Joel found himself waking up in the toilet the next day.

His mental state was affected as his condition worsened for the past few days. Sometimes, he would faint from the pain.

All he remembered was vomiting a lot of blood yesterday, staining the toilet bowl red.

Joel flushed the toilet, watching the thick, red liquid swirl away.

The doorbell rang suddenly. He wondered if Rachel had come back.

Joel hurriedly cleaned up the mess and rinsed his mouth. He then wiped the bloodstain off the washroom floor before heading to the door.

"Rach—" he started.

However, Rachel wasn't the one standing outside—it was Christopher.

Christopher had already changed into a set of designer clothes. His hair was perfectly styled, and his complexion looked healthy.

He looked nothing like someone who had just gone through a suicide attempt due to depression.

Christopher smiled and greeted, "Hello, Mr. Lewis, I'm Christopher Scott."

Joel wasn't sure what made him come unannounced. "Why are you here? You're not welcome at Rachel's and my house."

Christopher sneered. "Perhaps you should start being nicer to me now, Mr. Lewis. After all, I'll be the man of this house from now on.

"I might even show some mercy and put up a shabby grave for you somewhere. I'll even drop by and place some wilted flowers on your grave once in a while."

Joel's gaze landed on Christopher's exposed wrist. All he saw was a men's sports watch and a leather bracelet. There were no signs of injury at all.

He recalled Christopher having yet another suicide episode last week. He wasn't threatening to jump off, but he had wanted to self-harm.

Joel still remembered the bloodied photo he had seen. How was it possible for Christopher's wrist to be free of blemishes in just a few days' time?

He asked, "Where are the cuts on your wrist?"

Christopher laughed and replied, "Cuts on my wrist? I'd never cut my wrist when it's so painful and would even leave a scar!"

Realization dawned on Joel suddenly. "Is your depression just a lie? Have you been deceiving Rachel?"

Christopher's smile grew wider. "It doesn't matter as long as she believes it. Women are vain creatures. It'll feed her ego knowing that a man suffered from depression because of her.

"She'd also feel even more guilty toward me. Whenever I faked an episode, she'd worry and think about me. She'd even drop everything to be by my side."

"Christopher!" Joel was beyond enraged. "You're using depression to deceive her and tear her family apart. Do you have no shame?"

Christopher looked at him gloatingly. "Don't you think you're ridiculous, Joel?"

He loosened his collar slightly, showing Joel the love bites on his neck. "I have these marks all over my body."

Christopher then stepped forward and grabbed Joel's hand. He placed it on the love bites on his neck. "Do you want to see them? She has kissed every inch of me, even my—"

He deliberately leaned close to Joel's ear and whispered the intimate parts that were hard to say aloud.

Christopher asked, "Where else do you want to see? Tell me, Mr. Lewis. I can show them all to you. I'll show you just how much Rach loves me, and how wild she gets when she's with me."

Joel struggled to retrieve his hand, yet Christopher refused to let him go.

Suddenly, Christopher's expression shifted from smug amusement to one of fear. Joel's hand was also pressed against his neck.

Christopher cried out loud, "Please let me go, Mr. Lewis. I'll truly die like this!"

"Chris!"

A cold wind swept through, and Joel felt himself being shoved back. He fell onto the ground. The sharp pain made him turn away, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

When he looked up, he could only see Rachel cradling Christopher preciously in her arms.

Her voice was filled with concern when she asked, "Did he hurt you?"

Christopher hugged her tightly and cried out, "I'm so scared, Rach—"

"Don't be, I'm here now," Rachel replied.

Christopher said, "I'm no longer afraid of anything with you by my side."

Rachel helped him up and walked right past Joel, who was lying motionless on the ground.

She brought him straight to the bedroom—her and Joel's master bedroom—and slammed the door shut.

Through the wall, Joel could still hear Rachel's voice. It was filled with guilt and concern. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you at home resting?

"I've told you, he has been moody recently. He's irritable and quick to anger. And your mental health isn't doing good either. What should I do if something happens to you?"

"But I don't know where else I could go other than to come and find you," Christopher replied.

Joel chuckled bitterly and wiped the blood from the corner of his lips. He then slowly got up and leaned against the couch to rest.

He was growing weaker each day due to his chemotherapy. It was hard for him to even get onto the couch now.

Rachel was met with the scene of Joel struggling to get onto the couch when she walked out.

She looked at him condescendingly and coldly asked, "Are you done pretending?"

Joel looked up slightly. "What are you talking about?"

Rachel replied, "You were so aggressive trying to strangle Chris earlier, yet you're pretending to be weak now?"

Joel argued back, "I did not strangle him!"

"How did your hand end up on his neck then? Are you saying that he somehow took your hand and placed it there?" Rachel asked furiously. Her gaze was nearly murderous as she accused him.

Joel looked at her in disbelief. "That's right. He grabbed my hand and placed it on his neck."

Shock and disappointment flashed past Rachel's eyes. "I barely recognize you anymore, Joel."

Joel chuckled bitterly and replied, "I could say the same of you."

He finally made his way onto the couch and momentarily caught his breath. "Believe it or not, Rachel, Christopher just admitted to me that he doesn't have depression. There were no cuts on his wrist either. You can check for yourself if you don't believe me."

Rachel frowned. "I was there when he cut his wrist. I saw it for myself when his blood pooled on the floor."

Joel said, "Then go take another look at his wrist now, and you'll find out whether I'm telling the truth or not."

Rachel gritted her teeth as if weighing the truth of his words.

Joel snorted. "Go on then. What's wrong? Are you scared of finding out that I'm telling the truth—that Christopher has been lying to you from the start?"

"I believe in Chris." Rachel turned and walked to the bedroom. "I'll go now."

A startled scream came from the bedroom.

Rachel rushed over in an instant. "Chris!"

"Rach—"

Joel forced himself to stay conscious. He leaned against the wall as he stumbled to the bedroom door. He finally saw what was happening inside.

Christopher's wrist and arm were covered in blood. His previously smooth skin was currently cut open, with blood dripping down from the wound.

Rachel anxiously said, "Why did you hurt yourself again?"

Christopher was bawling his eyes out. "It's all my fault! You wouldn't have fought with Joel if it wasn't for me. Just let me be, Rach. Just let me die! Joel would feel at ease if I died!"

"What nonsense are you sprouting? I won't let you kill yourself!" Rachel yelled.

Christopher cried harder. "I've been wanting to end it all for countless times, Rach. But I couldn't bear to do it whenever I thought of you—"

"I won't leave you, Chris. I'll always stay within your sights from now on. I'll stay by your side and protect you." Rachel suddenly turned around and glared viciously at Joel. While gritting her teeth, she said, "I'll never let anyone hurt you again!"

Joel felt his strength left him. He used the wall to support himself as he stared coldly at the two.

Christopher only had a small wound on his wrist, but the floor was full of blood. The blood was likely from a blood pack he'd prepared earlier and not from his body.

But he was right about one thing. Regardless of whether it was the truth or otherwise, as long as Rachel believed it, it would be the truth.

Christopher hiccupped. "Don't be angry, Joel. I'll clean up the blood stains on the floor."

Rachel carried him and placed him down on the bed. "Just stay here and get some rest."

She then turned around and ordered Joel, "Go wipe the floor."

Joel thought he was hearing things. "What?"

"You almost strangled Chris to death, and even caused him to relapse and attempted suicide. Shouldn't you be doing something to make up for your actions?" Rachel asked.

Joel laughed bitterly. "I'm not your household staff, Rachel. If you want the floor cleaned, do it yourself."

Rachel erupted in anger and said, "Take it outside if you want to argue! Don't disturb Chris' rest!"

"Rachel, you—"

Christopher cried and pleaded, "Please don't fight with Joel anymore, Rach. I'll just leave now—"

He then tried to roll out of the bed. He fell down and landed right in Rachel's arms.

She helped Christopher back into the bed and even thoughtfully tucked him in. She then said, "This is my house. You're not the one who should be leaving."

Joel chuckled. "Are you trying to kick me out, Rachel?"

Rachel replied, "Go out and reflect on yourself. You can come back when you've figured out what you've done wrong."

Christopher continued to pretend. "No! Don't kick Joel out, Rach! I'm not worth it—"

Meanwhile, Rachel remained cold toward Joel. "What now? Do you need me to get the security guard to escort you out?"

"No need." Joel coldly spat, "This is no longer my house now."

His phone suddenly rang, and he accepted the call.

"Hello, Mr. Lewis. I'm calling from the body donation department of the Metropolitan General Hospital. Do you still remember that you signed a body donation agreement recently?" Amy asked.

Joel replied, "I remember."

Amy continued, "Thank you for your selfless contribution. We understand that you're in the advanced stage of stomach cancer, and you may not have much time left.

"Could you provide us with the number of any of your family members? We'll reach out to them to arrange for the body donation after your passing."

Joel choked out a sob and replied, "I have no family."

Amy replied, "How could you not have any family? If that's the case, we won't be able to collect your body right away. If your body starts to deteriorate, it wouldn't be suitable for organ donation or medical research anymore."

Joel gave it some thought before replying, "Just give me three more days. I'll personally go to the body donation department after three days."

Amy said, "That's fine with us. We also offer hospice care, which can help make your final days as comfortable as possible."

"Alright."

After ending the call, Joel suddenly heard Rachel's confused voice. "Body donation? What exactly is going on, Joel?"

Joel put away his phone and calmly replied, "It's nothing."

He turned to leave, but Rachel ran after him and blocked his way.

She asked, "Tell me what exactly is going on. Are you donating your body? Why would you do that when everything is fine with you?"

Joel looked up at her and said, "I'm about to die. Are you happy now?"

Rachel's gaze grew angrily cold. "How could you possibly die when you don't have depression?"

Joel spat, "Depression is not the only condition that will cause death!"

Rachel retorted, "You're probably just dealing with a slight cold. Don't act as if it's some terminal illness!"

Joel felt a sharp pang in his heart. He struggled to maintain his composure.

"That's right. It's just a slight cold." He continued, "A friend of mine recently started working in the body donation department. I'm just bringing something for her."

Rachel asked, "Which friend of yours is that?"

"You don't know her," Joel replied.

"Rach!" Christopher was calling for Rachel.

She hurriedly ran back. "What's wrong, Chris?"

Christopher replied, "It hurts."

"You shouldn't have cut yourself then. I'll go get the first aid kit and patch you up," Rachel said.

Christopher said, "Hurry back, okay? I feel anxious when I don't see you."

"Alright, I'll come back soon," she replied.

Rachel frowned at Joel when she stepped out of the bedroom to retrieve the first aid kit. "Why are you still here? Chris might relapse again if he hears your voice."

Luck seemed to be against him as well. It was pouring outside.

Rachel had slammed the door after Joel as he walked out of the villa, leaving him without even an umbrella.

He was drenched completely in just a thin set of pajamas. Then, Tina Ziegler, their housekeeper, returned from grocery shopping.

"Why are you out in the rain, Mr. Lewis? Where's Ms. Rachel?" Tina dropped the groceries in favor of getting him indoors.

Joel replied, "I'm fine, Tina."

"You'll catch a cold and fall sick if you're in the rain!" Tina exclaimed.

Joel would be donating his body in three days' time. He wouldn't be worrying about catching a cold or falling sick now.

Tina asked, "Did you have an argument with Ms. Rachel, Mr. Lewis? Is it because of that Mr. Scott again?"

Joel smiled and comforted her, "No. Rachel and I are fine."

"But your complexion is looking off! You've always called her "Rach," but now you're calling her by her proper name. Should I inform Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and get them to talk to Ms. Rachel? They're still very fond of you. Surely they'll help you out!" Tina said.

Joel stopped her. "There's no need to alert them. I just like the feeling of being in the rain. I'll always remember this moment."

Rachel was the one who kicked him out in the rain. She wanted him to snap out of it.

Joel smiled. He had never been so clear-headed after all these years.

He finally understood that she no longer loved him. The love and care from the past would eventually dry up—just like this rain.

Joel said, "You should be more respectful and accommodating to Christopher from now on, Tina. Don't offend him, or Rachel will take it out on you."

Tina was shocked. "Are you getting a divorce with Ms. Rachel, Mr. Lewis?"

Joel shook his head. "I'm not."

It was too much of a hassle to get a divorce. Rachel would become a widow in three days' time. She'd be able to marry Christopher right away.

Joel was only worried about Tina.

She had served their household for the past five years. He had always respected her as his elder, and she cared for him like her own child, though she would occasionally nag.

Joel feared that Christopher wouldn't even tolerate Tina after he passed.

…

Joel stood in the rain for the entire day. Rachel finally opened the door when it was nighttime.

He had long since collapsed from exhaustion in the rain. He was soaked and covered in mud.

Tina was aghast. She hurried out and said, "Mr. Lewis has passed out! Hurry and send him to the hospital, Ms. Rachel!"

Rachel held an umbrella and walked up to Joel. She nudged him with the tip of her heels. "Stop pretending. You've only been out in the rain for a little while. Get up and prepare a guest room for Chris."

Tina felt for his arm and forehead. She gasped. "Why is he burning up? He has a fever!"

Rachel refused to believe it and kicked him harder. "Go back and take some medication if you're sick. Do you think I'll help you up if you stay on the ground like that?"

Tina couldn't bear watching anymore. She cried out, "Mr. Lewis had passed out, Ms. Rachel!"

Joel was jolted awake by the sharp pain in his calf. He opened his eyes weakly, and the first thing he saw was Rachel's high heels.

He was the one who gave her the pair of leather heels, but she was now kicking at his calf mercilessly in it.

Joel struggled to get up, but he failed to support himself.

Tina was the one who helped him up, letting him lean heavily against her body. "Thank goodness you're awake, Mr. Lewis! I was so worried!"

Rachel said, "I knew you were pretending all along. Did you think you'd get my attention by being sick? Stop with your tricks, Joel. Chris was truly sick, unlike you. You're acting."

Joel let out a bitter laugh.

Rachel was now accusing him of pretending to be sick, while Christopher was truly sick. What had his world become?

"Alright, I got it." He replied, "I'll never pretend to be sick again."