Chapter 2The Stolen Lifeline

"Clara, I don't have the energy to fight with you right now. Let's talk about this properly when I get home tonight, okay?"

When I didn't reply, he sighed and added:

"Your anemia usually flares up in your second trimester. Make sure you take your iron supplements when you get home."

Nate knew I always struggled with severe anemia during pregnancy.

He knew that for the past seven years, I had to endure regular, exhausting blood draws just to build up a 200ml reserve.

He knew exactly how impossibly rare my chimeric blood type was, and how difficult it was to cross-match.

He knew everything.

And he still gave away my lifeline.

Without even asking if I consented.

I didn't say another word. I just hung up the phone.

Right as the anesthesia was about to be pushed, a notification popped up on my Instagram feed.

It was a new post from Elena.

In the photo, she and Nate were gathered around a little girl in a hospital bed, a birthday cake sitting on the tray table in front of them.

The caption read:

[After three full-body transfusions, my Lily finally has a second chance at life.

Thank you to our amazing Dr. Brooks. I'm so blessed to have you.]

The comments were flooded with congratulations from mutual friends.

Nate had replied to her post: "Wishing our sweet Lily a lifetime of health and happiness."

I placed a hand over my slightly rounded stomach.

A bitter, metallic taste flooded my mouth.

When I finally came out of surgery, my blood loss was significantly higher than average.

They kept me under strict observation in the recovery bay until late evening before finally clearing me to go home.

Severe anemia combined with massive post-operative hemorrhaging meant that by the time I reached my front door, I was on the verge of collapsing.

I leaned heavily against the doorframe. I was just about to call out to Nate when a delicate, flirtatious voice drifted from inside.

"Dr. Brooks, when is dinner going to be ready?"

The words died in my throat.

It took me a moment to gather enough strength to push the door open.

Inside, Elena was lounging on my sofa, wearing my house slippers.

When she saw me, her relaxed demeanor vanished, and she quickly stood up.

"Clara, please don't misunderstand! When Lily woke up today, she wouldn't stop crying. She was terrified of the hospital, and Nate couldn't bear to see her like that, so he brought us here. Don't worry, we won't touch any of your things."

Nate walked out of the kitchen, carrying two plates of steaming food.

"Why are you home so late?"

His eyes swept over me, completely failing to notice how ghastly pale I looked.

I didn't answer. I just forced myself to keep walking toward the master bedroom.

Elena hurriedly stepped forward to grab my arm. "Clara, I'll pack up and take Lily to a hotel right now. Please, whatever you do, don't fight with Nate. He performed two surgeries today and he's been looking after Lily nonstop. He is exhausted."

She made a theatrical show of reaching for her suitcase.

She barely took two steps before stumbling slightly.

Nate immediately caught her arm. "It's late. Where are you going to go?"

Elena lowered her eyes, her voice barely a whisper.

"I just don't want to make Clara unhappy."

Nate looked at me, a flash of irritation in his eyes.

"Clara, Lily is terrified of the hospital, but she still requires constant medical monitoring. Having her stay here allows me to keep an eye on her."

"Once she's stable, Elena will take her back to their apartment."

"How long?" I asked, my voice hollow. I had zero expectations left.

He thought for a second. "Probably two or three months."

Next month was supposed to be our wedding.

Which meant, in his mind, even after we were officially married, I was expected to share half my home with this woman and her child.

I let out a weak scoff, meeting his eyes.

"Stealing the blood I saved for seven years wasn't enough, you had to invite the thief to come live in my house."

"Nate, do you even know the meaning of the word respect?"

Nate's tone instantly turned to ice.

"Clara, that was incredibly uncalled for."

"They're just staying for a little while. Why do you have to be so aggressive and unforgiving?"