Chapter 2: The Price of My Apology

Dash's expression instantly darkened, and his voice shook with anger. "You just met Maisie before I did—that's all. If I'd met her first, she would've married me."

"Besides, the order doesn't matter because the one who isn't loved in a relationship is the actual third wheel! A sick, ugly man like you is nothing but a burden to her!"

As he grew increasingly agitated, the people around him tried to pull him back and told him to stop talking nonsense, but he shook them off.

He attempted to lunge at me, only to trip over a loose cable at his feet and crash to the floor.

Just then, Maisie happened to step out of the elevator. When she spotted Dash on the ground, she rushed over to help him up and angrily asked, "What happened? Who tripped him?"

The air seemed to freeze immediately. No one dared utter a word.

This was the first time I had seen Maisie be so protective.

I supposed that was what it meant to love someone—living in constant fear of them getting hurt and finding your heart tethered to every rise and fall of their well-being.

I let out a soft laugh and stepped forward. "I did, but he deserved it. A fall's just a light punishment."

Dash, who had just looked furious, immediately switched to a wounded, pitiful look. "Fine! It's all my fault for getting between you and Maisie, but how is that a mistake? I simply fell in love. Does that mean I'm destined to be scorned and branded a homewrecker?"

Then, he turned to Maisie with red-rimmed eyes. "What's so wrong about us loving each other, Maisie?"

He spoke those warped words in such a righteous tone that Maisie saw nothing wrong with them.

She reached out to pull him into her arms and softly murmured, "You did nothing wrong, babe. Neither of us did."

That day, I finally witnessed just how much Maisie loved Dash. It really was different, but I no longer cared about who she loved or chose to dote on.

All I wanted was to live a few days longer. That way, I could earn more money to reach that number.

Looking at Maisie, whom I once loved so deeply, I plainly stated my purpose for coming today, "Maisie, I've thought about that wish. I want to borrow 300 thousand dollars."

On my birthday, Maisie had been in a good mood and asked what I wished for. She had offered to grant anything I asked for.

I had said nothing, so she told me, "Save it. Come to me when you've decided."

She had always kept her word. Besides, 300 thousand dollars was pocket change to her.

But this time, she looked up at me indifferently and coldly stated, "I'm fine with lending money, but only if you bow and apologize to Dash. Then I'll give you 300 thousand dollars, and you won't even have to pay it back."

It was the first time Maisie had humiliated me with money for another man, so it seemed like she had indeed fallen for Dash.

She kept her eyes locked on me as if she were waiting to see my reaction.

When our eyes met, I couldn't help but find it strange. Her gaze and face felt so unfamiliar that I could barely recognize her anymore.

I tried my best to force down the waves of pain tearing through my chest. I didn't say anything and turned around.

As I was leaving, I called Dr. Carson and told him not to reserve the special drug for me anymore. I didn't want the money, and I wasn't going to treat my illness either.

A sudden thought struck me just then—would Maisie shed a single tear for me when I died?

That night, I returned to an empty house. It was terrifyingly quiet, and Maisie clearly hadn't been home for days. I assumed she must have been with Dash, wrapped up in their affection and acting all lovey-dovey.

I went into the bedroom and curled up under the covers.

Pain seared through my abdomen, clawing at me so hard that it kept me awake. My whole body was drenched in cold sweat. A chill came from deep inside my body, and it felt so cold that I shivered all over.

But I didn't even have the strength to get another blanket to cover myself with. All I could do was stay curled up and force myself to sleep. I told myself that once I fell asleep, I wouldn't feel the pain anymore.

I had no idea how long it took, but eventually, I did fall asleep.