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!”
“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!”
13:50
His Rival’s Baby in My Helly While Wo’s Rabuitting Wie Dreonant b
Chapter 7
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.
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.
iley, 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.
1150
His Rival’s Baby in My Belly While He’s Babysitting Wlly Preenant Ext
18.6
Chapter 7
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.
13:50
