I knew Adeline Shaw had been entangled with her childhood sweetheart for over a decade, but I still dove headfirst into our relationship without hesitation.

Then came our engagement day. Adeline got a call that her childhood sweetheart had collapsed and was in the hospital. Without a second thought, she dropped everything - dropped me - and rushed to his side.

My grandmother, who witnessed this whole scene, hurried after her. In her rush, she was struck by a car. By the time they got her to the hospital, it was too late. We couldn't save her.

That's when I finally let go. She was never truly mine, and I shouldn't have tried to force what wasn't meant to be.

Adeline Shaw was my boss - we lived in completely different worlds. I only caught her attention because her childhood sweetheart needed a blood transfusion after a car accident, and I happened to be a match.

After I saved Bryan Chancer's life that day, Adeline smiled at me softly for the first time. She asked what I wished for, and I told her I wanted to date her.

Still woozy from the blood donation, I'd blurted out what was in my heart while looking at her face.

After a few seconds of silence, she agreed. That relationship lasted three years.

This year, the Shaw family started pressuring her about marriage. To get them off her back, Adeline agreed to get engaged to me.

I knew it was just for show, but then Bryan had to collapse at the worst possible moment.

I grabbed Adeline's arm. "Don't go. The hospital has doctors. What about our engagement party? You can't just leave!"

"Henry Scott, stop being so selfish," she snapped. "Being engaged to me is already more luck than you deserve in this lifetime. Don't push for more!"

She yanked free and ran out. My grandmother hurried after her.

"Adeline, please! Just finish the ceremony first!"

I froze for a moment, then heard screams from outside, "Someone's been hit!"

By the time I rushed out, Adeline's car was long gone. My grandmother was lying in a pool of blood, surrounded by a crowd.

I completely broke down. Everything went silent - all I could see was my grandmother's motionless body. Someone pushed me into the ambulance when it arrived.

"We're sorry for your loss. We did everything we could."

The doctor's words echoed as I sat in the hallway, death certificate clutched in my hands, completely numb.

A harsh ringtone snapped me back to reality.

It was Adeline, barking orders. "Henry, where are you? Get to the hospital now. Bryan needs your blood!"

Rage surged through me. "Go to hell! We're done, Adeline. Don't you dare come crawling back!"

There was a pause on the other end, then her voice turned icy. "Well, Henry, look who found their backbone! It's just an engagement - Bryan's dying!"

"Then let him die! Always sick and weak. He’s just wasting food while he's alive and wasting space when he's dead!"

I hung up and went to the police station.

The family of the driver who hit my grandmother begged for forgiveness. I refused.

But the real culprits were Adeline and Bryan - those two lunatics. What was I thinking, getting tangled up with her?

I knew about their decade-long relationship but refused to accept it. Now I was paying the price.

Grandma, I'm so sorry. I regret everything.

Just as I was getting up to arrange the funeral, Adeline appeared with her security team.

"Henry Scott!"

"Stop him!"

I ran, calling the police as I went. All Adeline's money couldn't put her above the law.

I wouldn't give blood, and there was nothing she could do about it.

So what if I had rare blood type? I wasn't the only one in the world with it.

Alright, Adeline, let's see if your precious childhood sweetheart survives without my help!

But before I could reach the hospital exit, someone tackled me to the ground.

Her security team pinned me down.

"Where do you think you're going, punk?"

"You should be honored to give blood to Mr. Chancer. Show some respect!"

Unable to break free, I shouted, "I refuse! You can't ignore the law! Let me go!"

"Adeline Shaw, this is illegal!"

Adeline strode up in her heels, stopping right in front of me. "What's the drama about, Henry? It's not like this is your first time donating. Stop being so precious about it!"

Her security team dragged me to the hospital room. They held me down while I watched helplessly as they drew my blood.

From the adjacent bed, Bryan looked at me, his face pale. "I'm really sorry for the trouble again."

I clenched my fists tightly, anger welling up in my eyes, "This is the last time. I won't let you get away with this again."

"We're done, Adeline."

She frowned. "What's your problem? Saving a life is sacred - I'll make it worth your while."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Worth my while? Who do you think you are, Adeline? Some untouchable goddess?"

"I told you, we're done. Don't come looking for me again!"

I took a deep breath, my heart aching unbearably. God, I still hadn't even arranged Grandma's funeral!

I regretted everything. I never wanted to cross paths with her again.

After the transfusion, I was feeling dizzy and was about to close my eyes when I heard footsteps outside.

"Who called the police?"

"I did!" I called out immediately.

Adeline looked stunned. "Henry, you actually called the cops?"

I slowly sat up and addressed the officers. "They forced me to give blood, and these doctors forged my signature without consent. I want them all held accountable!"

My grandmother was still lying in the morgue, and everyone here had helped cause that. I wouldn't let any of them off the hook.

Adeline's face darkened.

But money talks - she was out within an hour, though clearly rattled.

She'd been warned by the police and had to sign an agreement and write me an apology letter.

I held onto it like a trump card - if she tried anything again, I wouldn't hesitate to make it go viral.

Outside the station, Adeline's face was livid. "Look who grew a backbone!"

I shrugged. "Let me remind you, Adeline - you're just rich, not untouchable. Consider this a warning. Actually, no - there won't be a next time."

"Henry Scott, you'll regret this!" she shouted.

Regret? What a joke.

Meeting Adeline was my life's biggest regret. If I could turn back time, I'd never get involved with her again.

Back at the hospital, everyone involved in forcing the transfusion had been disciplined. The director apologized and begged for mercy. I just collected all my blood donation records from the past few years.

I also saw Bryan's blood type - it was indeed rare.

But his medical report showed he was far healthier than I'd thought.

I snapped a photo when no one was looking, then left to arrange Grandma's funeral. I buried her ashes in the suburban cemetery.

After everything was done, I went home.

I had my own rental apartment in the city, which I'd moved into for the engagement. Now that things had quieted down, I just wanted my normal life back.

Just as I lay down after sorting everything out, I saw dozens of texts from Adeline:

"Are you seriously doing this, Henry?"

"Come back now and I'll forgive you!"

"Stop playing games. If you wanted me to apologize, I did! What more do you want?"

"It was just a few bags of blood - why are you making such a big deal out of this!"

I read these messages with a bitter smile, taking screenshots of everything. Maybe they'd come in handy someday. Then I blocked her without hesitation.

But Adeline wouldn't give up so easily.

The next day, I found her at my doorstep with Bryan beside her.

"What do you want?"

"Bryan wanted to thank you, so I brought him here. Henry, can't you just let this go?"

I couldn't believe she could still say things like that. I laughed sarcastically. "What now? Should I bow down and thank him too?"

"Get out of here, Adeline. Don't make me call the cops again."

"Henry!" Adeline snapped.

Bryan stepped in. "Henry, don't be angry. I know you're upset about the engagement."

"It's my fault, really. My health... anyway, if you're angry, just hit me instead."

I could see the smug challenge in his eyes as he spoke.

Without hesitation, I punched him right in the face!

"Henry, have you lost your mind?"

Adeline rushed to push me aside and help Bryan up.

"What's wrong? He told me to hit him. Now you're worried about him?"

"Get out!"

I pointed at the door, telling her to leave. Adeline responded by slapping me hard across the face!

"Are you done with this nonsense?

"What more do you want? What would your grandmother think of your behavior?

"I should ask her how she raised such a person!"

A sharp pain shot through my heart, leaving me almost breathless.

"How dare you mention her! My grandmother is dead - she died on our engagement day!

"Adeline, if you want to see her so badly, why don't you join her!"

I grabbed Adeline and shoved her toward the door!

She was furious. "Henry, even if you hate me, you shouldn't curse your own grandmother like that. Now I see what kind of person you really are. Let's go, Bryan. Don't waste time with him!"

I watched them leave, my fists clenched tight.

My grandmother had just died, and they had the nerve to come here and rub salt in my wounds!

Those two horrible people would get what they deserved!

Just wait - I wouldn't let this go!

I met up with some friends and told them about my grandmother. They were outraged.

"Henry, why didn't you tell us sooner!"

I gave a bitter smile. "She got away with forcing me to give blood. We can't act without a solid plan."

Besides, I was exhausted. Three years of love - I'd thrown away my own happiness and lost my grandmother's life.

If it weren't for me, she'd still be alive.

My friend patted my shoulder. "Just say the word, and we'll help you.

"Henry, Adeline isn't even the decision-maker in the Shaw family. She's young, just getting some experience. Let's think this through!"

I nodded, discussing strategies with my friends. I knew Adeline wouldn't give up easily - after all, I was still her blood bank. She wouldn't let me go that easily.

After leaving, Bryan told her confidently, "Adeline, let me try talking to him again?"

"Don't bother! Just ignore him!"

She felt uneasy. She hadn't seen his grandmother these past few days. Henry wouldn't lie about something like that.

Just then, the hospital called, "Is this Nancy Mulligan's family? Her belongings are still in the emergency room. When would be convenient to collect them?"

Adeline's mind went blank with shock.

"What did you say? Belongings?"

"Yes, Nancy Mulligan passed away from a car accident on July 6th. Are you a family member?"