Chapter 3

After six full vials of blood were drawn, the process finally came to a halt.

At that moment, I lost consciousness.

Before I blacked out, I caught a glimpse of Zoran rushing anxiously towards Estrella.

I'm not sure how long I slept, but when I woke up, I found another friend by my side.

Seeing me awake, Nolan was exasperated.

"You knew you had leukemia and were already anemic. Why the hell did you donate blood to that bitch?"

"Do you know what the doctor just said? He admitted he made a mistake in his diagnosis. Estrella had just fallen asleep, she didn't pass out from anemia!"

Nolan and I both knew this was Estrella's own orchestrated drama.

But...

"I know, but since Zoran asked for it, I had to comply. Besides, I don't have much time left anyway."

At the mention of this, Nolan's eyes dimmed.

"Zara, at least think about your parents. I've already found out that Zoran's bone marrow is a match for you. If you just say the word..."

But before he could finish, I cut him off.

"Nolan, there's no one left in this world who wishes for me to survive."

Initially, I had fainted and was diagnosed with leukemia at the hospital. I awoke groggily, overhearing my parents' conversation.

My mom sighed deeply. "The chemo and bone marrow transplant will not only make Zara suffer, but it's also going to cost a fortune."

"Let's just forget about treatment. We can spend the remaining three years by Zara's side."

My dad, however, immediately dialed the funeral home.

"Hello, I'd like to schedule a funeral service for three years from now."

Hearing my words, Nolan hastily exclaimed.

"That's not true! There's also... me!"

At this, I gave a small smile.

"Thank you, but I've already made up my mind."

Seeing my resolve, Nolan eventually walked away, dejected.

I thought he had accepted my decision.

But I never expected that after leaving my hospital room, he'd go straight to Zoran.

"Zoran, Zara has leukemia. She's got a year left to live, and you're currently the only bone marrow match we've found."

"If you have any conscience left, save Zara's life."

Hearing this, Zoran just laughed.

"Nolan, everyone knows Zara was your favorite back then. Are you happy now, picking up my sloppy seconds?"

"And you have to make up such lies. Zoran spilled his guts about all the budding feelings of his youth.

Soon enough, Nolan stormed off in a huff.

"I've never met someone as cold-hearted as you!"

But after Nolan left, Zoran couldn't shake off a sense of unease.

In the end, he came to find me.

As he mentioned leukemia, my brow twitched.

Then, I laughed.

"If someone who values their life as much as I do got leukemia, they'd definitely seek treatment. How could I possibly let you mock me for that?"

Hearing this, Zoran was indeed riled up, just as I had expected.

"That's right, the wicked live long. Someone like you should stick around to atone for what you did to Melody!"

With that, he left.

But after he was gone, I finally let my guard down.

My palms were sweaty, and tears had welled up in the corners of my eyes without me noticing.

Someone like me should die quietly, without causing trouble for anyone.

After Nolan left, the doctor told me that because of the blood transfusions, the three-month deadline was gone.

I could die at any time now.

Even a bone marrow transplant wouldn't help my body on the brink of collapse. It seems Nolan's persistence was all for nothing.

But I didn't feel much about it.

Instead, I was grateful that I could make it to Melody's memorial day before I died, to keep her company one last time. On the day of the memorial service, I took the finalized estate transfer contract and made a trip to the Zoran's family home.

I rang the doorbell, and when the door opened, Mrs. Winters took one look at my face and slapped me hard across the cheek.

In an instant, my cheek swelled up and turned bright red.