It was my boyfriend's birthday, and I quietly headed to the hospital where he worked, carrying a gift I’d meticulously wrapped. I hid behind the curtain in his office, eager to surprise him. But then I overheard his hushed conversation with Grace Ford, the woman he seemed to cherish above all others.

"So, how do you plan to get Cora's eyes?" Grace asked, desperation lacing her voice.

Malakai replied coldly, "In three days, I'll stage an accident. As the attending physician, I'll ensure her eyes are transplanted to you."

My heart twisted painfully. Memories replayed of when he confessed his love for me, just after Grace injured her eyes to allegedly save him. His admiration for my beautiful eyes was nothing more than a calculated deception.

What Malakai didn't know was that I was the one who had truly saved him.

"I know it's unfair to her," Grace's voice trembled, "but I desperately want to see you again."

"I've been good to her just for those eyes. I'll give her some compensation afterward," Malakai reassured softly.

A sharp pang gripped my heart. Through the gap in the curtain, I saw Malakai lean in to kiss her. Grace blushed, looking almost innocent.

I stood there, frozen, feeling the blood in my veins turn to ice. Tears streamed down, soaking the gift box — an Omega watch he'd yearned for, bought with a year’s worth of savings. How bitterly ironic it was now.

"Let me take you home," Malakai said as he gently tucked a strand of Grace’s hair behind her ear.

"Are you rushing me out because you're scared Cora will find out?" Grace teased.

He hesitated. "I'm just concerned about your health. You should rest."

"Alright," Grace replied, carefree, turning away.

Malakai hurried to her side, guiding her out. Silence reclaimed the office.

I swallowed my aching heart and headed to Luella Snyder’s office, the head of nursing.

"Ms. Snyder, I'd like to apply for a two-year academic exchange at an out-of-town hospital."

She looked surprised. "Malakai was against you going, if I remember correctly. Did he change his mind?"

"This is my decision. He doesn’t decide my future."

"If you’re certain, make the most of this opportunity and fulfill the hospital’s expectations," she nodded, offering her support.

I thanked her and left. At home after work, I began packing when the doorbell rang urgently.

I opened the door to find Malakai standing there, his brow creased, voice frantic. "Why did you apply for the academic exchange?"

I replied calmly, "It's a rare chance, and I want to grow."

Malakai hesitated, disbelief in his eyes. "Cora, did I do something wrong to upset you?"

His nerves made me pause for a moment. Once, his affection had been so overwhelming I never thought of leaving to pursue my own dreams. Today, I realized those gestures were just part of his charade.

"I don't want my life to revolve around you anymore," I said with a faint smile.

Malakai’s frown deepened. "I admit I’ve neglected you lately. I promise to make it up to you. Please, don’t act impulsively."

"Weren't you planning a surprise birthday celebration for me?" he asked, glancing at the gift box on the table. He stepped inside, opened it, and his eyes lit up at the sight of the watch. "Cora, you remembered how much I wanted this watch!"

"You remembered my casual remark, proving how much you love me. So, you were just saying those things to provoke me, right?"

I snatched the watch back, my gaze icy. "This isn't for you."

He looked baffled. "Cora, are you joking?"

"I'm tired. Let's break up." I said coldly.

He stood there, stunned. "Why? What did I do wrong?"

"You and—" I started, but was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.

Malakai glanced at the screen, his expression instantly darkening. He stepped back to take the call.

I watched him carefully as his face grew grave. After he hung up, he turned to me and said, "I have something urgent. Wait for me to come back."

The transfer to another hospital was still in progress. The following day, I arrived at work at the hospital as usual. During a break, I overheard some colleagues talking. They mentioned that Grace Ford had been admitted last night because of severe eye pain, and Malakai Parker had stayed by her side all night.

One of them couldn't help but gossip, "Dr. Parker looking after Grace all night is the hot topic around the hospital."

"Aren't you bothered by this?" they asked me.

I replied calmly, "We're not together anymore."

My colleagues reacted as though they’d just heard some groundbreaking news, clearly shocked.

Someone else prodded, "You two seemed so in love; what happened?"

"I haven’t agreed to the breakup," Malakai’s voice suddenly cut through the chatter, causing an awkward silence to fall upon us.

I stood up to leave, but he followed, blocking my path in the hospital corridor, forcing me to stop.

"Cora, what did I do wrong? Can I fix it?" he pleaded.

I scoffed, "There's no need. We're done."

With those words, I quickly turned and walked away. There were still two days left before Malakai's plan would unfold, and I needed to have everything organized by then.

In the afternoon, I met with Luella Snyder to confirm the details of the transfer, asking her to expedite the paperwork. Then, I returned to my desk, swiftly sorting through and organizing patient files. I made sure to label everything clearly so my colleagues could transition smoothly.

Once I was finished and just about to relax, Malakai appeared, grabbing my hand.

"This isn't about being jealous of Grace, is it? I promise to keep my distance from her. Please, let's end this madness," he insisted.

I yanked my hand away and glared at him. "Your relationship with Grace is your business. Stop bothering me."

My colleagues around us exchanged curious glances and whispered among themselves. Malakai’s face flushed with embarrassment. He leaned in, his voice low and unsettling, "I suggest you come back to me willingly, or I won’t let this go."

With that, he stormed off. Several colleagues who were on good terms with me gathered around to offer their support and reassurance. I smiled and assured them I was fine.

After leaving the hospital at the end of the day, I spotted Malakai waiting. Before I could react, he rushed over, covering my mouth and dragging me towards a nearby car. I kicked and struggled, attempting to free his grip, but he was too strong, and I couldn't break free.

He forcibly shoved me into the car, climbed into the driver’s seat, and quickly locked the doors.

"Malakai, what on earth are you doing?" I yelled.

His voice turned cold. "I just want to give your eyes to Grace. I’ll make it up to you afterward, just help me this one time."

I slapped him hard across the face. "Her eyes are precious, but mine aren’t?"

He clutched his cheek, anger blazing in his eyes. "It’s just your eyes, not your life. Can’t you stop being so selfish?"

"Then why don’t you give her your eyes?"

"Cora!" His eyes were filled with rage. "I said I'd compensate you. Isn't that enough? I'm taking your eyes today, whether you like it or not!"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, covering my nose and mouth. The cloth smelled of chemicals, and I thrashed my head, trying to shake it off. But gradually, my limbs grew weak, and I could no longer move, consciousness slipping away.