When I learned that I was a match for the bone marrow donation, I had just found out that I was pregnant.My mentor, Frank Hyde, pulled me aside with a serious expression.He said that if I wanted to donate bone marrow to my elder sister, Sarah Robinson, I would most likely have to terminate the pregnancy first.He advised me to think it through and talk it over with my husband, William Campbell.I really hesitated.I had taken a lot of medicine and spent months preparing to get pregnant.When William found out about my pregnancy, he was so excited he could hardly contain it. He wanted to shout to the world that he was going to be a dad.How could I possibly have the heart to give up the baby?Sarah just turned 29. Unlike me, she was my parents' precious daughter. If something happened to her, my parents would never recover.So, after thinking it over all afternoon, I decided to go home after work.When I got back, they were all gathered around the dinner table, happily eatin
Thankfully, Mom and Sarah were still somewhat kind to me.I turned my gaze toward Mom. She was already in tears.I looked at her, hoping this might be the moment we finally broke through the distance between us. Maybe she'd come over and hug me like she always did with Sarah since I was sick.Yet, with tears in her eyes, she uttered even harsher words, "Jessica, life and death are in fate's hands. No matter how unwilling you are, you have to accept it."She clutched her chest, her tone mournful as she continued, "You get sick, and now you want to drag Sarah down with you? If I lose both my daughters, how am I supposed to live?"At that moment, I finally understood that Mom wasn't afraid of losing two daughters. She was just afraid of losing Sarah.I lost interest in the conversation and turned my attention to Sarah, the one directly involved.Since I'd been brought home, she had always been somewhat kind to me.She often said some pretentious things, but I figured that was just
Dad tossed the envelope in front of me with a loud slap as though he were dismissing a beggar."Whether you're really sick or just faking it, take the money and get out. If you cause your mom to collapse, don't blame me for turning my back on you!"The envelope was beautifully wrapped. It was obviously prepared with care.When I picked it up, I noticed the elegant handwriting on it."My dear daughter, wishing you success in your performance. Have a great time."I chuckled bitterly. Lifting my gaze, I asked, "You're giving me this money to save my life? Won't it ruin your dear daughter's overseas trip?"Dad looked at me with disgust. His voice was cold as ice as he said, "Don't try to be sarcastic. You don't know your place, insisting on fairness. If that's how it is, I'm more than willing to have a fallout with you."I never wanted to have you, but I still had your mom's sister raise you. You've never lacked food or clothing. You should be grateful and not come here looking for
"I won't take this money. You might need it," I said before leaving.After leaving home, I should have felt relieved.The issue that had been weighing on me all afternoon was finally resolved. I could finally feel at peace, knowing I wouldn't have to sacrifice my child to donate bone marrow.I no longer had to maintain relationships with family members who I had tried so hard to please.But as I smiled, tears streamed down my face.I sat alone at the empty bus stop, watching as everyone else caught their buses home. Only I had no place to return to.Suddenly, messages started flooding in from the family group chat with over 60 people on my phone.I opened the group chat to find an announcement from Dad."Jessica Robinson has insulted us and behaved disgracefully. We have severed ties with her. From now on, any actions she takes under the Robinson name, including borrowing money or requesting donations, are not our responsibility. Please be aware!"As I read the message, I felt
"Honey, I've decided to keep the baby. Take me home," I said to William.The lab report I left on top of the envelope was probably never even glanced at.Sarah's Instagram remained as peaceful as ever.It was Mother's Day. She posted a picture of herself with Mom at the church."The bodies we have are gifts from our parents. Mom says the best gift she could receive is for me to take good care of myself."After that, I received a protective charm sent by Mom through someone. It was just a simple charm.Three days before the overseas tour, Sarah posted a photo of the whole family sending her off with the caption, "A real family only wants the best for each other and would never choose to drag anyone down."Samuel liked the post and commented, "Exactly."Two days before the tour, she posted a bold statement."Goodbye to the annoying things and people. I'm flying out tomorrow!"The comment was filled with the family's united support and reluctance to part ways.But the day befor
After hearing those words, Sarah staggered back and collapsed into a chair.Only Samuel remained, blindly furious."Well, well, Jessica. You've even dragged your colleagues into deceiving us. Just wait. Your department is finished. I'll sue every last one of you. No one will escape."His threat was ignored because Sarah's nose started to bleed.One drop.Two drops.They silently fell onto her pristine white skirt.Sarah completely panicked. Her eyes reddened. She hurriedly pressed her hand to her nose and tried to hide the bloodstains on her skirt.She glared at me in terror and rage. "It's you! You're the one behind all this!"No one answered her. Everyone's gaze on her was mixed with some pity.And then she completely broke down. Tears streamed down her face.Finally, security dragged her out of the office.Sarah didn't make it to the overseas tour.The Robinsons rushed her to get urgent checks. Of course, the results were the same.And they eventually found the lab rep
Mom wiped her tears before saying, "A mother loves her children no matter what. If I hadn't been so angry at the time, how could I have—"I let out a chuckle, cutting her off. "Just tell me whether you're getting tested or not. I need to schedule the medical exam."Mom faltered, lowering her head. "I'll do it.""And you're okay with Samuel donating too?" I asked.Mom clutched her chest and replied in a trembling voice, "Yes.""Aren't you worried about the high risks now? You're not afraid of losing both your children?"Mom covered her face with both hands. Her tears silently slipped through her fingers.…By the time I collected myself and returned to the office, Frank was already back.As soon as I stepped inside, several colleagues gathered around me.Yogurt, nuts, and small snacks quickly piled up on my desk."Keep your spirits up, Jess. A happy mom means a healthy baby.""Yeah, don't let those awful people get to you. You'll have a beautiful baby.""Give us a hug, Jess
Eric sent a series of embarrassed stickers, not denying the teasing comments.Then he spoke up."I didn't get all the facts and acted impulsively. Donating bone marrow is no big deal. It's just like getting your blood drawn. Two vials of blood won't hurt you. I've heard it even has health benefits!"No one responded.A moment later, my second aunt, Luna McMillan, sent three big question marks."Wasn't it you who said there were huge risks and you would sever ties? And now you're claiming it has health benefits?"Eric, you're really flip-flopping here, aren't you? Get straight to the point. What's your next announcement going to be?"Aunt Adele, always eager for drama, joined in."Yeah, Eric. Don't tell me you feel sorry for Jessica and are trying to convince us to donate bone marrow. Remember, you were the ones who said it was too risky and your family wouldn't take any responsibility. We can't afford to donate!"Eric stayed silent for a long time.Just as the one-man show wa
Mom continued, "You know, after you left, I never made barbecue ribs again."The smell of barbecue sauce rushed into my nostrils, instantly bringing back memories of that cold winter when I was four.I felt as helpless, as if I were drowning. My tears fell at once.Mom trembled as she wiped my tears."I admit I was biased, Jess. I raised Sarah for 29 years and only had you for four. I unconsciously treated her better."But Jess, this was my mistake. Don't punish Sarah, please. Considering I raised you for those four years, will you donate your bone marrow to her? I know I was wrong, and I will make it up to you, I swear."I remembered her embrace. I longed for her love. I could never be as heartless as she was to me.In a strange moment of thought, I wondered if I would donate my bone marrow if Sarah could hang on until I had my baby.I never ate the barbecue ribs in the end.I knew I had a dark side.I thought maybe I still wouldn't want to donate the marrow after I had the
This time, the comments in the live stream weren't as quick as the ones in the hallway."Shut up already! Even if you have another child, it won't be the same as before!""Shameless! Why should she sacrifice her child for your daughter?"If it weren't for the security holding them back, people would've rushed in to attack.I pushed Mom aside and continued, "They're right. I only understood later. Even if I have another child, it won't be the same. This child is mine, the one I prayed for. I don't have the right to just kill it."So, I can't donate my bone marrow."I wanted to make everything clear in one go to prevent the Robinsons from going to Reuben and causing more trouble at the hospital.I also wanted public opinion on my side.After I finished speaking, Reuben made his position clear too. He said that if the Robinsons came to him again, he wouldn't hesitate to kick them out of the hospital.With things finally coming to an end, the Robinsons had completely lost all hope
One comment wrote, "I almost fell for his fake tears earlier. That old man is so biased! Oh, my God!"The video finally shifted to Sarah speaking."Whoever asks for help first is a coward, and may they be struck down by lightning!"The comment section exploded again."Oh, my God, she looks so demure, but she's so venomous!""May they be struck down by lightning? The karma is hitting fast!""No wonder she didn't ask for help herself. Turns out she has sworn! Instant karma! It's so satisfying!"The video continued, showing what happened after I left.The lab report was placed on the envelope, but no one even glanced at it.Samuel tossed it aside like it was trash and handed the envelope to Sarah."Sarah, here's your travel allowance. Enjoy yourself. Don't let her spoil your mood. Come on. Let's eat. The troublemaker left, so let's continue."The atmosphere at the table wasn't as lively as before, but dinner still went on.Mom, though wiping her tears, was still putting food o
I looked at Mom closely.She had the same eyes and eyebrows as mine, soft palms, and a loving gaze.Once upon a time, that was something I longed for in my dreams. But at this moment, I only felt disgust.I coldly brushed her hand away and gave a glance toward the door.The space by the door cleared, and Frank walked in with Reuben."The hospital director is here! Fire this cold-hearted woman!""Fire her! Fire her! Fire her!"Instantly, the live stream flooded with calls to fire me.Mom pretended to bow to Reuben."Dr. Fisher, please don't fire Jess. She'll donate. I've already talked to her, and she agrees!"My colleagues laughed at her words.Even Frank, with his typically stoic expression, looked utterly stunned.I gave him a helpless glance, then casually pulled out my phone."Who says I'm going to donate?"My words froze Mom in place.The live stream was equally speechless."She's really stubborn as ever. She's not even fazed by the hospital director's presence. We
Mom said, "Jess, if you're angry that I've been taking care of Sarah more, I'll apologize. It's my fault. Please don't take it out on Sarah."As long as you save Sarah, I don't care what happens to me. I just want you two sisters to get along so you won't live with regret."Samuel, who had been standing off to the side, finally gave in when he saw Mom go this far. He kneeled down, straight as a board.I couldn't help but laugh."Didn't you want to fight me in the elevator? Why the change?"Samuel's chest heaved, his face turning beet red.He shot me a death glare, wishing he could tear me apart.Then, without another word, he slammed his head onto the floor.The sound of the impact was loud. He must have hit it hard.The live stream went crazy with insults."This woman is so cold-hearted. She's trying to kill her mom and drive her brother crazy?""We've got her info. She's from Starlight Hospital. Let's go find her.""Whoever is close, go first. I'll catch up."My colleagu
Sarah sent a long voice message.Her voice quivered with tears as she pleaded with the family. She said she could offer a house, promising that she would be eternally grateful to anyone who helped save her.But everyone knew that she and her husband had signed a premarital property agreement, so she couldn't possibly offer the house.And Eric, in order to buy a house for Samuel, didn't have any extra properties to give.Then, someone posted a screenshot.It was what Sarah had sent in the family group chat."It's natural to be afraid of risk. Not wanting to donate is not something to be ashamed of. We all have parents and children to care for. Honestly, if I were the one sick, I would never ask my family for help."The group was silent.That last message hung there, glaringly obvious, like a slap in Sarah's face.Although some of Eric's relatives were unhappy, a few still went for the tests—Uncle Leon, Uncle David, and some of Eric's brothers.But none of them matched.In the
Eric sent a series of embarrassed stickers, not denying the teasing comments.Then he spoke up."I didn't get all the facts and acted impulsively. Donating bone marrow is no big deal. It's just like getting your blood drawn. Two vials of blood won't hurt you. I've heard it even has health benefits!"No one responded.A moment later, my second aunt, Luna McMillan, sent three big question marks."Wasn't it you who said there were huge risks and you would sever ties? And now you're claiming it has health benefits?"Eric, you're really flip-flopping here, aren't you? Get straight to the point. What's your next announcement going to be?"Aunt Adele, always eager for drama, joined in."Yeah, Eric. Don't tell me you feel sorry for Jessica and are trying to convince us to donate bone marrow. Remember, you were the ones who said it was too risky and your family wouldn't take any responsibility. We can't afford to donate!"Eric stayed silent for a long time.Just as the one-man show wa
Mom wiped her tears before saying, "A mother loves her children no matter what. If I hadn't been so angry at the time, how could I have—"I let out a chuckle, cutting her off. "Just tell me whether you're getting tested or not. I need to schedule the medical exam."Mom faltered, lowering her head. "I'll do it.""And you're okay with Samuel donating too?" I asked.Mom clutched her chest and replied in a trembling voice, "Yes.""Aren't you worried about the high risks now? You're not afraid of losing both your children?"Mom covered her face with both hands. Her tears silently slipped through her fingers.…By the time I collected myself and returned to the office, Frank was already back.As soon as I stepped inside, several colleagues gathered around me.Yogurt, nuts, and small snacks quickly piled up on my desk."Keep your spirits up, Jess. A happy mom means a healthy baby.""Yeah, don't let those awful people get to you. You'll have a beautiful baby.""Give us a hug, Jess
After hearing those words, Sarah staggered back and collapsed into a chair.Only Samuel remained, blindly furious."Well, well, Jessica. You've even dragged your colleagues into deceiving us. Just wait. Your department is finished. I'll sue every last one of you. No one will escape."His threat was ignored because Sarah's nose started to bleed.One drop.Two drops.They silently fell onto her pristine white skirt.Sarah completely panicked. Her eyes reddened. She hurriedly pressed her hand to her nose and tried to hide the bloodstains on her skirt.She glared at me in terror and rage. "It's you! You're the one behind all this!"No one answered her. Everyone's gaze on her was mixed with some pity.And then she completely broke down. Tears streamed down her face.Finally, security dragged her out of the office.Sarah didn't make it to the overseas tour.The Robinsons rushed her to get urgent checks. Of course, the results were the same.And they eventually found the lab rep