Chapter 1

1

My husband, the director of the hospital, stole my kidney to save his first love.

I was already under anesthesia, prepared for a critical heart procedure. He forced his way into the operating room and ordered them to harvest my organ.

I begged him to stop. I told him my heart was failing and I couldn't survive two major surgeries back-to-back.

He only sneered at me with pure disgust. "I know you just can't stand seeing Evie get better. You're making up these pathetic excuses. That's exactly why I chose this moment."

He ignored my pleas and took my kidney.

I died on that cold operating table from multiple complications.

......

I watched my own death from above. I saw Gavin Zeller carefully carrying my kidney to Evie Thorne's room. He didn't even give me a final glance.

As the last tear slipped from my eye, my heart monitor flatlined. My life was over.

My soul followed Gavin. He waited anxiously in the hallway, staring at the lights above Evie's door. When the surgeon finally walked out, Gavin rushed forward like a madman.

"How is she?" he asked, his voice trembling.

The doctor removed his mask and sighed in relief. "The surgery was a success. It's a good thing the kidney arrived when it did."

Gavin finally relaxed. But then, a frantic nurse ran up behind him.

"Director, Mrs. Zeller... she didn't make it. There was massive internal bleeding during the procedure."

The nurse's voice was shaking. Gavin's expression shifted instantly into a mask of rage.

"How much did Rory Shepherd pay you?" he barked. "How dare you help her lie to me? She's as strong as an ox."

"She only scheduled her surgery for the same day as Evie to get my attention," he continued. "A woman who spends every day jealous and bitter deserves whatever happens to her!"

He stepped closer to the trembling nurse, his eyes cold. "This hospital isn't a charity. If you're willing to lie for her today, you'll take bribes from anyone tomorrow. You're fired. Get out!"

"Don't blame me," he added. "Blame Rory for being such a selfish, manipulative person.

"Go back and tell her that if she has a shred of conscience, she'll get up and apologize to Evie. If it weren't for her, Evie wouldn't even be in the hospital!"

My heart ached. I was the one who had a relapse because of what Evie did. I was the one who actually needed surgery. How did it become my fault in Gavin's head?

But then again, Gavin never believed a word I said.

The nurse turned pale and tried to explain, but Gavin waved her off. He had security escort her away.

Evie was wheeled out of the OR. When she saw Gavin, a weak smile touched her lips.

"Gavin... I was so scared. I'm so glad you were here. Where's Rory? Is she still mad at me for taking her kidney?"

The tenderness in Gavin's eyes vanished the moment he heard my name. It was replaced by frozen hatred.

"If it wasn't for her, you wouldn't have been hurt in the first place," he said softly. "Taking one of her kidneys is nothing. She should give her life for yours."

I saw a tiny, triumphant smirk pull at the corner of Evie's mouth. Then she fluttered her lashes, looking like she was about to cry.

"I don't know why Rory wanted me dead so badly. But I don't hate her. Maybe she was just afraid of losing you."

Gavin let out a cold snort. "Don't even bring her up. I must have been blind to marry such a toxic woman.

"Thinking about our years together makes me sick. She's even teaching nurses to act like she's dead now. If she actually died, I'd be throwing a party."

My heart finally turned to stone.

As you wish, Gavin. I am truly dead.