Chapter 3

Four years ago, we searched blood banks across the entire country but couldn't find a suitable blood type.

I could only watch as his life slowly ebbed away with each drop of blood lost.

By the time they confirmed my blood type was a perfect match, the entire treatment plan was set.

Because I chose the cheapest treatment option, my body was completely destroyed.

To save money, I even gave up on the most basic restorative treatments.

Ever since then, I've often been jolted awake in the dead of night by excruciating pain.

Anemia and a weakened immune system became my constant companions.

With no money for treatment, my blood work got worse by the day.

Four years have passed.

I can feel my life slipping away.

The doctor says my body can't hold out much longer.

...

Leaving the hospital, I dragged my frail body back to our converted underground parking garage apartment in Hollywood.

Sunlight never reaches this place, and the walls are covered in moss.

It's like a sauna in summer and a freezer in winter, but the rent is only a few hundred bucks.

This was the first home Xavion and I shared. We rehearsed countless scenes here.

The day they found a blood type match,

I carefully orchestrated a "change of heart" scene and handed him divorce papers.

We had hustled side by side for a solid five years.

From extras to bit parts, from Houston to Hollywood, we'd chased our dreams together.

He knew me too well to believe I'd leave him over money. Actually, he understands my heart better than I do myself.

If he knew I planned to trade my life for his, he would stop me at all costs.

I had no choice but to play my final act to perfection, saying I was fed up with this life.

Fed up with being a lowly production assistant on set.

Fed up with watching him suffer in pain.

Fed up with eating takeout, cramming onto the subway, pinching pennies,

Agonizing over buying even a bottle of water.

I told him I wanted a better life.

I'll never forget that day,

In the dressing room on set, that man who had protected me countless times,

For the first time, cried like a child in front of me.

Then I went to the hospital and signed the treatment consent form.

After starting treatment, I disappeared from show business with the label of "gold digger,"

Returning to this underground parking garage to wait for death.

I never expected fate would bring us together again.

Now, he's reached the pinnacle of the entertainment industry.

While I can no longer stand by his side.

Every time I see him shining brightly at awards ceremonies,

I secretly wipe away tears.

But mostly, I feel content.

Suddenly, my phone rings.

It's the legal department of the production company.

They say the $5 million was a major accounting error.

I have three days to return it, or they'll take legal action. I put down my phone and let out a self-deprecating chuckle.

After a moment's hesitation, I called my old stunt coordinator, hoping to find some body double work.

Xavion must despise me, this "money-grubbing" woman,

He'll surely watch coldly as I struggle to repay my debts.

My blood disorder prevents me from handling intense physical activity, even running is difficult.

I can only take on stunt work that doesn't involve fight scenes to make ends meet.

The stunt coordinator, knowing my situation, referred me to a non-action body double role.

Though the pay isn't great, at least I won't collapse from exhaustion.

I finished my body double makeup and was about to report to the set,

When I ran into Xavion in the makeup room.