldn't compare to how cold Valerie made my heart feel.

The butler couldn't bear to watch and wanted to explain on my behalf, but I stopped him.

Valerie's world revolved entirely around Bradley now.

Just as she had said herself.

Even if I died, it wouldn't sway her in the slightest.

Late into the night, my fever soared, and I passed out once more.

The butler called Valerie behind my back.

The only reply he got was, "Are you helping him lie to me too?"

"What kind of favors did he give you?"

"I'm busy preparing for the wedding and have no time for him. If he wants to throw a fit, let him!"