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Dying While You Loved Her
NovelShort
Hoàn thành
Lesley is dying. The doctors say her bone marrow is failing. Transfusions are just buying time. A transplant is the only way out. The clock is ticking. A month, maybe less. The only match is her twin ...
Chương (6)
第1章
I was alone in the hospital when the doctor told me I was dying.
“Lesley, your bone marrow treatment isn’t working anymore. Transfusions can only buy you time. You need a transplant soon, or your body’s going to shut down.”
I nodded like I understood. Like I was still here but I wasn’t.
My hands were shaking when I grabbed my phone and called Fredrinn. My husband. Five years. Mafia king, everyone’s nightmare. Supposedly mine too, just in a different way.
It rang.
Again.
Again.
Then it stopped. I called back but it sraight to nothing.
My chest felt tight, like someone was sitting on it. I stared at my screen, waiting. Hoping. Like an idiot.
Instead, Instagram popped up.
A post.
From her.
My twin.
My fraternal twin sister. Same blood, different soul. The one who left, who always said she was meant for bigger things, prettier things. The one who never hid how much she hated that I had him first.
She was smiling in the photo. All soft and sweet while her hand tangled with a man’s fingers.
I knew that hand.
I knew that watch. I'm the one who bought it for him.
Fredrinn’s.
My stomach dropped but the caption made me feel sick.
“The man I’ve loved in secret is finally mine. Even if this is just a dream, I hope it never ends.”
My thumb slipped.
I liked it.
I didn’t even realize I was crying.
Less than a minute later, my phone started blowing up. His name flashing over and over like it was screaming at me.
I answered.
“Lesley, don’t hang up,” he said fast, rough. “Please. Just listen.”
I didn’t say anything.
“I know what you saw,” he kept going. “It’s not what you think. I swear. She said she’d be your donor. Bone marrow. She said she’d do it. But only if I gave her a chance. One month, I will act as her husband. Just one. I didn’t touch her. I didn’t cross the line. I only did it for you. Everything I did was for you.”
My throat hurt when I tried to talk. “Fredrinn… is that true?”
“Yes,” he said too fast. Then quieter. “You’re my wife. You’re my life. You know that. I can’t lose you. I won’t live through it.”
I laughed, but it came out broken. “Then why does it feel like you didn’t hate saying yes?”
He didn’t answer. I could hear him breathing.
That was worse.
I remembered things I didn’t want to remember. Him driving across the city at three in the morning because I said my bones hurt and I couldn’t sleep. Him showing up with greasy dumplings and acting like it was nothing. Him buying me shoes I only mentioned once, like it was a joke. Him kneeling under those stupid fireworks on my birthday, holding a ring with shaking hands.
“Marry me after you graduate,” he said back then. “I want forever with you.”
Everyone believed him.
Fredrinn Ashcroft. Mafia boss. Cold to the world. Soft only for me.
And when I got diagnosed six months ago, he didn’t let go of my hand. Not once. He cried like he was the one dying.
“If you quit, I quit,” he said. “Don’t leave me.”
He searched everywhere after that. Doctors. Black market contacts. Underground hospitals. He even tried to give his own blood, knowing damn well it wouldn’t work. I caught him writing a will once. He didn’t hide it. He wasn’t scared.
And yes, he paid her.
One hundred million.
I saw the transfer. Clean. Immediate. Mafia money moves fast. Money for her fashion dreams. For her freedom. For her loyalty.
But money wasn’t enough. She wanted him too.
And the worst part? He gave her that. Even if he keeps saying it was for me.
For the fourth time in six months, my twin backed out again.
There was always a reason. Always some new problem. And every single time, Fredrinn stayed glued to her side like she was the one dying.
The first time, she fainted. Said her blood sugar dropped. Fredrinn slept at her hospital for three nights straight. He didn’t come home. He didn’t even bother to text me goodnight.
The second time, she said she couldn’t sleep. Anxiety. Nightmares. Fredrinn sat through her therapy sessions like a loyal husband, holding her hand until morning.
The third time, she suddenly had a fever. That same day, I collapsed during treatment. Nurses were calling his name. He still left. Went straight to her place to take care of her.
And now she wanted something new.
She told him she’d finally donate her bone marrow if he agreed to be her husband for one month.
Just one month.
I was lying on my hospital bed when he told me. My hands were shaking so bad I had to grip the blanket to stop them.
“Fredrinn,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. It still came out weak. “Give her more money. I don’t care how much. Just pay her. Please. Don’t be her boyfriend. Just tell her to do it now.”
Silence.
I could hear him breathing on the other end. Slow. Careful.
Then he said quietly, “Lesley… we already owe her a lot. I don’t want to pressure her. She’s helping you. We should be grateful.”
Something snapped in my chest. “Owe her? One hundred million isn’t enough? Or is there something else you owe her?”
He didn’t answer. Then I heard her voice behind him. Soft. Sweet. Fake as hell.
“Fredrinn, I burned my hand! Ow!" she said, dragging the words. “It hurts. Come here! Please!"
His tone changed instantly. “I’ll call you later,” he said fast. “She needs me.”
Then the call ended.
Just like that.
I stared at my phone until it went black. It felt like something inside me finally caved in. Like I’d been hollowed out and there was nothing left to protect.
I turned my head and looked at the doctor.
“How long,” I asked, barely louder than air, “if I don’t get the transplant?”
He sighed. Didn’t even try to sugarcoat it.
“A month. Maybe less. Your body’s getting weaker every day. If the transplant happens soon, there’s a chance. If not—”
“I know,” I said, cutting him off. “It’s fine.”
I looked away.
“I won’t have it.”
I knew my twin too well. She wasn’t going to save me. She was dragging it out on purpose. Every delay meant more time with him. And I was done begging. Done waiting. Done fighting alone.
That evening, I went back to the house.
The sky was gold and orange, quiet and soft, like the world was being kind to me for once. I almost thought maybe this was mercy. Like God giving me one last calm moment before everything ended.
Then I opened the door.
And whatever was left of me broke.
第2章
Fredrinn was on the couch when I walked in.
My twin was curled up against him, way too close, feeding him fruit like she owned him. She was smiling, calm, satisfied. Like she’d already won and was just waiting for the prize to stop breathing.
“Lesley!” Fredrinn jumped up fast, like he’d been rehearsing this. His face lit up, guilty and hopeful at the same time. He shoved a small gift box toward me. “I got you something. If you take this, it means you agree. You’ll let me stay with her for a while so she can help you. Just say yes. Please.”
I stared at the box. Didn’t move. Didn’t reach for it.
“I don’t need the gift,” I said. My lips were shaking but I kept my voice flat. “I’ll agree even without it.”
He froze. “You really mean that?”
“Yes,” I said. Each word hurt coming out.
My twin was up in a second. She grabbed my arm like we were sisters again, like she hadn’t been slowly killing me. Her smile was bright and fake.
“Good,” she said sweetly. “Then let’s all be nice, okay? No jealousy. Fredrinn’s just helping me live my dream. He promised me one month. After that, you’ll be fine.”
I pulled my arm out of her grip. Slowly.
“I won’t be jealous.”
Fredrinn finally relaxed. He rushed to the kitchen, came back with a bowl of soup like this was some happy family scene. He smiled at me, proud of himself.
“I made this for you. It’s good for your blood. Eat a little.”
It smelled warm. Familiar. I wanted to trust him. I took one sip.
My throat burned instantly.
“No,” I gasped, grabbing my chest. My skin went cold. “Shrimp. You put shrimp in this. Fredrinn, I’m allergic! I told you. You know this.”
He went pale. “I thought… I thought it was peanuts. I mixed it up.”
My twin tilted her head, pretending to be helpful. “No, you’re confused. I’m allergic to peanuts. You remembered that, right? I told you last week.”
Everything went blurry.
Pain tore through my chest. Sharp. Deep. Like something was ripping me open from the inside. He remembered her allergy. Not mine.
The last thing I heard was him yelling my name like it mattered now.
When I woke up, I was back in a hospital bed. Again.
Fredrinn was sitting beside me. His eyes were red. He was holding my hand too tight, like he was scared I’d disappear.
“I’m sorry,” he said fast. “It was a mistake. Please believe me. I canceled everything. For the next few days, it’s just you. I swear. I won’t let this happen again. Please forgive me.”
I turned my face away.
“You don’t need to say sorry,” I said quietly. “You already belong to her. Just remember what she likes now. Take care of her. And Fredrinn… stay out of my life. I mean it.”
He shook his head, panicking. “What are you talking about? This thing with her isn’t real. It’s just a deal. One month. I’m pretending so she’ll save you. Don’t twist it. You’re my wife. You’re the one I love.”
He reached for my face.
I pulled the blanket up instead.
“I’m tired,” I whispered. “I need to sleep.”
His hand stayed in the air for a second. Then he pulled back and stood up.
“Fine,” he said. “Rest.”
The door closed behind him. The sound felt heavier than a gunshot.
I opened my eyes after he left. Tears slid into my pillow, silent, useless. I knew the truth. I didn’t have much time left. Aplastic anemia was eating me alive, slow and patient.
I forced myself out of bed later. Every step hurt. I went to the closet and dragged out an old dusty box hidden in the back.
Inside was my whole life with him.
Movie tickets from our first date. A cheap bracelet he bought me at a night market when he still smiled like a normal man. Polaroids from trips before blood, guns, and deals replaced love.
In every photo, I was smiling.
And his arms were always around me.
My chest felt tight. I spent the whole night going through that box, touching every stupid little thing like it was the last time I’d ever get to. By dawn, I dragged the box outside and lit a small brazier. One by one, I threw the memories in the fire.
The flames were climbing when a voice cut through the air.
“What the hell are you doing?!”
Before I could even move, my twin came storming at me and shoved me hard. The brazier tipped, hot coals flying everywhere. A few landed on my arm. I gasped, pain ripping through me.
“Miya—” I stumbled back, clutching my arm.
She didn’t even slow down. She lunged at me, eyes burning with that fake hurt she always wore. “If you don’t want me here, just say it! Why are you burning my stuff?”
Her voice was all venom wrapped in sugar, but I saw it. The satisfaction.
The yelling drew Fredrinn out. He ran up and grabbed her like she was the one in danger, shoving me back without even touching her. “What happened? Are you hurt?”
She clung to his chest, trembling, tears already streaked down her cheeks. “Fredrinn, she hates me so much she started burning my stuff! Look at it! She doesn’t want me here!”
His eyes hit me for the first time in weeks, and I froze. But it wasn’t love I saw. It was disappointment.
“Lesley… how could you? After everything she’s done for you, after she agreed to help with your treatment… this is how you treat her?”
I felt my throat tighten. Couldn’t breathe. I bent down and picked a charred scrap from the ashes, a corner of a photo. My hands were shaking so bad I almost dropped it.
“Look at this,” I said, voice breaking. “These aren’t her things. They’re mine. Our memories.”
The photo was from last winter. Fredrinn had wrapped his scarf around me, my cheeks red, my eyes bright.
For a second, he froze. “Why… why would you burn these?”
“Because they’re rotten,” I said, tears blurring my eyes. I tossed it back into the fire. “I don’t want them anymore.”
“No, Lesley! These are ours. You said we’d look at them when we were old. Why throw them away?”
I gave a tiny, broken smile. “Don’t you get it? Fredrinn… I’m dy—”
“Fredrinn… my hand. I think I burned it when the brazier fell.” My twin’s voice cut in, sharp and fake again.
Just like that, he was gone. Dropped my hand like it meant nothing. His eyes were all over her now, fussing, protecting, caring. “Let’s get you inside. I’ll put ointment on it.”
With his arm wrapped around her, he walked her in. Didn’t even glance back.
第3章
My arms burned, but I didn’t care. I dragged myself back to my room, pulled out the first-aid kit, and poured alcohol on the cotton. The sting hit like a punch, almost knocking the air out of me.
Still, it wasn’t as sharp as watching Fredrinn forget me, piece by piece.
Back then, he’d freak out over the tiniest thing. A paper cut and he’d be panicking, dragging me to the infirmary like I was dying. I used to laugh at how over the top he was. Secretly, I loved it. He made me feel like I mattered.
Now, he didn’t even notice the burns. Didn’t even ask. He just walked away with my twin, like I was invisible.
That night I closed my eyes and let the tears come. They slid down my face and onto my arms, burning on the fresh wounds. I bit my lip to keep from screaming, but even that sting wasn’t as sharp as the ache in my chest.
The next couple of days proved I’d completely fallen in his world. My twin clung to him like glue. He couldn’t go five steps without her pulling him back.
At dinner, she pouted like a spoiled kid, nudging his arm. “Fredrinn, feed me the shrimp. You know it tastes better when you do it.”
I pushed my food around, quiet. He picked up the shrimp, fed her. She leaned into him, smiling like I wasn’t even there.
On the couch later, she curled up against his chest while a movie played. “Hold me tighter. I hate the loud parts.”
He just tightened his arms around her. No hesitation. Not a second for me.
Every time I walked by, she’d tilt her head at me, all sweet and fake. “Lesley, you promised, right? You don’t mind if we’re close?”
I forced a tiny smile. “Not at all.”
That became my answer for everything. I wasn’t even sure if I was lying or telling the truth anymore.
The truth was my body was falling apart.
She was supposed to be my bone marrow donor. My own blood. The one person who could save me. But she dangled it like a trophy, a game I was always losing.
...
That evening I looked in the mirror. Pale. Weak. I might not even have the strength to stand soon. That’s when I made a decision.
I needed one last picture. A photo for my funeral. So even if Fredrinn forgot my face, he’d see me once more. Alive. Smiling. Me.
“Miss, you’ve got a really graceful face. ID? Graduation?”
I stared straight into the camera. My voice was calm, but inside I was already gone. “For my funeral.”
The guy’s hands shook, like he wasn’t sure how to react. I didn’t explain. I just let the flash blind me, told myself this would be the one on my coffin.
When I went to wait for the copy, I froze. Laughter at the front door. That low chuckle. His voice. And her high-pitched giggle.
I turned. They were walking in, arm in arm, like some happy couple.
“Lesley? Why are you here?” she said, fake shock.
I tucked the photo in my pocket. “Just took one for my ID. What about you two?” My voice stayed steady.
She leaned on him, soft and sweet. “Photo albums are important for couples. We took a few days ago, now we’re picking them up.”
Fredrinn glanced at me. “She begged. I only went along. Once you’re better, we can make our own album.”
My chest tightened. I nodded, said nothing.
Staff called them over to pick photos. I tried to slip out. My twin grabbed my wrist. “Lesley, help us choose. You’ve got better taste than me.”
Before I could react, she dragged me to the computer. There they were.
Photo after photo. Holding hands. Smiling like they belonged. Sunset behind them as they kissed. Him hugging her from behind in matching white.
Every image stabbed me. My throat felt tight.
“Pick a good one, Lesley. Which looks happiest?” she chirped, sharp and fake.
I couldn’t speak. Then a loud crash shook the room. Shelves toppled.
Fredrinn lunged at her, covering her body instantly.
Meanwhile, a sharp corner of a metal shelf hit my shoulder. I screamed, pain ripping through me. Blood soaking my blouse.
“Fredrinn, it hurts!” My twin wailed, clutching her tiny graze.
He panicked. “You’re bleeding. We need a hospital.” He swept her into his arms, running toward the door.
He looked at me for a second, trapped under the shelf, blood pooling around me. Our eyes met. One, two seconds. Then he looked away and left.
I forced myself up, swaying, and dragged myself to the hospital.
The doctor frowned at my wound as he stitched me. “Why didn’t anyone bring you here? You lost too much blood. This is serious.”
I bit my lip as the needle went in. “I didn’t have anyone.”
He hesitated. “Weird… a young woman came in earlier with a tiny graze. Her boyfriend was terrified. He demanded extra checks.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “That was my boyfriend too.”
He froze, didn’t ask more. Just finished the stitches in silence.
Late that night I was in my room changing my bandage when Fredrinn finally came back. He froze at the door when he saw me struggling.
His eyes went wide at the wound. “Lesley, how did this happen?” His voice cracked as he rushed over.
第4章
I didn’t even look up. “The shelf hit me.”
His hand hovered over mine, shaking. “It… it was chaos. Miya was crying. I thought she got hurt bad. I didn’t mean to leave you.”
I forced a tiny smile. “You did the right thing. She needed you.”
“No, Lesley.” He grabbed my hand tight. His grip was warm, desperate. “You don’t get it. I only treat her well because of her bone marrow. You’re the one I love. Always you. Don’t push me away.”
My eyes burned. “I know. That’s why I didn’t blame you.”
He let out a long breath, relief washing over him. He carefully wrapped my arm, his fingers gentle. “Rest now. I’ll stay. Watch over you.”
For a moment, with his hands on me, I almost believed it was the old days. Back when he never left.
Then the ringtone split the silence.
“Fredrinn…” My twin’s voice, dripping with fake sobs. “I miss you. I’m scared… I can’t find you…”
His face twisted, guilt sharp. “I’ll come right away.”
He hung up and looked at me, torn. “She’s alone in the hospital. She’s afraid. I’ll come back after she sleeps. I swear.”
And just like that, he left. Taking the last warmth from the room with him.
I curled up on the bed, hugging my knees. My breathing was uneven. My chest wasn’t the only thing that hurt. My heart was shattered.
He didn’t come home for two days. At first, I kept checking the clock, hoping I’d hear his footsteps. Then I stopped caring. I swallowed my meds on time, changed the dressing on my arm, and tried to heal quietly in my little corner.
That afternoon, I sat by the window with a book. The sun was warm, but my eyes hurt too much to hold it. My phone buzzed. I picked it up, and her voice poured through.
“Hi Lesley. Guess what?” My twin, sweet as poison. “Do you know Fredrinn risked his life for me?”
I froze. “What do you mean?”
She giggled, like showing off a trophy. “I said I wanted that necklace from the motorbike stunt show. He signed up right away. Didn’t even think. Drove so fast the bike almost flipped. When they shoved him in the ER, do you know what he yelled? My name. Mine.”
My book slipped. I looked out the window. Too bright. My eyes stung. But I didn’t let her hear me break. “So he hurt himself to make you happy,” I said softly.
“Yes,” she whispered, stretching the word. “He needs someone to take care of him now. Maybe you wanna come over?”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “No, Miya. He’s yours, right? You’re the one he chose to get hurt for. Then take care of him.”
She was quiet too long. I ended the call, dropping the phone on the couch like it burned my hand.
The trees outside swayed in the breeze. I stared at them until my eyes blurred. Then I picked up the phone again. My fingers dialed a number I’d memorized weeks ago.
“Hello?” a man answered.
“Hi. This is about the double grave plot, section B, number twelve. I wanted to ask if—”
The door slammed open so hard I jumped, nearly dropping the phone.
“Lesley!”
I looked up. Fredrinn. Pale, hospital gown striped, chest wrapped in thick bandages. Blood soaked through. Lips drained. Eyes burning like fire.
My phone slipped to the floor. “Fredrinn! You should be in the hospital!”
He staggered closer, clutching the door. “Why, Lesley? Why were you trying to buy a grave?”
I forced a little smile, even though my heart had stopped. “Not what you think. Neighbor’s dog died. They asked me to help. That’s it.” I tried to sound calm.
He sagged, face twisted in pain. “Motor crash.”
I rushed to him, holding his arm. “Don’t talk. I’ll take you back to the hospital right now.”
On the ride, his head rested against the seat. His lashes fluttered like a boy too tired to fight. I stared at him, memorizing his face, the way his lips parted when he breathed. My voice trembled so softly only the wind could hear. “This will be the last time I worry about you. After this, I’ll already be in the grave.”
At the hospital, I signed papers, tucked him into bed, adjusted the blanket. He drifted into sleep.
I stepped into the hall, phone in hand, voice calm. “Miya, come here in the morning. I have something important to do.”
Her laugh came faint, light, full of music and chatter. “I’m out, Lesley. I’ll drop by tomorrow. Don’t sound so serious.”
Morning came. She walked in, designer bag over her shoulder, hair perfect. More runway than hospital.
I gave her a small, quiet smile. “You came.”
She tilted her head, lips curling. “Of course. I wanted to see you… though let’s be honest, Lesley. I’ll never donate bone marrow for you. Why would I? You know I only want Fredrinn. I’d rather see you gone.”
“I know, cousin. You wanted me dead. Then take him. Care for him yourself.”
Her eyes flashed. She grabbed my arm hard, nails digging in. Pain shot through me, but I bit my lip and didn’t scream.
The noise woke Fredrinn.
Miya let go immediately, slapped her own cheek, then burst into tears. “Fredrinn! Lesley hit me! She was jealous! Told me to give her my bone marrow while you were asleep! When I said no, she slapped me!”
She cradled her face, sobbing. Her cries shook the room.
第5章
My eyes went wide. “That’s not true. Beck, listen to me. She’s lying.”
“Enough.”
Fredrinn ripped the IV out of his arm and stormed toward me. His face was white, eyes wild. He grabbed my arm so hard it burned straight through the skin, then his hand came down.
The slap knocked me to the floor.
My head rang. Warm blood rushed from my nose, dripping onto my clothes.
His voice cracked, sharp and ugly. “Is this who you are now, Lesley? Forcing Miya like that? Couldn’t you wait? Why are you like this? You’re not the Lesley I loved before. You’re disgusting.”
Behind him, my twin covered her mouth, crying softly like she was pure and fragile. But through her tears, I saw it. The curl of her lips. She was smiling.
I pressed my sleeve to my nose. Tears slid down my face, mixing with blood. I didn’t argue. There was nothing left to explain. Nothing left to save.
I stood up slowly, legs shaking, and walked out.
Right before I crossed the door, I heard his voice again. Gentle. Warm. The voice he used to save for me.
“Miya, don’t cry. I’m here now. I’ll protect you. I’ll deal with Lesley after I’m discharged.”
I smiled, bitter and empty, and wiped my tears with the back of my hand.
By the time I got home, my face still burned and my nose wouldn’t stop bleeding. I collapsed on the couch. Everything hurt. I wrapped my hand in a towel and tried to breathe.
Then the doorbell rang.
My heart jumped.
I dragged myself up and opened the door.
It was my mother.
The woman who left me as a baby stood there like time had never passed. She looked smaller than I imagined. Worn down. But when she saw me, she dropped her bag and rushed forward, grabbing me so hard I almost fell.
She cried into my shoulder. “My baby. Lesley. I finally found you.”
My legs gave out. I sank onto the couch with her holding me. Everything felt blurry.
She pulled back, panic flooding her face. “Why are you bleeding? What happened?”
“I have aplastic anemia,” I whispered, pressing the towel to my nose. “I need a bone marrow donor.”
Her face went white. She grabbed my hands like she was afraid I’d disappear. “I’ll give you mine. We’ll go to Europe. You’ll live with me and your brothers. Please, Lesley. Come with me.”
My chest tightened. “You left me,” I said quietly. “You left me and Miya with Grandma. You disappeared. How do I trust you now?”
She froze. “Who’s Miya?”
My throat went dry. “My fraternal twin. You left both of us.”
Her hands started shaking. “No,” she said slowly. “Lesley, you don’t have any twin.”
My head spun. “What are you talking about?”
She shook her head hard, tears falling. “I only gave birth to one child. You. There was no sister. No twin. Whoever that girl is, she’s not your family.”
The room felt like it tilted.
I whispered, “Grandma said we were twins.”
She broke down. “I left you with Grandma alone. I swear. I never had another child.”
My chest felt hollow. Like something had been rotten for years and I was only just smelling it.
“I worked abroad to send money home,” she cried. “I had an accident. I lost my memory. I only remembered last year. I searched everywhere for you. I never stopped being your mother.”
I wanted to believe her. I really did. But my whole life felt fake.
“Let me think,” I whispered. “I need time.”
She nodded like she expected it. She kissed my forehead softly. “Call me when you’re ready.” She left her number and walked away.
I barely had time to breathe before footsteps filled the yard.
Five men burst through the back gate.
Fredrinn’s men.
They grabbed me, threw a blanket over my shoulders, and dragged me outside like trash. I screamed. I fought. My body was too weak. Rain started pouring. Everything was loud, cold, humiliating.
One of them leaned close. “Boss says you sleep outside tonight. Punishment for hurting Miss Miya.”
I banged on the door. “Please. I’m sick. I need my meds. Please.”
They shoved me again. One of them laughed.
Rain soaked me. I started shaking.
My phone rang.
Fredrinn.
I answered with numb fingers.
“Listen,” he said flatly. “Your transplant was scheduled for tomorrow. After what you did, Miya’s too traumatized. She won’t go through with it. Think about your actions.”
The call ended.
Rain mixed with my tears. I curled up on the cold ground, hugging my phone like it was the only thing keeping me alive.
With shaking hands, I dialed the number my mother left.
The line clicked.
“Hello?” her sleepy voice answered.
“M-mom,” I whispered into the rain, teeth chattering. “P-please come get me. I’ll go with you. I’ll go anywhere. Just get me out of here.”
第6章
After twenty minutes in the rain, shivering so bad I thought my bones would snap, my mother finally pulled up in a car. She threw a blanket over me and practically dragged me inside. I was half-conscious, teeth chattering, but I felt her hands guiding me, steady and warm.
She drove straight into the city and checked us into some fancy hotel. Five-star, marble floors, chandeliers, people bowing when she walked past. She made me sit on the couch, handed me warm tea, and brushed my wet hair off my face like I was a child. “Rest, Lesley. I’ll take care of everything,” she said. “I’m not the woman you remember. I’m a billionaire now. I can move people like pieces on a board. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”
For the first time in days, I let myself breathe. My chest loosened. I whispered, “Thanks, Mum.”
Later that night, when the suite went quiet, we sat by the window. City lights glowed below us. She told me she could buy influence, make calls, bend the world if she had to. She sipped wine and said, “If you want to disappear, I have people who can make that happen.”
I stared at my shaking hands. “Can you… fake my death?”
“Yeah. Easy. I already know the right people.”
But first, I had to call Beck one last time. I grabbed my phone and dialed Fredrinn five times in a row. The first four went unanswered. On the fifth, his voice came through, rough and annoyed.
“Lesley, what now?”
My throat hurt. “Fredrinn… thanks. For the five years. I just realized—”
He cut me off. “You just realized now? Fine. Come to the hospital tomorrow. Apologize to her. Be decent to Miya. She’s saving your life. You should be grateful instead of acting like the world owes you something.”
Before I could answer, I heard Miya in the background. Sugary, fake concern dripping off every word. “Who are you even talking to?”
“It’s Lesley,” he said flat.
Miya gasped. “Lesley? What does she want now? Is she begging again? Fredrinn, I don’t want drama. I’m scared of her. I slapped me, I’m traumatized. Maybe after a month, once I calm down, I’ll do the surgery. I know she’s jealous. I don’t want you two fighting. I’m sorry.”
“No, Miya. Don’t apologize.”
The line went dead. He hung up. Just like that.
My phone buzzed before I could pull it from my ear. A new message.
“Look who won. Me. Poor Lesley. Your husband doesn’t even look at you. Do everyone a favor. Disappear. That’ll make life easier for all of us.”
I stared at the black screen. My chest burned. No tears. I turned to my mother and whispered, “Do it now, Mum.”
She didn’t hesitate. She pulled out her phone, face unreadable. I watched her make calls quietly. Shadows moved across the city that night. Cars drove empty streets. Envelopes changed hands. My phone ended up somewhere it shouldn’t have.
I didn’t ask for details. Didn’t want to know.
All I remember was tires screeching, headlights flashing, then silence. My phone abandoned, my wedding ring and bracelet planted like proof for someone else to find. My mother’s face calm, staring down at the staged wreck.
By morning, news broke everywhere. “Local woman killed in car crash en route to hospital.” Reporters buzzing, police tape flapping, neighbors crying. No confirmed name, but my phone and ring were shown. Proof enough.
In the suite, the TV glowed. My mother turned it off, hand steady. “It’s done, child,” she said.
I nodded. My chest was full of grief and relief all tangled together. I couldn’t tell which was which.
She handled everything in hours. New passports, new names, a private jet waiting. The concierge packed our luggage quietly, under a fake name. The world bent around her money and certainty.
By dawn, we walked through a silent private terminal. My mother’s hand on my back, guiding me. I looked at the city skyline one last time. My chest tightened, but I turned away and stepped onto the plane.
“Cabin secure. Preparing for takeoff,” the pilot’s voice said.
My mother leaned close. “You okay?”
“Yes,” I whispered, eyes on the dark horizon. “Because when I come back, Fredrinn and that fake twin of mine will pay. Every scar, every drop of blood—they’re mine to collect.”
…
Fredrinn'S POV
I was lying there in the hospital bed, bandages tight on my chest, painkillers barely keeping the fire down. My patience was gone.
“Bring Lesley here,” I barked at my men over the phone. “Drag her from the villa if you have to. I want her here, on her knees, saying sorry to Miya.”
There was silence on the other end. Then one of them cleared his throat. “B-boss… she wasn’t in the villa.”