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The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure
The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure
Author: Bully Bully

Chapter 1

Author: Bully Bully
In the deathly silent ward, only the sound of the ventilator could be heard. Outside in the corridor, the doctor couldn't help but sigh in amazement.

"You already have a family of your own. Why go to such lengths for Zoe? What are you hoping to gain?"

Leonard Gallagher's expression was devout, his smile tinged with self-mockery.

"As long as she's happy, I will give up everything. She is my goddess. How could I ever defile her?"

The doctor offered a kind reminder. "Mrs. Gallagher is pregnant. A large-scale skin graft could lead to severe bleeding, and if anything goes wrong, it could be fatal.

"Besides, most victims suffer from psychological distress, sometimes even suicidal tendencies. She underwent two facial grafts in three years. I'm afraid that she may never live an average life again.

"We strongly recommend taking skin from Zoe's own back instead. The risk of rejection would be lower, and her recovery much faster."

Leonard interrupted hastily, his voice firm, "The skin on back is too rough. It wouldn't suit her. I won't allow a single scar to mar her body!

"Zoe loves looking beautiful. The last time she botched a double-eyelid surgery, she nearly set herself on fire in despair. Fortunately, it was just a minor burn. If I hadn't suggested a skin graft, she might never have recovered from the trauma. How could I risk putting her through that again?"

The doctor let out a sigh.

"It would be best to wait until after Mrs. Gallagher gives birth. Her chances of survival would be much higher. But with another disfigurement on top of postpartum depression, any woman would struggle to bear it."

A hint of smugness flickered in Leonard's eyes. "My love is enough to bring her back to life. I will protect both her and our child."

Tears streamed down my face, rolling past my ears. Then, suddenly, a sharp pain flared up.

The skin that the doctor had just removed was merely a trial run for my sister, Zoe Lore's facial graft. Even though it was the second time, he still wasn't at ease.

I staggered to the floor-to-ceiling window, desperate to see my own reflection.

Fireworks bloomed outside, casting light onto the glass.

There, I saw them—eight neat, evenly spaced scars on my thighs…

If I counted carefully, I had collapsed precisely eight times in the past three years of my marriage. The soft, flawless skin I once had had become a gift Leonard presented to Zoe.

The only untouched part of me was my belly, now stretched and scarred with pregnancy marks.

To replace Zoe's burnt skin, he had destroyed my face. He knew full well who had started that fire.

He knew that the 600ml of blood she received had been mine. It was drawn only after I knelt and begged the nurse. And yet, he still gave my father's final hope to someone who had been set on dying.

Three years ago, my father died. I thought that I had found salvation in this marriage. I foolishly licked my wounds in the illusion of safety. But three years later, it was finally my turn.

In the mirror, the freshly healed skin on my face still bore faint traces of the sutures from three years ago.

When my baby was born and saw its mother wrapped in bandages, would it cry in fear?

I forgot about the pain and clawed at my face with all my strength.

Leonard arrived at some point. He grabbed my wrist with one hand and instantly yanked the curtains shut with the other. His grip was so tight that I gasped in pain, and only then did he loosen his hold in a panic.

"Don't scratch your face. It hurts me to see you like this. Didn't we agree that you shouldn't look in the mirror until you're completely healed?

"If you really want to see yourself, just look into my eyes. In them, you will always be the most beautiful."

He had fooled me with such tender, deceptive words a thousand times. But eyes wouldn't lie. As I gazed into them, I knew that I had no place in his heart. What he cherished all along was never me but my flesh.

I refused to give up. Through choked sobs, I asked, "And if I were disfigured again?"

"I would simply have to take extra care of you. How could a husband ever grow tired of his own wife?"

His words were airtight, but he never denied my suspicion. In his heart, he had already agreed to Zoe's request.

He carried me back to the bed, not wasting a second before pressing an ice-cold towel to my skin.

Drowsiness overtook me, and just before I drifted off, I heard him murmur, "Zoe, I will keep your things safe for you. Just wait three more months."

The moment he finished speaking, fireworks burst outside the window, spelling out a single name—"Zoe".
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  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 3

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  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 4

    A hint of confusion flashed in Leonard's eyes.In his memory, I had always been a strong woman.Even after fainting for no reason and waking up covered in wounds, I would always smile and tell him not to worry, assuring him everything was fine."With her personality, how could she be willing to give up her own life, especially after we had a child? In the three years of marriage, she never caused me trouble, always shouldering everything herself. Did she think she was a burden to me?" he thought.Leonard made up his mind that from then on, he would never lie to me again, claiming that my fainting was a side effect of excessive blood loss.He would hold flowers and tell me that my body had fully healed.Sensing Leonard's hesitation, Zoe grew impatient. "Doctor, while the vitality is still there, let's take the umbilical cord blood!"Leonard, Alicia values her life a lot. She definitely wouldn't sign that form. She's just acting like this to make you feel sorry for her. I'm going

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 5

    Leonard sat slumped on the couch, lost and broken.Without me, he felt helpless.He was the heir of the Gallagher family and an influential business figure, yet he didn't know how to be a good husband.Since childhood, his parents had constantly fought, and home had never been his sanctuary.He was like a lone sail on an endless shore and could only find peace with me. Then, he noticed the wedding photo on the wall, torn in half.Later, he searched the entire house but couldn't find a single photo of me. It felt like I had never been a part of his life over the past three years.On the floor, scattered bits of paper surrounded him. His phone's gallery had been wiped clean. There were only two recordings inside. One was Zoe's confession, and the other was his consent to take the umbilical cord blood.A sharp pain gripped his heart. It turned out that he was the one who couldn't distinguish right from wrong.The timestamp on the second recording made his entire body tremble. If

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 6

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  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 7

    Just as I was preparing to leave on the third day, heavy snow began to fall, and the only road out was blocked entirely. Somehow, it felt like my father was watching over me.Amidst the heavy snow, the villagers gathered in my room, making it lively and bustling.The pot was simmering with meat, and the smell of wine filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere.I breathed a sigh of relief and raised a glass with everyone."The snow came just at the right time. Ms. Lore, you're the village's blessing. Our wheat will be saved."I skewered a piece of vegetable with a fork, but a child snatched it away and ate it.She chewed the vegetables and scolded me, "Ms. Lore, have more meat. We should all be good children who aren't picky about food."I nodded and stuffed a piece of fatty meat into my mouth, but my tears uncontrollably fell from my eyes. I used to love eating meat. My father often bought pork for me when I craved it.But after marrying Leonard, he said that meat was terrib

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 8

    I laughed out loud. I suspected that Leonard must have frozen his brain."Wasn't it you who gave my father's life-saving blood to Zoe? Wasn't it you who took countless pieces of my skin over the past three years? Wasn't it you who caused our child's death by taking the umbilical cord blood too early?"Do you think I can that I forgive you?"Leonard stared at the flames in the furnace without saying anything."Tonight, you'll stay here. When the snow melts tomorrow, please leave immediately."Before leaving, his voice was hoarse, and his eyes were red as he tried to stop me. "Alicia, you'll forgive me one day."As I walked away, I didn't look back.One day? It would never happen in this lifetime.The next day, the snow began to melt.Kayla Walter immediately woke me, speaking in a strange, urgent tone. "Alicia, something's happened! You need to come and see!"I threw on my coat and hurried to the place she mentioned.The villagers had gathered in a circle. When they saw me, t

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  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 8

    I laughed out loud. I suspected that Leonard must have frozen his brain."Wasn't it you who gave my father's life-saving blood to Zoe? Wasn't it you who took countless pieces of my skin over the past three years? Wasn't it you who caused our child's death by taking the umbilical cord blood too early?"Do you think I can that I forgive you?"Leonard stared at the flames in the furnace without saying anything."Tonight, you'll stay here. When the snow melts tomorrow, please leave immediately."Before leaving, his voice was hoarse, and his eyes were red as he tried to stop me. "Alicia, you'll forgive me one day."As I walked away, I didn't look back.One day? It would never happen in this lifetime.The next day, the snow began to melt.Kayla Walter immediately woke me, speaking in a strange, urgent tone. "Alicia, something's happened! You need to come and see!"I threw on my coat and hurried to the place she mentioned.The villagers had gathered in a circle. When they saw me, t

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 7

    Just as I was preparing to leave on the third day, heavy snow began to fall, and the only road out was blocked entirely. Somehow, it felt like my father was watching over me.Amidst the heavy snow, the villagers gathered in my room, making it lively and bustling.The pot was simmering with meat, and the smell of wine filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere.I breathed a sigh of relief and raised a glass with everyone."The snow came just at the right time. Ms. Lore, you're the village's blessing. Our wheat will be saved."I skewered a piece of vegetable with a fork, but a child snatched it away and ate it.She chewed the vegetables and scolded me, "Ms. Lore, have more meat. We should all be good children who aren't picky about food."I nodded and stuffed a piece of fatty meat into my mouth, but my tears uncontrollably fell from my eyes. I used to love eating meat. My father often bought pork for me when I craved it.But after marrying Leonard, he said that meat was terrib

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 6

    In my hometown, my father left me a small courtyard fully equipped for a peaceful life.I could grow flowers, plant vegetables, bask in the sun, and nap. It was an ideal place to recover.That day, the Walter family brought me mushroom soup. Tomorrow, the Lane family would send me pork chop. Everyone in the village looked after me with great care.During these peaceful days, my frail body gradually began to heal.Once I felt better, I took on my father's responsibilities and worked hard to help the entire village prosper.The firewood in the fireplace crackled loudly, and the entire village crowded into my small hut.Although the New Year hadn't passed, they were worried. "Alicia, it snowed just a little on the first day you went home to worship your ancestors. We fear we won't see another snow this winter.""The wheat in the fields is nearly dead from drought. It should've been watered long ago, but irrigating the hundreds of acres will cost a small fortune. It's not an easy ta

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 5

    Leonard sat slumped on the couch, lost and broken.Without me, he felt helpless.He was the heir of the Gallagher family and an influential business figure, yet he didn't know how to be a good husband.Since childhood, his parents had constantly fought, and home had never been his sanctuary.He was like a lone sail on an endless shore and could only find peace with me. Then, he noticed the wedding photo on the wall, torn in half.Later, he searched the entire house but couldn't find a single photo of me. It felt like I had never been a part of his life over the past three years.On the floor, scattered bits of paper surrounded him. His phone's gallery had been wiped clean. There were only two recordings inside. One was Zoe's confession, and the other was his consent to take the umbilical cord blood.A sharp pain gripped his heart. It turned out that he was the one who couldn't distinguish right from wrong.The timestamp on the second recording made his entire body tremble. If

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 4

    A hint of confusion flashed in Leonard's eyes.In his memory, I had always been a strong woman.Even after fainting for no reason and waking up covered in wounds, I would always smile and tell him not to worry, assuring him everything was fine."With her personality, how could she be willing to give up her own life, especially after we had a child? In the three years of marriage, she never caused me trouble, always shouldering everything herself. Did she think she was a burden to me?" he thought.Leonard made up his mind that from then on, he would never lie to me again, claiming that my fainting was a side effect of excessive blood loss.He would hold flowers and tell me that my body had fully healed.Sensing Leonard's hesitation, Zoe grew impatient. "Doctor, while the vitality is still there, let's take the umbilical cord blood!"Leonard, Alicia values her life a lot. She definitely wouldn't sign that form. She's just acting like this to make you feel sorry for her. I'm going

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 3

    I opened the car door to find that Zoe was already sitting in the passenger seat.Before she could speak, Leonard explained, "The back seat has more space. It's more comfortable for you to sit there."The custom-made pregnancy seatbelt hung beneath the seat. I placed my things without saying anything and quietly got in the car.As long as Zoe was around, I would always be in second place.The atmosphere was tense. Leonard tried to start a conversation, saying, "You brought so many flowers? Your father must be pleased in the afterlife."If he knew that his daughter, who traded her life for his, was so filial, he would be happy even in the afterlife."His words were insincere. If it weren't for the two of them, my father wouldn't have died. How could he be happy, all alone in the underworld?I replied coldly, "It's been three years. That's why this much is needed."Zoe rolled her eyes and lightly reproached me, "Why are you sulking so early in the morning? Do you think that you'r

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 2

    That day was Zoe's birthday. The dazzling fireworks outside looked just like the flames that engulfed my father.'Dad, if you knew the truth, would your heart ache as much as mine?' I thought.Leonard's phone screen hadn't turned off. On it was a newly liked post from his feed.Zoe had posted three private photos of herself in a dress, captioned, "The secret to beauty is drinking lots of warm water. Let's all stay beautiful in the new year!"The comments were full of compliments. A few people speculated about how she had become more beautiful, but Leonard shut them down immediately, saying, "The uterus has an evolutionary function. Generally, younger sisters are naturally more beautiful than their older ones. It's perfectly normal."I let out a hollow, mindless laugh.The vanity in the background was filled with luxury skincare products.Each bottle and jar had neat labels—"Use in the morning after using toner." The handwriting was Leonard's.When it came to Zoe, he was always

  • The Deadly Cosmetic Procedure   Chapter 1

    In the deathly silent ward, only the sound of the ventilator could be heard. Outside in the corridor, the doctor couldn't help but sigh in amazement."You already have a family of your own. Why go to such lengths for Zoe? What are you hoping to gain?"Leonard Gallagher's expression was devout, his smile tinged with self-mockery."As long as she's happy, I will give up everything. She is my goddess. How could I ever defile her?"The doctor offered a kind reminder. "Mrs. Gallagher is pregnant. A large-scale skin graft could lead to severe bleeding, and if anything goes wrong, it could be fatal."Besides, most victims suffer from psychological distress, sometimes even suicidal tendencies. She underwent two facial grafts in three years. I'm afraid that she may never live an average life again."We strongly recommend taking skin from Zoe's own back instead. The risk of rejection would be lower, and her recovery much faster."Leonard interrupted hastily, his voice firm, "The skin on b

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