The year I was diagnosed with hereditary heart disease, my fiancé canceled our engagement and publicly announced his relationship with my half-sister, Lila. When I was at my lowest point, my attending physician, Liam, held my hand.
"Actually, as long as you actively treat it and have regular check-ups, this disease won’t affect your life," he said. "Evelyn, I will be with you. You have to live well."
I thought I had encountered salvation in my life, until one day, during another blood test, I overheard him talking with a colleague.
"Liam, aren't you planning to use the newly introduced heart disease treatment medication for her?"
After a long silence, Liam sighed, "If she gets better, she won't come for monthly blood tests."
"Lila is anemic, and she has RH-negative blood. As long as Evelyn is alive, Lila can have a continuous supply of blood."
"But isn’t this... a little unfair to her?"
"Every day Evelyn is alive, I will treat her well. That's enough."
...
It was time for the monthly blood test again. As the needle pierced my skin, I clenched my fist in pain. The red liquid quickly filled the 200ml mark.
"All done, Ms. Preston," nurse Selina said, skillfully removing the needle.
I stood up, but suddenly my vision went dark, and my body trembled uncontrollably.
"Ms. Preston! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..." I steadied myself against the wall, forcing a smile. "Nurse Selina, do I have to draw this much blood every time I have a check-up?"
A flash of panic crossed Selina's face as she started packing the equipment, "Dr. West said that drawing more blood ensures every single item can be thoroughly checked..."
I sighed, "Liam always takes things too seriously when it comes to me."
Years ago, when the Wolfe family canceled my engagement because I was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, the media relentlessly blocked my door with questions, nearly driving me to collapse.
Liam had stood in front of me.
"Evelyn, I've liked you for a long time. Please let me take care of you from now on, okay?"
Liam's words were like a beam of light, illuminating my dark world.
For some reason, after hearing what I said, the nurse gave me a complex look. Her lips moved slightly but in the end, she packed up her things and left without a word.
After sitting for a while, I messaged Liam: "They drew another 200ml today. Your wife is amazing~ Make sure to prepare some chicken soup to replenish my strength tonight."
There was no immediate response. Liam was probably still on his shift.
Supporting my weakened body, I slowly made my way to his office. I could already hear noises from inside, and started to smile, ready to open the door—
"Aren’t you planning to use the newly introduced heart disease treatment medication for Evelyn?"
My hand froze on the doorknob.
