Chapter 4

Joel looked up slightly. "What are you talking about?"

Rachel replied, "You were so aggressive trying to strangle Chris earlier, yet you're pretending to be weak now?"

Joel argued back, "I did not strangle him!"

"How did your hand end up on his neck then? Are you saying that he somehow took your hand and placed it there?" Rachel asked furiously. Her gaze was nearly murderous as she accused him.

Joel looked at her in disbelief. "That's right. He grabbed my hand and placed it on his neck."

Shock and disappointment flashed past Rachel's eyes. "I barely recognize you anymore, Joel."

Joel chuckled bitterly and replied, "I could say the same of you."

He finally made his way onto the couch and momentarily caught his breath. "Believe it or not, Rachel, Christopher just admitted to me that he doesn't have depression. There were no cuts on his wrist either. You can check for yourself if you don't believe me."

Rachel frowned. "I was there when he cut his wrist. I saw it for myself when his blood pooled on the floor."

Joel said, "Then go take another look at his wrist now, and you'll find out whether I'm telling the truth or not."

Rachel gritted her teeth as if weighing the truth of his words.

Joel snorted. "Go on then. What's wrong? Are you scared of finding out that I'm telling the truth—that Christopher has been lying to you from the start?"

"I believe in Chris." Rachel turned and walked to the bedroom. "I'll go now."

A startled scream came from the bedroom.

Rachel rushed over in an instant. "Chris!"

"Rach—"

Joel forced himself to stay conscious. He leaned against the wall as he stumbled to the bedroom door. He finally saw what was happening inside.

Christopher's wrist and arm were covered in blood. His previously smooth skin was currently cut open, with blood dripping down from the wound.

Rachel anxiously said, "Why did you hurt yourself again?"

Christopher was bawling his eyes out. "It's all my fault! You wouldn't have fought with Joel if it wasn't for me. Just let me be, Rach. Just let me die! Joel would feel at ease if I died!"

"What nonsense are you sprouting? I won't let you kill yourself!" Rachel yelled.

Christopher cried harder. "I've been wanting to end it all for countless times, Rach. But I couldn't bear to do it whenever I thought of you—"

"I won't leave you, Chris. I'll always stay within your sights from now on. I'll stay by your side and protect you." Rachel suddenly turned around and glared viciously at Joel. While gritting her teeth, she said, "I'll never let anyone hurt you again!"

Joel felt his strength left him. He used the wall to support himself as he stared coldly at the two.

Christopher only had a small wound on his wrist, but the floor was full of blood. The blood was likely from a blood pack he'd prepared earlier and not from his body.

But he was right about one thing. Regardless of whether it was the truth or otherwise, as long as Rachel believed it, it would be the truth.

Christopher hiccupped. "Don't be angry, Joel. I'll clean up the blood stains on the floor."

Rachel carried him and placed him down on the bed. "Just stay here and get some rest."

She then turned around and ordered Joel, "Go wipe the floor."

Joel thought he was hearing things. "What?"

"You almost strangled Chris to death, and even caused him to relapse and attempted suicide. Shouldn't you be doing something to make up for your actions?" Rachel asked.

Joel laughed bitterly. "I'm not your household staff, Rachel. If you want the floor cleaned, do it yourself."

Rachel erupted in anger and said, "Take it outside if you want to argue! Don't disturb Chris' rest!"

"Rachel, you—"

Christopher cried and pleaded, "Please don't fight with Joel anymore, Rach. I'll just leave now—"

He then tried to roll out of the bed. He fell down and landed right in Rachel's arms.

She helped Christopher back into the bed and even thoughtfully tucked him in. She then said, "This is my house. You're not the one who should be leaving."

Joel chuckled. "Are you trying to kick me out, Rachel?"

Rachel replied, "Go out and reflect on yourself. You can come back when you've figured out what you've done wrong."

Christopher continued to pretend. "No! Don't kick Joel out, Rach! I'm not worth it—"

Meanwhile, Rachel remained cold toward Joel. "What now? Do you need me to get the security guard to escort you out?"

"No need." Joel coldly spat, "This is no longer my house now."

His phone suddenly rang, and he accepted the call.

"Hello, Mr. Lewis. I'm calling from the body donation department of the Metropolitan General Hospital. Do you still remember that you signed a body donation agreement recently?" Amy asked.

Joel replied, "I remember."

Amy continued, "Thank you for your selfless contribution. We understand that you're in the advanced stage of stomach cancer, and you may not have much time left.

"Could you provide us with the number of any of your family members? We'll reach out to them to arrange for the body donation after your passing."

Joel choked out a sob and replied, "I have no family."

Amy replied, "How could you not have any family? If that's the case, we won't be able to collect your body right away. If your body starts to deteriorate, it wouldn't be suitable for organ donation or medical research anymore."

Joel gave it some thought before replying, "Just give me three more days. I'll personally go to the body donation department after three days."

Amy said, "That's fine with us. We also offer hospice care, which can help make your final days as comfortable as possible."

"Alright."

After ending the call, Joel suddenly heard Rachel's confused voice. "Body donation? What exactly is going on, Joel?"