ManyWriters

When I learned my husband only had three years left to live, I mustered the courage to have his child, a precious embodiment of our love.
Little did I know that on the very day I successfully became pregnant, I'd be kidnapped on my way home.
After being tortured for three days and nights by those people, I was placed on an operating table.
In my darkest moment of despair, I overheard my husband's voice along with a doctor's at the door:
"Mr. Harrington, do you really want to take your wife's kidney? Everyone in our circles knows how much you love each other. Do you truly intend to do this to her?"
My husband's voice was strained, but he finally said, "Melody has me to take care of her. Even if her kidney is removed, it won't affect much. But Vivienne can't afford that - if her kidney is taken, she'll be chronically ill or even die. Once Melody bears all this instead of Vivienne, I will double down on her in the future!"
I was thunderstruck.
As the doctor entered, I closed my eyes in utter despair.

After I got pregnant, my husband took my organs

"I heard about what happened to your wife. I'm truly heartbroken. I imagine you haven't been sleeping well lately, Draven. I brought you some chicken noodle soup."


Vivienne handed over a thermos, which Draven accepted. "Thanks, I'll eat it after I feed Melody dinner."


"Chicken noodle soup is most delicious when it's hot," Vivienne's gentle voice chimed in.


Draven thought for a moment, then acquiesced to Vivienne's suggestion.


Draven always said that when it came to matters of the heart, he was loyal only to me.


Even if he occasionally lent Vivienne a helping hand, it was only to make her a little happier while remaining faithful to me, so he could stay by my side for a few more years.


But looking at the way he gazed at Vivienne, his eyes were so tender.


In the past, I always deceived myself, thinking he was only being kind to her so he could be with me longer.


But now, as I watch, I wonder who it is he truly wants to be with?


After finishing the chicken noodle soup, Draven received a call from the doctor and hurriedly left.


The room suddenly emptied, leaving just Vivienne and me.


Vivienne sat down by my bedside with a smile, fiddling with my IV drip. "You're awake, aren't you, sis-in-law?"


I opened my eyes and stared at her blankly.


Vivienne giggled charmingly, "I heard you got lucky, sis-in-law. Serviced by over a dozen hunks for three days and nights, huh? You're quite the survivor!"


"Lucky indeed. As long as I'm breathing, you'll never be Mrs. Harrington. Must be tough for you, right?"


I'd always known Vivienne had a thing for Draven, but I'd never called her out on it since Draven needed to stay in her good graces to survive.


Sure enough, Vivienne's expression darkened at my words, as if I'd hit a nerve. "What are you so smug about with your artificial heart? Did you know Draven gave your heart to my sister? And the kicker is, I don't even have a sister. I just made that up, and Draven went and dug one up for me."


I remained unfazed. My heart was already gone - whether it went to her or to the dogs made no difference to me.


Vivienne, seeing that I wouldn't give in, continued, "The other day, I even joined Iris's dance troupe. It was Draven who got me in."


Iris's dance company was world-renowned, and they had plans to recruit a Chinese dancer this year.


Before the accident, they had been in touch with me. Even after I expressed my plans to have a baby, they hadn't withdrawn their offer, saying they'd keep the spot open for me.


Dancing was my dream. Even though I loved Draven so much, I had only quietly postponed this dream for the sake of starting a family.


How could Draven give away the position that was meant for me to Vivienne?!


I tried to get up, but Vivienne looked at me like I was a stray dog. She yanked out my IV and all the life-support machines.


"Melody, look at your broken limbs and that fragile transplanted heart of yours. What can you possibly use to compete with me? Not just for this position, but even Draven will be mine. You'll see!"


Vivienne left, and Draven still hadn't returned. I don't want to die, but Vivienne has yanked out all the wires from the machines.


Without the support of the equipment, my life will quickly fade away.


I struggle to press the nurse call button, but my broken limbs can't muster the strength for such a movement.


Chapter 3