Chapter 2

2

The process for my hospital transfer was moving forward.

The next day, I went to work as usual.

During a break, I heard colleagues whispering. They said Lysander was hospitalized for eye pain last night, and Victoria stayed by his side all night.

One colleague couldn't help but ask me. "Everyone knows Dr. Ashford spent the night with Lysander St. Claire."

"Don't you mind?"

"We broke up," I said simply.

The staff looked like they had just heard the biggest scandal of the year.

"You two were so in love! What happened?" someone pressed.

"I haven't agreed to a breakup yet," Victoria's voice cut through the silence.

I stood up to leave, and she chased after me.

She blocked my path in the hospital hallway.

"Elias, tell me what I did wrong. I can change!"

I let out a cold laugh. "There's no need. We are done."

I turned and walked away quickly.

I only had two days left before Victoria's planned accident. I had to arrange everything before then.

In the afternoon, I met with the Chief to finalize my transfer. I asked him to speed up the paperwork.

Then, I went back to my desk to organize my patient files. I sorted them at maximum speed.

I marked all the key transition points so my colleagues could take over easily.

Just as I took a breath, Victoria grabbed my arm.

"Are you breaking up with me because you're jealous of Lysander? I promise to keep my distance. Stop acting out!"

I shook her off and gave her a sharp look.

"What you do with Lysander is none of my business. Stop harassing me."

Nearby colleagues were staring and whispering.

Victoria felt like she was losing face. She leaned in and whispered a warning. "You better come back to me, or I won't let this go easily."

She walked away in a huff.

A few close colleagues came over to comfort me.

I smiled and told them I was fine.

As I walked out of the hospital after my shift, I saw Victoria again.

Before I could react, she rushed over and covered my mouth. She dragged me toward a car parked nearby.

I wasn't prepared and lost my balance.

She was surprisingly strong, and I couldn't break free.

She forced me into the car and jumped into the driver's seat, locking the doors immediately.

"Victoria! What are you doing!" I shouted.

Her voice was chillingly calm. "I just want to give your eyes to Lysander. I'll make it up to you later. Just help me this once."

I slapped her across the face.

"His eyes are precious, but mine aren't?"

She clutched her cheek, her eyes filled with rage. "It's just your eyes! It's not your life! Why are you so selfish?"

"Then why don't you give him your own eyes?"

"Elias Sterling!" Victoria yelled. "I told you I'd compensate you! Isn't that enough? I'm taking those eyes today whether you like it or not!"

She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and pressed it over my nose and mouth.

It smelled pungent. I thrashed my head, trying to fight back.

Slowly, my limbs went limp. I lost the ability to move, though a sliver of consciousness remained.