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."

Tina helped Joel indoors and got him to lie down on the couch.

She said, "Get some rest, Mr. Lewis. I've prepared some chicken soup for you. Please have some."

The chicken soup Tina made was light and sweet, but Joel couldn't stomach anything now. His stomach was almost completely overtaken by cancer cells.

Just after taking the second sip, Joel covered his mouth and stumbled to the washroom. He started vomiting violently once again. It was a mixture of blood and chicken soup.

He could only dry heave when there was nothing left for him to vomit in the end.

"Joel." Rachel stood outside of the washroom. She looked at Joel with a darkened expression. "Are you trying to disgust me on purpose?"

He wondered if she thought he was deliberately trying to disgust her by vomiting.

Rachel said, "If you're trying to disgust me, then congratulations. I've lost my appetite now. You can finish your meal on your own. I'm leaving."

Joel fought the nausea in his stomach and said, "Just think of it as having a last meal with me, can you?"

Rachel replied, "You should stop pretending to vomit then."

Joel replied, "Alright, I'll stop pretending."

Rachel said, "Try not to show up in front of Chris anymore or his depression might act up again."

After all, Christopher had allegedly suffered from depression after she got married to Joel.

Joel's phone suddenly rang again. It was another call from the body donation department, and he accepted the call.

Amy said, "Hello, Mr. Lewis. We've looked into your situation and realized that you're married. In that case, we'll have to obtain consent from your wife for the body donation. Otherwise, we won't be able to proceed."

"Do you have to get her signature?" Joel asked.

Amy replied, "Yes. We've already emailed the consent form to you. Please get it signed as soon as possible."

"Alright," Joel replied before ending the call.

Rachel said irritably, "Did you hear what I just told you? Hurry and leave after you're done eating. I want you out of Chris' sight!"

Joel said, "Okay."

"Hurry up and leave by today. Don't delay any further," she said.

"Alright."

Rachel left after she was done talking.

Joel went into the study and downloaded the body donation consent form from his email. He then went to look for Rachel.

Rachel was busy looking up steps to care for depression and did not spare him a glance.

"Please sign this, Rachel," Joel said.

Rachel signed her name in the "family" column without even checking it. "Done. Now hurry up and leave. Don't disturb me."

Joel smiled bitterly. "Don't you need to read what it says?"

She replied, annoyed, "Aren't you just asking for money? What's there to read about?"

Joel asked, "Do you think I'm asking you for money?"

Rachel retorted, "Aren't you?"

Joel growled, "I gave up my future and the chance to work abroad all just to stay by your side when you started your business. And now you're upset that I'm spending your money?"

Rachel said, "But the truth is, I'm the breadwinner now, aren't I?"

"If one day I die and someone hands you my death certificate, will you also put down your name without reading what it is, Rachel?" Joel asked.

Rachel sneered, "Why are you so obsessed about death lately, Joel?"

Joel found it funny, as he was about to die in just two days.

Rachel said, "Stop dilly-dallying and leave already."

Joel asked, "Can you come with me, Rach? Just one last time—"

"I don't have time. I have to go shopping with Chris later. He just moved in so he has no spare change of clothes," Rachel replied.

"Oh."

She finally spared him a glance and said, "If only you were this obedient earlier. You wouldn't have had to stay in the rain the entire night then."

Joel walked out of the study, called for delivery service, and sent the signed document back to the body donation department.

Once he was back in the villa, he saw Rachel and Christopher eating in the dining room. Christopher's mouth was open as he waited for Rachel to feed him some oatmeal.

Upon seeing Joel, he pretended to look anxious and hurriedly pushed Rachel's hand away. "You're back, Joel."

She frowned and asked, "Didn't I ask you to leave? Why are you back again?"

"I'm about to leave now." Joel then turned and walked out of the door.

Christopher asked, "Joel sounded a little off, Rach. Is he sick?"

Rachel replied, "He's alright. It's just a slight cold."

Christopher said, "You should go with him. It's so sad going to the hospital alone."

Rachel's voice sounded gentle when she said, "Why are you worried about others when you're sick yourself? Just finish this oatmeal, okay? I'll feel more at ease then."

Joel stood by the door with a hand on the doorknob. He said, "There's no need to go with me. I'll just call a cab."

Christopher immediately pushed away Rachel's hand. She had been holding out a bite of oatmeal. He said anxiously, "That's not right. Others would definitely label me as a homewrecker if they saw this happening. You have to send Joel to the hospital, Rach."

Rachel said, "Alright, don't get anxious. I'll go with him. You can stay at home and rest, okay?"

"Alright," Christopher replied.

Rachel reluctantly kissed his forehead before walking over with a dark expression. Her voice was cold when she said, "Let's go."

Joel wanted to refuse, but he kept his mouth shut when he realized that this might be the last time he'd ride in her car.

…

Rachel drove aggressively throughout the journey.

Joel nearly got thrown out of the car several times. He wouldn't be able to stay in his seat if not for the seatbelt.

He wasn't sure if it was because of motion sickness or his stomach cancer, but he turned to the side and vomited again.

Rachel accepted a call at the same time. She grew anxious as she said, "Don't do anything rash. I'll be there soon!"

Joel asked, "What happened?"

Rachel threw him a cold glare and said, "You'll find out soon enough."