Death Is Where You’re Missing

Roman Archer was recognized as the nation’s youngest medical genius. His research on kidney disease treatment was expected to significantly reduce mortality rates.

Meanwhile, I suffered from kidney failure. As I could not afford treatment, my attending physician was certain I would not survive the month.

On television, the host asked Roman to call the person he could never truly let go of.

“Back then, you looked down on me for not having any achievements. Do you regret it now?”

I glanced at the hospital bill I could not afford. Then, I looked at him on the screen and chuckled softly.

“Roman, you’re so successful now. Could you lend me a hundred thousand dollars?”

The call was ruthlessly cut off. Roman let out a deep breath and faced the camera.

“Okay, I can truly move on now.”

Little did he know that when he suffered from kidney failure, I was the one who donated a kidney to him.

After the interview ended, I received a deposit of one hundred thousand dollars in my bank account.

I knew right away it was from him.

The money was enough to cover my hospital stay and the expensive medication I could never afford.

A moment later, I heard familiar footsteps outside my hospital ward.

The door opened slightly, and to my surprise, I saw Roman.

He stood there, looking as handsome as ever.

Five years had passed, yet his facial features had not changed. They were still sharp and well-defined. Compared to before, he carried himself with greater composure and level-headedness.

But one thing had changed. I was no longer the person standing by his side.

Instead, beside him stood Blake Hayes. She was just as polished and elegant.

Blake, the daughter of the director of Pinnacle Hospital, had been friends with Roman since childhood. They looked perfect together.

I lowered my head, pretending not to see them, and quietly reached out to close the door.

Before I could close it, a force shoved against me. I almost lost my balance.

I steadied myself and looked up. Roman’s dark gaze met mine. He could easily detect the panic in my eyes.

He gave me a quick glance, then looked away. It was as though even one more look would taint his sight.

“It’s been years since we met. You don’t want to talk to me anymore?”

My heart pounded. There was so much I wanted to say, but in the end, all I said was, “Give me another five hundred thousand dollars.”

Roman froze for a moment. His once cold gaze shattered with fury. He grabbed my wrist. “We haven’t seen each other in five years, and now all you care about is money?”

Sharp and unrelenting pain shot through my wrist. It reached my heart, which made me tremble in pain.

“You’re a philanthropist now. I’m sure you’ve donated far more than this, and I’m sure that amount is enough to fund an entire library. For old times’ sake, please just lend me another five hundred thousand dollars.”

Roman took a deep breath. Just as he was about to speak, Blake wrapped her hand around his arm.

“Dear, is this your ex-girlfriend?”

She tilted her head and looked at me. There was a hint of pity in her voice.

“Do you really need to borrow five hundred thousand dollars?

“Ms. Celeste, I should thank you for giving up such an exceptional man. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met him.”

I stayed silent. I was already lost in memories of Roman and me.