A man had walked up to me.

He had sharp features and a tall, imposing frame. He often smiled, but when he did, it was unsettling.

I noticed the deep scar on his neck.

"Killian," I weakly uttered his name as I closed my eyes.

Killian gave me a sly grin and pointed to the scar on his neck. "Edward did this. What do you think? How should I get back at him?"

I suddenly recalled something similar he had said three years ago.

"If you don't date me, what do you think I'll do to Edward?"

If Edward's family was doing well back then, I wouldn't have been afraid. But the Shaffer family had power, and Scott Corporation had crumbled overnight.

One word from the Shaffer family could ruin Edward and prevent him from ever rising again.

I laughed bitterly. "You deserve it, Killian."

Killian stared at me thoughtfully. "Do you really see Edward as your support? I heard he's getting close to your bestie Olivia."

I didn't want to engage with him any further.

But just as I turned, a wave of dizziness hit me. My body went limp, and I lost consciousness.

…

When I regained consciousness, I noticed that I was at the front gate of the Scott residence.

My abdomen still ached, and I felt exhausted. I didn't want to open my eyes, but I could hear Edward and Killian talking.

Edward's voice was devoid of emotion. "You have quite the nerve to come here directly, Mr. Shaffer. What do you want?"

"I'm just bringing Amelie back. She fell asleep," Killian replied lazily.

"Oh? You can take her home if she's asleep. Why bring her here? What do you think she is to me? I have things to do. I'll take my leave." Edward's indifferent voice followed. Then, I heard the sound of an engine starting.

I slowly opened my eyes and watched the car disappear into the distance. A bitter feeling rose in my chest.

I unbuckled my seatbelt to get out of the car, but Killian grabbed my hand and turned to look at me. "You're sick. Come with me." His voice was unexpectedly pleading.

I didn't want to speak. I pushed his hand away and got out of the car. Killian rolled down the window of his Bentley. "He doesn't care about you, Amelie. He's definitely going to visit Olivia in the hospital now. If you don't believe me, get in the car, and I'll take you there."

"That's none of my business." I straightened my back and walked step by step into the Scott residence.

Behind me, I could hear Killian muttering curses under his breath and pounding on the steering wheel.

That night, I was half awake when I heard the bedroom door open. As I was about to get up, I smelled alcohol. The scent was heavy on Edward but not unpleasant.

The moonlight filtered through the window, and I saw his face clearly.

"Edward."

My eyes lit up. Edward buried his face in my neck and rested his hand on my trembling shoulder.

I tentatively wrapped my arms around his neck, and he didn't pull away.

I pressed my lips together to keep my emotions in check.

"Amelie," he rasped, calling my name in a way that made my heart falter.

"Yes?" I responded with a smile and held his face in my hands. This was my lover, my Edward.

Edward leaned in, and I could clearly see the depth of his eyes, his long eyelashes, and the faint crease of his double eyelid.

His lips parted slightly, then came his calm voice. "Why is it not you who's sick, Amelie? Why aren't you the one dying?"

"Stop it." I froze. My eyes dimmed, and my voice trembled as I begged him.

Edward's eyes were empty. He curled up beside me and murmured softly, "Three years ago, you called me to break up on that rainy night. I came looking for you and almost got hit by a car.

"It was Olivia who pushed me away, but she was hit and thrown into the air. Her bones were shattered, and she was in critical condition for three days. How could you do this to me, Amelie? How could you…"

His words were casual, yet they struck me deeply. They left me feeling hurt and desolate in an instant.

There was no deep hatred in his eyes, but that only made me feel worse. He didn't even hate me now. He really didn't care about me.

As I closed my eyes, a tear slipped down my cheek.

I thought to myself, "Edward, do you know? I don't have much time left either. I could make it right for you. I could disappear from your world forever. Then, your world would be brighter."

Edward was too drunk and soon fell into a heavy sleep. Meanwhile, I sat frozen beside him all night.

When the first rays of sunlight filtered through the white curtains, I slowly got up and moved quietly to leave the room while Edward was still asleep.

I crouched in the bathroom while staring blankly at the washing machine.

When I heard footsteps behind me, I quickly stood up.

A strong hand wrapped around my waist. I could feel his warm breath wafting by my ear.

He raised my chin with his large hand, forcing me to meet his slightly dazed eyes. His cheeks were actually flushed.

"Last night…"

I awkwardly smiled at him and pulled my arm out of his embrace. "You drank too much. You threw up all over the bed."

Edward pressed his lips together and withdrew his hand.

I looked down while trying to hide my emotions. "Do you want something for breakfast? I—"

Edward waved his hand. "I'm going to the hospital to see Olivia."

My smile faltered for a moment. "Go ahead. Bye."

Just then, my phone buzzed. I looked down to avoid his gaze and saw a message. It was the organ match result.

I could donate my heart to Olivia.

I looked up, rubbed my sore nose, and called out to Edward, who was about to leave. "Wait."

He turned back, and I gave him a faint smile. "Wait for me!"

With that, I turned and rushed upstairs. After grabbing a delicate gift box, I hurried back down. "This is for you. It's a tie."

My stomach twisted in knots, but I didn't let any of it show on my face.

Edward glanced at it and said, "This tie doesn't match the suit I'm wearing today."

I shook my head. "It's okay. You can wear it later. After all, I might not have many chances to give you things anymore."

Edward froze. Normally, he would've tossed anything I gave him without a second thought, but today, he accepted the gift. He locked his eyes with mine until I lowered my gaze to avoid his. Only then did he turn and walk away.

…

I admitted myself to Acrine Hospital.

I lay in bed. I looked frighteningly thin although only two weeks had passed.

Just then, my phone rang. The nurse handed it to me.

When I saw the name on the screen, a smile tugged at my lips. It was the first time in over three years that Edward had called me of his own volition.

I shakily removed the oxygen mask and answered. I was eager to hear his voice.

After the call ended, the phone slipped from my hand.

The nurse hurriedly put the oxygen back on, but everything went hazy. I looked over at Rory, who was holding my hand tightly and struggling to hold back tears.

I forced a smile and said, "Rory, I wish I could see tomorrow's sunrise, and I really wanted to get another call from him. I..."

But I knew it would never happen.

Then, I felt my body grow light. My soul had left my body and floated up to the ceiling. I watched as Rory cried out while clutching my skeletal frame, "Don't go, Amelie! Don't go... I still have so much to say to you… I—"

Then, Rory was pulled away by other doctors who rushed in. They quickly wheeled me into the operating room, and Olivia was also taken in. The bright surgical lights flickered on.

I guess my time was up. I had failed in this life. I wasn't a good daughter or wife, and I never loved myself enough.

I had dreamed of building a small family with Edward, having two cute kids, and going on adventures together on Maranigan Peak. We would raise our children and grow old with them.

But now, all I hoped for was that Edward would get what he wanted—to grow old with the woman he loved. I only wished that we wouldn't cross paths again in the next life.

…

I was Edward Scott, CEO of Scott Corporation.

The moment I saw Amelie Barrett in a field of blossoming flowers, I fell completely for her.

Every glance, every smile of hers was perfect. I vowed to love her until my last breath.

It wasn't until Scott Corporation was on the brink of collapse that the woman who had always claimed to love me turned her back on me.

She went on a vacation with Killian Shaffer, the one who had conspired against my family. Yet, despite everything, I still ended up marrying her.

I buried my love for Amelie deep inside. We hurt each other constantly, but I knew I couldn't forget the love of my youth. Love took root in my heart and grew into a towering tree.

When Olivia's health began to deteriorate, I received a call from the hospital. A terminally ill patient was a match for Olivia and was willing to donate their heart.

I was overjoyed. Olivia could be saved. I wanted to thank this person properly, but the hospital said the donor wished to remain anonymous.

I didn't press it. As long as the heart would save Olivia, that was all that mattered. It would also ease my guilt a little.

I knew I didn't love Olivia, but I had to take responsibility for her since it was my fault she was in this condition.

As for Amelie, I could never forgive her betrayal.

Due to some issues with the business in Penrith, I had to go abroad for a month to handle things personally. I left Olivia's situation to my secretary, Zavier Petty.

…

I had just left a meeting when Zavier reported to me, "Mr. Scott, Mrs. Scott's father isn't doing well."

"How much does he need?" I asked impatiently.

Zavier replied directly, "The hospital estimates it'll cost 500 thousand dollars."

"Transfer the money to the hospital."

I returned to the hotel and lay on the couch. I felt like something was missing.

I opened WhatsApp and scrolled through my chat with Amelie.

During my stay in Penrith this time, Amelie hadn't sent me a single message.

I scrolled up, finding nothing but her daily rants, most of which I barely responded to. She hadn't mentioned Kenny's illness either.

Frowning, I closed the chat and dialed the house phone. "Where's Amelie?"

Sasha replied politely, "Mrs. Scott went back to her home a few days ago. She said she'll move back once you return."

I sighed in relief.

Amelie was very timid. She was afraid of thunder, the dark, and pain. She wouldn't want to be alone in a big house.

On the 15th day of my stay in Penrith, the hospital confirmed the surgery plan. Olivia had undergone multiple tests, all of which showed she was eligible for the operation.

I also heard that the donor for Olivia's heart wasn't doing well and might not survive for more than half a month.

I asked casually, and the doctor said the donor was suffering from severe colon cancer.

When I heard this, my heart skipped a beat. Colon cancer…

That was the same diagnosis Amelie had on her lab report.

What a strange coincidence. I felt a pang of worry. I immediately called Amelie.

The phone rang several times before she picked up. After a brief silence, I quietly said, "I'll be back on the 7th of next month. You should come home by then... We'll go to the courthouse and finalize things."

"Okay."

Her quick agreement made me feel something was off.

"I'm tired, Edward. I want to sleep a little longer."

Amelie's voice was weak and listless on the other end. I checked the clock. It should be 7:00 am in Dunwich.

I assumed she was still half asleep.

For some reason, I didn't snap at her or make sarcastic remarks this time. Maybe it was because our marriage was nearing its end. "Alright, I'll call you later," I said.

I felt uneasy.

I had originally planned to finish my work in half a month, but I wrapped it up in a week and booked the next available flight home.

Before heading to the airport, I suddenly remembered something. I dug into my suitcase and pulled out the tie Amelie had given me.

The sapphire blue tie matched my suit perfectly.

After putting it on, I boarded the plane.

Just before turning off my phone, I received a message from the hospital. "Mr. Scott, the donor is in critical condition. Ms. Gardner's heart transplant surgery is about to begin."