Chapter 5

I could donate my heart to Olivia.

I looked up, rubbed my sore nose, and called out to Edward, who was about to leave. "Wait."

He turned back, and I gave him a faint smile. "Wait for me!"

With that, I turned and rushed upstairs. After grabbing a delicate gift box, I hurried back down. "This is for you. It's a tie."

My stomach twisted in knots, but I didn't let any of it show on my face.

Edward glanced at it and said, "This tie doesn't match the suit I'm wearing today."

I shook my head. "It's okay. You can wear it later. After all, I might not have many chances to give you things anymore."

Edward froze. Normally, he would've tossed anything I gave him without a second thought, but today, he accepted the gift. He locked his eyes with mine until I lowered my gaze to avoid his. Only then did he turn and walk away.

…

I admitted myself to Acrine Hospital.

I lay in bed. I looked frighteningly thin although only two weeks had passed.

Just then, my phone rang. The nurse handed it to me.

When I saw the name on the screen, a smile tugged at my lips. It was the first time in over three years that Edward had called me of his own volition.

I shakily removed the oxygen mask and answered. I was eager to hear his voice.

After the call ended, the phone slipped from my hand.

The nurse hurriedly put the oxygen back on, but everything went hazy. I looked over at Rory, who was holding my hand tightly and struggling to hold back tears.

I forced a smile and said, "Rory, I wish I could see tomorrow's sunrise, and I really wanted to get another call from him. I..."

But I knew it would never happen.

Then, I felt my body grow light. My soul had left my body and floated up to the ceiling. I watched as Rory cried out while clutching my skeletal frame, "Don't go, Amelie! Don't go... I still have so much to say to you… I—"

Then, Rory was pulled away by other doctors who rushed in. They quickly wheeled me into the operating room, and Olivia was also taken in. The bright surgical lights flickered on.

I guess my time was up. I had failed in this life. I wasn't a good daughter or wife, and I never loved myself enough.

I had dreamed of building a small family with Edward, having two cute kids, and going on adventures together on Maranigan Peak. We would raise our children and grow old with them.

But now, all I hoped for was that Edward would get what he wanted—to grow old with the woman he loved. I only wished that we wouldn't cross paths again in the next life.

…

I was Edward Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation.

The moment I saw Amelie Barrett in a field of blossoming flowers, I fell completely for her.

Every glance, every smile of hers was perfect. I vowed to love her until my last breath.

It wasn't until Scott Corporation was on the brink of collapse that the woman who had always claimed to love me turned her back on me.

She went on a vacation with Killian Shaffer, the one who had conspired against my family. Yet, despite everything, I still ended up marrying her.

I buried my love for Amelie deep inside. We hurt each other constantly, but I knew I couldn't forget the love of my youth. Love took root in my heart and grew into a towering tree.

When Olivia's health began to deteriorate, I received a call from the hospital. A terminally ill patient was a match for Olivia and was willing to donate their heart.

I was overjoyed. Olivia could be saved. I wanted to thank this person properly, but the hospital said the donor wished to remain anonymous.

I didn't press it. As long as the heart would save Olivia, that was all that mattered. It would also ease my guilt a little.

I knew I didn't love Olivia, but I had to take responsibility for her since it was my fault she was in this condition.

As for Amelie, I could never forgive her betrayal.

Due to some issues with the business in Penrith, I had to go abroad for a month to handle things personally. I left Olivia's situation to my secretary, Zavier Petty.

…

I had just left a meeting when Zavier reported to me, "Mr. Scott, Mrs. Scott's father isn't doing well."

"How much does he need?" I asked impatiently.

Zavier replied directly, "The hospital estimates it'll cost 500 thousand dollars."

"Transfer the money to the hospital."

I returned to the hotel and lay on the couch. I felt like something was missing.

I opened WhatsApp and scrolled through my chat with Amelie.

During my stay in Penrith this time, Amelie hadn't sent me a single message.

I scrolled up, finding nothing but her daily rants, most of which I barely responded to. She hadn't mentioned Kenny's illness either.

Frowning, I closed the chat and dialed the house phone. "Where's Amelie?"

Sasha replied politely, "Mrs. Scott went back to her home a few days ago. She said she'll move back once you return."

I sighed in relief.

Amelie was very timid. She was afraid of thunder, the dark, and pain. She wouldn't want to be alone in a big house.

On the 15th day of my stay in Penrith, the hospital confirmed the surgery plan. Olivia had undergone multiple tests, all of which showed she was eligible for the operation.

I also heard that the donor for Olivia's heart wasn't doing well and might not survive for more than half a month.

I asked casually, and the doctor said the donor was suffering from severe colon cancer.

When I heard this, my heart skipped a beat. Colon cancer…

That was the same diagnosis Amelie had on her lab report.

What a strange coincidence. I felt a pang of worry. I immediately called Amelie.

The phone rang several times before she picked up. After a brief silence, I quietly said, "I'll be back on the 7th of next month. You should come home by then... We'll go to the courthouse and finalize things."

"Okay."

Her quick agreement made me feel something was off.

"I'm tired, Edward. I want to sleep a little longer."

Amelie's voice was weak and listless on the other end. I checked the clock. It should be 7:00 am in Dunwich.

I assumed she was still half asleep.

For some reason, I didn't snap at her or make sarcastic remarks this time. Maybe it was because our marriage was nearing its end. "Alright, I'll call you later," I said.

I felt uneasy.

I had originally planned to finish my work in half a month, but I wrapped it up in a week and booked the next available flight home.

Before heading to the airport, I suddenly remembered something. I dug into my suitcase and pulled out the tie Amelie had given me.

The sapphire blue tie matched my suit perfectly.

After putting it on, I boarded the plane.

Just before turning off my phone, I received a message from the hospital. "Mr. Scott, the donor is in critical condition. Ms. Gardner's heart transplant surgery is about to begin."