Chapter 6
By then, I had already been taken abroad by Jace Sullivan.]
From the moment I boarded the plane, I fell into unconsciousness.[]
Throughout the journey, my fever refused to break.[]
Even in my delirium, I was restless.[]
I had long nightmares–in my dreams, my mother and my two lost children stood at a distance, covered in blood. Their eyes filled with accusation as they stared at me.
I woke up screaming, my face wet with cold tears.]
Looking up, I met Jace’s deeply concerned gaze.[]
He held my hand, soothingly stroking my hair. His voice carried gentle reproach:[]
“Riley, what the hell happened to you? You look like death warmed over!”
I stared blankly, unable to form words.[]
How could I tell him that the man I loved to my core had killed my child? That he hadn’t even spared my mother?]
That the husband I’d rescued at all costs had shattered me for another woman?
Hatred churned in my chest, I coughed up blood involuntarily.
Alarmed, Jace immediately summoned his private physician.[]
After examining me, the doctor sighed.]
“Miss James has suffered two major hemorrhages, resulting in severe anemia. Her body is already weakened.“[]
“The extreme emotional trauma has further damaged her health. She needs immediate blood transfusions.”
Before the doctor finished speaking, Jace had already rolled up his sleeve.
“Stop talking and take my blood! Now!“]
I couldn’t help but smile faintly.
The same scene was playing out before me again.[]
But this time, someone actually wanted to donate blood for me.
The transfusion lasted over an hour.
By the end, Jace’s face was completely drained of color. Yet he still forced himself to comfort me
*Riley, from now on, I’ll be your personal blood bank.“]
“No matter what happens, I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again!”
Looking at his earnest expression, my emotions were complicated.]
In a hazy moment, I recalled our first meeting
Back then, I had just started studying abroad and often worked part–time at a restaurant.
One night, I had just locked up the restaurant and was heading home. Turning around, I happened to witness an armed robbery taking place nearby
The victim was Jace Sullivan.
Chapter 6
I was terrified but frozen in place.
To my horror, after getting the money, the robber went crazy and decided to eliminate witnesses.[]
As the dark barrel of the gun pointed at Jace, I found unexpected courage. Before the trigger was pulled, I grabbed an empty bottle from the ground and smashed it against the attacker’s head.]
I saved Jace’s life, and we became friends after that.]
We grew distant only after I met Blake.
After graduation, I chose to return home with Blake.[]
Yet Jace said nothing, only smiling as he wished me happiness.
But now, my most vulnerable state was exposed to him.[]
Yet there wasn’t a trace of mockery in his eyes–only unbearable concern.]
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Over the next two weeks, despite medical protests, Jace insisted on donating blood to me several times.]
Yet my condition showed no improvement. Instead, I slipped into unconsciousness repeatedly.
The doctor shook his head, explaining that my will to live was weak.[]
My once–cured depression had resurfaced. Without finding something to help me improve, I might attempt suicide again.]]
Jace visited me daily.
His reputation in social circles wasn’t particularly positive. Everyone said Jace Sullivan was temperamental and treated women like disposable clothing.
Yet this same man now sat beside my hospital bed day after day, tearfully begging me to stay alive.]
After another blood transfusion, I managed a rare smile at him.[]
Jace was so overjoyed he nearly fell to his knees.[]
“Riley, are you feeling better?“[]
I bit
my lip hard, slowly shaking my head.]
“Jace, you’ve given me so much blood. Let’s call it even, okay?”
“You don’t need to come anymore. You saved me, so you don’t owe me anything now.”
As soon as I finished speaking, he collapsed to his knees before me.]
Holding my hand, he trembled violently.[]
“I don’t want us to be even, Riley. We can’t be even!“[]
:“0
“I’ve loved you for ten years, suffered for ten years. How could we possibly be even?“[]
My eyelid twitched as I stared at him in disbelief.[]
His eyes were filled with unmistakable pain.[]
“Riley, since you’re divorced from Blake, could you possibly consider me?”
“I swear I’ll never be heartless like him. I’ll never hurt you, I promise!“]]
Jace’s voice shook, but the sincerity on his face was undeniable.
Under his intense gaze, I closed my eyes wearily.
“Jace, don’t do this. Someone like me isn’t worth your devotion.“[]
“My children are gone, my mother is gone. I don’t want to live anymore.“[]
The next moment, I was enveloped in a warm embrace. Jace held me tightly, as if I were something precious.]
“Riley, please don’t talk like that!“]
“You still have me. I’ll stay with you, even unto death!“]
For several days, he kept his promise, never leaving my side.
Strangely, my heart began to stir with unfamiliar emotion.[]
My condition gradually improved.[]
Chapter 7
The night before my discharge, I dreamed of my mother and children again–this time, there was no accusation in their eyes.
My mother lovingly stroked my head, her lips curved in a gentle smile.]
“Riley, we don’t blame you. You must find happiness again.“]
When I opened my eyes, Jace was kneeling before me on one knee.]
His face anxious as he held up a jewelry box–inside was a dazzlingly large diamond ring.
Jace’s fingers trembled slightly as he tried to place it on my finger.[]
I curved my lips into a small smile, not refusing him.[]
Life is vast as the sea. Despite all my wounds, I still had the courage to accept love.[]
No matter how difficult the future might be, I would move forward with determination.[]
After leaving the hospital, Jace took me traveling around the world.[]
We visited many places I had always dreamed of seeing–places Blake had always been “too busy” to take me.
Under the auroras in Antarctica, we shared our first kiss.]
Amid the glaciers of the Arctic, we huddled together for warmth.[]
I discovered the joy of being truly loved.[]
Though sometimes, in the middle of the night, I still woke up crying uncontrollably, my condition improved steadily.
After our travels ended, I accepted Jace’s proposal.[]
Our wedding preparations began immediately. Perhaps afraid I might change my mind, he completed all arrangements in just one month.]
Though hastily planned, everything was done with extreme care and attention.[]
But what I never expected was seeing Blake at our wedding venue after six months of separation.[]
