Wendy staggered forward at the hospital entrance. She held the Seventy Thousand Dollars she had received for selling her kidney. Her pale face carried a satisfied smile.

That was enough to cure Lucas. She thought it was worthy to sell off her kidney for his life.

She ignored her post-surgery weakness, and stumbled all the way to the hospital ward. Her heart ached even more as she looked at the frail man lying in bed.

"Lucas, your lowly girlfriend is not around. Why put on a show?"

"Shut up! I'm perfecting my acting. How else could I fool her?"

A familiar, teasing voice came from inside. Wendy's hand froze on the door handle.

What did he mean... by fooling her?

Laughter and exclamations erupted from the room.

"You're smart, Lucas! A fake medical report was all it took to make that woman believe you had cancer!"

"I heard she handed over all her savings; all she had was only Eight Thousand Dollars!"

"Eight Thousand Dollars? Lucas could simply spend more than that on a single bottle of liquor at the bar. Her money is worthless, yet she actually offers it."

Wendy overheard the conversation. She felt numbed.

Did Lucas fake his cancer?

Lucas, supposedly frail, threw his blanket off and jumped out of bed. The person beside him handed him a cigarette as if it were the norm.

Lucas, smoking a cigarette, looked nothing like the man Wendy remembered—the one who always had a gentle smile for her.

"Anyway, she never had much money. I didn't expect her to hand over all her money. I was surprised."

Laughter and teasing voices filled the room.

"You're not feeling sorry for her, are you? If Nat finds out, she will throw a fit."

"How can he? Lucas probably pities her. Back then, he hid his identity as the heir of the Shalton Corporation and dated that broke girl to help Nat get revenge. Natelie is his one true love. He even lived in the slums for two years for her."

"That woman should be grateful to Nat. Without her, she would never have had the chance to meet someone from high society like Lucas. Hah!"

Outside the room, Wendy trembled uncontrollably, her mind in complete chaos.

Lucas exhaled a lazy puff of smoke.

"I'm just as surprised. I didn't expect it to be this easy to make her spend every last cent. If I had known, I'd have faked being sick sooner.

"This should make Nat happy now."

Those cold words shattered the last bit of hope in Wendy's heart.

Her face turned even paler. She was barely able to stand.

A nurse noticed her and asked kindly, "Do you need help?"

Wendy regained her wit and saw someone about to exit the ward. She quickly thanked the nurse and rushed into a nearby restroom with unsteady steps.

The mirror reflected her ghostly pale face.

Those heart-piercing words echoed in her mind over and over again.

She never imagined that the man she thought was just like her—a poor student—was the heir of the Shalton Corporation.

Their entire relationship had been a lie.

Sweet memories of the past clashed with the cruel reality before her.

Wendy met Lucas by chance two years ago.

Back then, she worked part-time at a barbecue restaurant.

One night, a drunk customer got handsy with her. She pleaded for help from the boss, but he ignored her. Wendy gritted her teeth as the man got bolder, ready to smash his head.

Before she could, a warm hand pulled her behind, shielding her from the harassment.

Wendy's heart skipped a beat as she looked at the man's silhouette.

The situation was cliché, but for someone who had been an orphan since childhood, that small act of protection meant the world to her.

Later, she learned that Lucas was also an orphan. He had to work three jobs to get by. He even dropped out after high school because he could not afford the tuition.

With their similar backgrounds, they naturally grew closer and fell in love.

Hoping to save money for a place of their own, Wendy gave up her dorm and moved in with Lucas. Their rental was a tiny room on the outskirts of town.

Life was tough, but Wendy never complained. She believed their future would be bright as long as they worked hard.

A month ago, Lucas told her he had cancer.

He needed a massive sum for treatment.

Wendy thought of Lucas as her only family in this world. She could never watch him die.

She gave him everything she had saved over four years of working through college—a total of 8,000 dollars.

However, Lucas told her it was insufficient; his treatment would cost 70,000 dollars.

Wendy felt desperate when she saw Lucas so frail on the hospital bed. With no other choice, she sold her kidney on the black market.

She believed Lucas would recover with that money. They could go back to their old life, full of hope.

She never imagined it was all fake—be it Lucas' background or his cancer.

She could not help but wonder if their first meeting was fake, too.

Tears streamed down her face.

She had given up her kidney for a liar.

As for Nat, the only person she could think of was Natelie, one of her juniors from the university.

Back then, their university held a speech competition. The prize for first place was 700 dollars.

Wendy had worked hard for it, knowing the money could cover her tuition. Eventually, she won first place.

Natelie was the first runner-up.

When Wendy went up to receive her award, Natelie whispered, "No one steals my spotlight."

Wendy had brushed it off as childish competitiveness.

She never thought it would cost her so much.

Wiping her tears away, Wendy pulled out her phone and called Professor Wayson.

Half a month ago, her professor had told her about an overseas study opportunity. He wanted to recommend her for it.

At the time, she was occupied with raising money for Lucas and turned him down without hesitation.

She had finally learned the truth; there was no reason to give up her future for Lucas anymore.

She had no interest in the games of those from high society.

"Professor, I'm willing to study abroad."

Professor Wayson sounded genuinely delighted.

"Finally, Wendy! Don't worry about the tuition fees. I understand your difficulties and will apply for financial aid on your behalf. As for your boyfriend's treatment expenses, I'll also try to find a way to help. We can organize a donation drive at school—"

"Don't worry about it, Professor Wayson."

Wendy gently interrupted his kindness.

"I can pay my own tuition. There are others who need such aid. As for the money for the treatment, it's not needed anymore."

Professor Wayson did not overthink her response. He assumed Wendy had found a new funding source and was genuinely happy for her.

"That's great. You can focus on studying abroad now. You still have half a month before admission, so take this time to get your things in order."

"Thank you, Professor Wayson."

Without explaining further, Wendy ended the call and tightened her grip on the backpack in her arms.

She did not waste any more time. She left the hospital, deposited the entire sum into her account, paid her tuition, and bought a plane ticket for her departure in two weeks. In the end, she had only 300 dollars left.

Wendy pressed a hand against her still-aching abdomen and glanced at the balance on her account. A bitter smile spread across her face.

Ironically, she felt somewhat relieved.

At least she had overheard the truth before handing the money to Lucas.

When she returned to the hospital ward, Lucas was in bed—alone.

Wendy hesitated briefly before stepping inside.

Lucas had put away his cocky demeanor, returning to the gentle, caring boyfriend she had always known.

"Why are you so late today, Wendy?"

Her fingers twitched as she lowered her gaze.

"Something at university held me up."

Lucas did not suspect anything. He grabbed her hand, his excitement barely contained.

"I have great news!"

Wendy paused before asking, "What's that?"

"The doctor just came by. My cancer diagnosis was a mistake! I'm not sick!"

Of course.

Wendy closed her eyes for a brief moment.

Earlier, she had caught a glimpse of Lucas' phone screen, which was still lit on the bedside table.

A message from someone named Nat had popped up in the group chat.

[Lucas, tell that broke girl your cancer was misdiagnosed. I want to see her reaction when she realizes she's wasted all her money. It will be hilarious!]

Several people joined in, laughing about how brilliant the plan was.

Some even bet on whether she would lash out at Lucas in anger.

Lucas replied to her message.

[As you wish, my lady.]

For the past two years, Lucas had given her everything she wanted. She thought she had found the perfect boyfriend.

In fact, it was all because of Natelie's orders.

To them, she was nothing more than a toy.

Wendy smiled and said, "I'm glad you're alright."

Her calm reaction caught Lucas off guard. He hesitated for a moment before putting on a guilty expression.

"I should've gotten a second opinion earlier. You wouldn't have had to waste all your hard-earned money."

Wendy shook her head.

"It was worth it to spend it on you."

She had considered that money the price she paid to buy out her two years with Lucas.

From any perspective, she—the penniless student—had gotten the better end of the deal.

Her words hit Lucas like a heavy blow.

As the young master of the Shaltons, he had always been surrounded by flattery and false affection since birth. He had long grown immune to empty words.

However, it was different with Wendy—she had never known his real identity.

Every word she spoke and every sacrifice she made had been genuine.

She had willingly spent every penny she had on him and bore no resentment, even after discovering it was all for nothing.

A complicated emotion flickered within Lucas. He pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Wendy."

Wendy lowered her gaze, hiding the mockery in her eyes.

When they returned to their tiny apartment, Lucas lay on the small, narrow bed and sighed contentedly.

"Nothing beats my own bed."

Wendy's voice was soft when she said, "You've had a hard time."

After all, it must have been exhausting for the young master of the Shaltons—used to luxurious mansions and massive beds—to lower himself and share a cramped rental with her for two years.

Soon, all of that would come to an end.

Lucas assumed Wendy was upset about his time in the hospital. He hugged her around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Wendy, meeting you is the greatest blessing in my life."

Wendy never wore perfume—only the light scent of her shampoo lingered on her.

To Lucas, it was intoxicating. His breathing deepened, and he tightened his arms around her.

Pain shot through her abdomen, where she had undergone surgery just that morning. Wendy's face paled as she inhaled sharply in discomfort.

Lucas released her immediately, his expression filled with concern.

"What's wrong? You look terrible," Lucas asked.

She forced a small smile as she replied, "Nothing. Just some stomach cramps."

Lucas pressed his warm palm against her lower stomach and pulled her closer.

"Let me warm you up."

Wendy did not resist. She closed her eyes.

Yet, no amount of warmth could cure her disappointment.

Meeting Lucas had been the greatest misfortune of her life.

The next morning, Wendy woke up early.

Lucas was awakened by some noise. He opened his eyes groggily and saw Wendy stuffing all her clothes into a suitcase.

He sat up, an alarm flashing in his eyes.

"Why are you packing? Are you going somewhere?" Lucas asked.

"I'm going to visit the orphanage and donate these old clothes." Wendy continued folding her clothes without looking at him.

In two weeks, she would leave. Lucas, a man accustomed to luxury, would never keep the cheap clothes she had bought. She would give them to the children who needed them instead of letting them go to waste.

Lucas exhaled in relief subtly. He knew Wendy had always been grateful to the orphanage and visited every month.

"I'll go with you," he said.

He had accompanied her many times before, but she did not want him there that day. It would be her last visit, her final goodbye.

Before she could refuse, Lucas' phone rang. He glanced at the screen and quickly stepped into the bathroom to answer.

"It's my boss. I need to pick up this call."

However, sound traveled easily in their tiny rented apartment.

A sweet, spoiled voice carried clearly through the door. "Lucas, I'm in a bad mood today. You have to keep me company. Come shopping with me."

Lucas agreed without hesitation.

He wore his usual apologetic smile when he came out and said, "I'm sorry, Wendy. My boss called me to work. I can't go with you today."

She met his eyes calmly and nodded.

"Alright, go ahead."

Without a second thought, Lucas dressed and left in a hurry.

Wendy thought of all the times he had left her behind in the past two years, always claiming that his boss needed him.

She had pitied him, thinking he was overworked. She had even suggested he look for another job, but he had only pulled her into an embrace, resting his chin on her head.

"I don't mind the hard work," he murmured.

"I just want to earn enough money to marry you and give you a good life."

Such sweet words had moved her deeply.

From then on, she had taken on extra errands to earn a little more money, thinking they were working toward a shared future.

She finally realized she had been a complete fool.

Wendy stopped by the store on her way to the orphanage. Even with little money left, she bought snacks for the children.

As she struggled to carry two large bags toward the subway station, she passed a cosmetics store and overheard a familiar voice.

"Just buy the whole set. Testing them one by one is a hassle."

She turned her head toward the voice's direction and saw Lucas smiling indulgently at a well-dressed young woman.

Despite his complaint, he held out his arm obediently while she smeared lipstick on it.

Even though two years had passed since Wendy last saw her—it was Natelie.

So that was where Lucas had been whenever he said his boss needed him.

Natelie pouted and said, "You're happy to spend all your time with that lowly girl, but shopping with me is a chore?"

Lucas looked at her with a fond smile. "How could I? I did all this to help you teach her a lesson, didn't I? Let's buy these and continue shopping. You have me for the entire day."

He instructed the salesperson to pack up the entire lipstick collection.

The salesperson, seemingly familiar with him, moved swiftly.

"Mr. Lucas, that will be 14,000 dollars. Thank you for your purchase."

Wendy slightly swayed when she heard the amount.

In two years of dating, Lucas's most expensive gift to her was a silver bracelet worth 14 dollars. Most of his presents were cheap trinkets—bracelets that cost a few dollars and keychains from street vendors.

Yet, that 14,000 dollars seemed nothing to him when it came to pleasing Natelie.

That was the real Lucas—carefree, extravagant, and utterly indifferent to her struggles.

Wendy had seen enough. She turned to leave, but the flimsy plastic bag in her hands tore, and the snacks she had bought for the orphanage spilled onto the floor.

The loud noise caught Lucas' attention.

Their eyes met.

For a brief moment, she saw it—the flicker of panic in his gaze.

Guilt.

Fear.

Unease.

Those were all the emotions of a man caught in a lie.