Chapter 2

Carter's colleagues tried to smooth things over, acting as if nothing had happened.

As drinks were passed around, everyone received a text message.

"Carter, the boss says that in seven days, an overseas partner institution will be handling a case of a deadly mutation. The report sounds very similar to your wife's condition."

Carter froze for a moment, quickly glanced at his phone, then put on his coat, ready to leave.

"Melody, stay put here. I'm going to check out that overseas facility. This case is very similar to your situation; maybe we can find a way to treat you."

His colleague held him back, "The failure rate for this surgery is as high as 95%, and the patient has already signed organ donation consent forms. The surgery is basically destined to fail. The body will be sent to our research institute that same day. Carter, you can just wait at the institute, no need to make a special trip."

"Besides, isn't taking care of your wife enough trouble? What if they somehow save the patient and try to extort you?"

Carter clenched his fists, looking conflicted.

I curled my lip, about to mock Carter for his act, when Serenity rolled her eyes and spoke up impatiently."Carter, don't forget we have a group assignment next week. How am I supposed to finish it alone if you're absent?"

Carter pondered for a long while before finally unclenching his fist and carefully crouching down in front of my wheelchair.

"Melody, I'm sorry, but I've got too much going on at work. I probably won't be able to go see that patient in person. But don't worry, once her body arrives, I'll definitely find a way to cure you."

I looked into his eyes, but my gaze seemed to pierce through him, staring into a pitch-black future.

"Okay, no rush."

Serenity, emboldened by alcohol, impatiently tapped the edge of her bowl. "Ugh, how annoying! It's our day off and you're still talking about work! Are we drinking or what?"

Carter looked at me, his eyes full of sincerity.

"Melody, let me take you home to rest."

As he leaned down, I glanced up and saw Serenity's lipstick mark beneath his shirt collar.

That bold, passionate red used to be my favorite shade, but after my accident, I never wore lipstick again.

As if triggered, I pushed Carter away and frantically wheeled myself out.

When I woke up in the morning, my body wracked with pain, the bed beside me was still empty.

The body donation application form remained on the nightstand.

Last night, my body was in so much pain that I passed out without tidying up. If Carter had returned to our wedding suite, he would have discovered the whole truth.

My heart skipped a beat as I dialed Carter's number.

Carter answered the phone, his voice thick with intoxication. "Hello, who's this... Melo- Melody, you're awake? I'm just dropping off a friend, I'll be back soon. Be a good girl and wait for me..."

I let out a cold laugh. What on earth was I worried about earlier?

I can't believe I was concerned about Carter seeing my organ donation form.

Last night he married his new bride, so naturally, there was someone heartbroken who needed his comfort. How could he possibly waste the romance of their wedding night on a useless person like me?

Carter wouldn't even bother entering my room. I could paste the organ donation form on my forehead for all to see, and he wouldn't care one bit.

As if to confirm my thoughts, amidst Carter's flustered explanations, Serenity's nasally voice came through, sounding coquettish.

"I'm freezing to death, Carter! Stop hogging the blanket!"