1#01

1

I lay gravely ill in the hospital, on the brink of death, as Jerome Baldwin cradled me in his arms, his face etched with worry. He reassured me, "Tania, I've given 20 vials of blood for you. You'll pull through."

Believing I was asleep, he turned to the nurse and instructed, "Hurry, take these 19 vials to Room 333 for Jessica Almaz."

The nurse hesitated, saying, "We're out of KEN-type blood bags in the hospital. One vial might not suffice..."

Jerome impatiently waved her off, "It's my blood, my decision. One vial will do. As long as she survives, it's enough!"

I kept my eyes shut tight, but a solitary tear escaped. Later, I found someone willing to donate blood to me indefinitely.

Jerome, however, became frantic, insisting that his blood was his to distribute, to draw as much as needed, as he saw fit. But I no longer required it.

——

As the nurse wavered, I unexpectedly opened my eyes and whispered, "Do as he says. It's his blood, his choice."

The nurse glanced between me and Jerome, silently hoping he might show a hint of compassion and leave me a few extra vials. Because one truly wasn't sufficient.

But Jerome's next words crushed any remaining hope I harbored, "Tania, Jessica's health isn't great. She's constantly on medical leave. I'm doing this for the company's benefit. You understand, right?"

Hearing this, I felt a lump in my throat, rendering me speechless. I could only nod to mask my feelings.

Jerome was pleased with my apparent understanding. He even straightened my bedding, "Tania, I'm glad you get it. KEN-type blood is incredibly scarce. Jessica's just a young woman, life's been tough for her. As her employer, I must help however I can."

After Jerome left, I couldn't contain myself any longer and burst into tears. My pillow became drenched as an overwhelming sense of desertion washed over me.

The crying eventually exhausted me, and I drifted off. Upon waking, I instinctively checked my phone.

There was no message from Jerome, but I found a post by Jessica, updated moments ago: [The man who provided 19 vials of blood for me, he can have my life if he desires. Jerome Baldwin, I'll love you eternally.]

In the image, Jerome rested his weary head on Jessica's hospital bed, while on her finger was a familiar ring. It was part of a matching set; Jerome had one too and never removed it.

I suddenly recalled the day Jerome replaced our couple's ring with a different design. It sparked our first serious argument. Later, Jerome claimed it was a gift for six years together, but the women's ring had been misplaced.

Evidently, it wasn't lost at all. I'd been so naive, so easily deceived. In hindsight, Jerome had begun staying out late around that time. The signs were there, but I'd been too blind to see them, clinging to false hope.

As I stared at the post, a comment thread caught my attention. One username stood out, familiar to me.

It was Jerome's mother: [My dear future daughter-in-law, my son is completely devoted to you. I'm almost envious!]

A moment later, Jerome replied: [Mom, don't say that. I just view Jessica as a sister.]

Jessica quickly diffused the situation: [That's right. Jerome is so kind to all his staff. We all adore him.]

Jerome's mother caught on: [Okay, okay. When will you bring Jessica to visit us? I'll cook for her myself.]

I was too shocked to react. My fingers slipped, accidentally liking the post as I dropped my phone. I immediately unliked it, but the damage was done.

Jerome's mother promptly messaged me: [Tania, don't misinterpret. I just feel sorry for Jessica. She's so young to have such an illness, it's truly tragic.]

I was at a loss for words. After all, Jessica and I shared the same condition. We both had KEN-type blood. Yet somehow, it seemed everyone had forgotten about me.