Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Doctors always fought desperately to save lives, believing every extra day was a victory.

Yet my time had already run out.

"No need. Thank you," I replied softly.

I politely rejected their repeated recommendations. As I prepared my discharge papers, a couple of nurses whispered nearby, unable to hide their frustration.

"Why bother? She's literally dying, yet she's risking her life to carry some guy's child while he hasn't shown his face once."

"Is it really worth it? Enduring all that torment when the fetus won't even survive?"

I didn't care to argue. They were right; it wasn't worth it.

I wasn't keeping this child to carry on Nolan's bloodline. I simply wanted to stay by my baby's side for a few more days as a mother.

I could only pray that in the next life, my child would find a far better mother than me.

Tears traced down my cheeks as my phone screen lit up, flashing Vivienne's name.

The moment I answered, the howling mountain wind blasted through the speaker, accompanied by Vivienne's smug laughter.

"Still kicking, Mara? I should really thank you. If it weren't for your magic tricks, I wouldn't have conquered so many forbidden lands over the past five years."

"Millions of fans are watching my live stream on Mount Apex right now. Make sure your life force keeps me alive up here!"

Mount Apex was a notoriously lethal wilderness known for its poisonous mist and treacherous terrain. Vivienne's fearlessness was entirely built on the fact that she had an extra life: if she fell, I died in her place.

If she pulled this off, she would become an internet legend and amass unfathomable fame.

People always worshipped the fearless.

【Cuss her out!】 the system roared in my head. 【She's just a pathetic leech feeding on your flesh! Without you, she'd be rotting in the dirt!】

【Why take this crap from a parasite? Where did your fire go? Mara, you coward!】

The system's fury echoed in my ears, but I blinked back my tears in silence.

What was the point of lashing out? Everything Vivienne said was the raw truth.

Screaming at her wouldn't hurt her at all. Some words were meant to be delivered at the most lethal moment.

【You spineless fool, I'm done talking to you,】 the system grumbled before fading away.

Vivienne giggled sweetly over the line.

"You're not pouting, are you? Or are you still waiting for Nolan to get down on one knee? Seriously, Mara, after being brushed off a dozen times, do you actually still believe him? A man's promises are just bargaining chips to get what he wants. Don't be ridiculous."

"Are you wondering what to wear to the party? Don't bother stressing. Nolan is throwing a lavish banquet in my honor when I get back, and you're welcome to attend. Just remember who the star of the night is. After five years, you should know it's never going to be you."

"A man only marries the woman he truly loves. Nolan never gave a damn about you. If you hadn't manipulated his parents back then, you never would have stepped foot into the Mercer family."

In the background, Nolan's warm, supportive murmur echoed softly. I coughed into my sleeve, a bitter smile touching my lips.

"Then I wish you two a lifetime of happiness."

After so many years, I had long stopped believing in Nolan's empty words.

Vivienne's petty taunts couldn't break a heart that had already turned to ash.

【Did you hear that?】 the system muttered resentfully. 【You gave up everything and got nothing in return. Mara, you are the biggest idiot I've ever seen. Why are you still obsessing over garbage like him?】