Chapter 3 Bad News

Selena's POV

After a sleepless night, I waited for the sky outside my window to slowly brighten before getting up to prepare for my hospital checkup. 

Recently, I've been experiencing abnormal pain in my body, which intensified after Xander left me. Perhaps it's due to our bond; as Xander's hatred for me grows, my body seems to suffer along with it.

Additionally, I occasionally give Lisandra blood transfusions at Xander's request because Lisandra's body is weaker. Of course, this is a way for the two of their packs to strengthen their relationship, but it's at my expense.

The hospital's attending doctor, Liam, was my former senior and had always taken care of me when I was in medical school. When he heard about my health problems, he was the first to contact me to check the results at the hospital.

"How long has this been going on?" Liam asked seriously as he held the test report in the hospital corridor.

I hung my head and nervously rubbed my fingers back and forth on my satchel, avoiding eye contact.

"You have a strange blood condition, losing blood activity over a very long period of time. To be honest, it really surprises me that you've lasted as long as you have. As far as I know, no one develops this condition without a cause," Liam said, his eyes full of concern and curiosity.

Alarmed by the look in his eyes, I decided to tell him everything after a brief internal struggle.

"A while back, I gave Lisandra occasional blood transfusions," I admitted.

"What?" Liam looked shocked and incredulous.

"It was Xander. He said Lisandra had a very serious illness and needed my blood to help her regain her health," I explained, my heart aching at the mention of Xander's name.

"Damn, I knew it," Liam said angrily, clenching his teeth.

"Liam, I'm Xander's mate, so I had no choice..." I began, trying to justify my actions.

"Other people's mates don't do anything this extreme. I've never heard of blood transfusions easing another person's health issues, and I've never even heard of Lisandra being sick," Liam sighed, his grip tightening on my test report.

"Your test report is really bad. The wolf inside you is slowly weakening. Please stop this reckless behavior immediately, or the end result could be your death. Strangely enough, I couldn't figure out what's causing this problem."

Liam handed me the test report, his tone agitated and indignant. I couldn't help but let out a mental sigh as I looked at the intricate data on the top of the report. I knew exactly what was going on here.

For so long, my relationship with Xander had been at a stalemate. The Mate Bond connection between Xander and me was slowly decaying. Coupled with the occasional blood transfusions I had given to Lisandra, my body was gradually weakening. I thought it was just a minor problem, but I didn't realize the situation was so dire.

"Then, how long do I probably have left to live if this continues?" I pursed my lips and asked Liam after a long moment of hesitation.

"To be honest, the current situation is not optimistic. This is almost the first time we've seen your condition. I suggest that you be admitted to the hospital immediately. I will collaborate with other doctors to develop a complete treatment plan..."

Liam didn't answer my question directly, urging me instead to hurry up and get admitted to the hospital. But I already had an answer in my own mind, judging by his somewhat flabbergasted look.

"Will I live another year?" I asked in a calm tone, taking a deep breath.

Liam froze in place, his expression grave, as if uttering the following sentence took all his strength. "Six months to a year."

Perhaps afraid that I wouldn't be able to think straight, Liam hurriedly added, "But don't worry, I'll do my best to save you."

The sincerity of Liam's words warmed my heart. But at that moment, my mind went blank, and only Xander's cold face appeared over and over again.

"I'm afraid Xander would be the happiest person if he knew that I had such a serious health problem," I muttered to myself, stifling a cold snort.

"You don't have to worry about the cost. Since your situation is considered special, I will apply for a research fund from the hospital. It will cover the full cost of your treatment. All you have to do now is follow me and get admitted to the hospital."

My earlier hesitation made Liam think I was concerned about the f*e, so he placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a serious look. Liam's words warmed my heart, but I felt a flush creep onto my face when I noticed his touch.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I just..."

Liam noticed my unease and quickly withdrew his hand, scratching his head in embarrassment.

"Well, thank you, Liam," I said gratefully.

"Don't thank me yet. I'll contact the nurse right away to arrange for your admission."

"No, I don't intend to be admitted. Let's forget about that, please."

I took a deep breath and made a silent decision. I looked at Liam earnestly, a relieved smile playing on my lips.

"Nah! Although I haven't figured out why yet, we'll find a way to stop the disease from progressing in your body. You can trust me; I'll cure you..."

Liam's eyes widened in shock at my statement. He couldn't believe I was so willing to give up.

"Thank you, Liam, for everything. Please keep this a secret; I don't want my family to worry."

I nodded gratefully at Liam.

"Does that include the cold-hearted one too?" Liam's eyes flashed with anger.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond, and turned my face away.

"Okay, I understand. Take care."

Realizing her outburst, Liam sighed helplessly and turned away, disappearing down the hospital corridor after giving me some instructions.

As I stood there, people passed by, their faces filled with the will to live. I, on the other hand, felt nothing but despair, quietly awaiting death.

Before, I had stayed in Xander's pack out of duty, knowing my father and his pack still relied on Xander. Despite our relationship being in name only, I remained willing to serve. Now, with this serious issue revealed, I no longer hesitated; I wanted to live for myself in whatever time remained.

Suddenly, my phone rang, displaying a name that made my heart race.

"Is it such a big deal to that small scratch on your paw? As a lowly, inferior werewolf, can't you handle such a minor injury?" Xander's cold voice came through the phone, tinged with mockery.

His words hit me hard, years of resentment and pain flooding back. My vision blurred as tears rolled down my cheeks.

At that moment, with almost nothing left, I refused to become the Selena I once was, downtrodden and insignificant.

I closed my eyes and spoke with finality.

"Xander, I'll be waiting for you at home."

"What are you..."

Xander paused, about to say something more, but I hung up abruptly.