Chapter 2

Winny POV

It's been two days, and every moment reminds me that I was the one responsible for the poisoning. I was even accused of poisoning my sister out of jealousy, but if it had stopped there, I would have felt a bit better. Unfortunately, Becky developed complications from the poisoning and urgently needs surgery.

I walked into Becky's room, and my heart shattered at the sight of her on the life support machine. I had strongly refused when they first told me, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm the one causing her more pain. "Are you really so heartless that you can see your sister like this and not feel the urge to help?" My mom's voice rang out from behind me. I turned to face her, and her face was puffy from crying.

I let out a sigh; I hate that all this weight is on my shoulders. "I would have donated without a second thought, but you're just the match." I didn't want to accept that, but as I looked at Becky, I felt utterly helpless.

I can't even begin to imagine the pain she's enduring, but why does it have to be me again? She's taken everything from me, and now she wants to take a kidney too? The doctor confirmed she needs kidney surgery because the poison has damaged her kidneys. Dad has already spent all his money trying to save Becky over these past few days, and I overheard that Mark is covering her medical bills, even though I haven't seen him in the last two days.

How could they be so sure I was the only one who could donate? Tears were streaming down my face; I was about to give up a kidney for my sister again, but I couldn't bear to see her in pain.

Mom turned to me, almost kneeling. "Please, don’t let my Becky die." I tried to push back the tears that were threatening to spill as I looked away. It always seemed to be about her. They had made it a point to emotionally blackmail me. Dad hadn’t said a word to me the whole time, and I felt like I had no choice but to agree.

"I’ll do it," I said through my tears, and Mom hugged me tightly, sobbing. Within minutes, I was getting ready for the surgery when Becky was wheeled in. She was awake now and smiling when our eyes met. Concern was written all over my face, but I couldn’t miss her victorious grin, so I looked away, not wanting her to get to me. She’s so fake and sly, and I just wanted to see her as the helpless sister going into this surgery.

"Hey sis," Becky called out to me as I watched the nurse get things ready just inches away when Mark strolled in. He entered with his usual charm, making my heart skip a beat. I hated it, but his presence felt right and comforting. He waved the nurses away, leaving us alone. He approached Becky and gave her a quick kiss, and I wished I hadn’t seen that, so I quickly turned my head. I tried hard to block out their voices, but they still lingered in my mind. "Baby, I don’t want to be here," I imagined her saying in that sly tone. My heart ached again as I closed my eyes.

I couldn’t deny that I still craved him after five years of being soulmates and friends.

He came over to my bedside, forcing me to turn. I refused to give him the satisfaction of showing my pain. I noticed the knowing smirk on his face, pleased that he still had that effect on me.

"I knew you were always kind," he began, placing his hand on my shoulder. My wolf stirred inside me, but I kept my cool.

"It’s a win for you anyway," I held back an eye roll, and he just grinned.

"I’ll see you after the surgery," he said before walking out. Why did he want to see me? I wanted to scream at him for the betrayal, but I didn’t have the strength. I needed to focus all my energy on coming out of this successfully.

"You know, you don’t have to do this and watch me die just so you can have him to yourself," Becky said, making me turn to her. "He was mine before you snatched him away." I defended myself, and she sarcastically clapped her hands.

"Do I need to remind you that you’re the imposter here? You fit into my life and nearly took everything from me; I’m just here to reclaim what’s mine." She smiled and added, "Need I remind you, I am gradually taking yours, starting with this and many more." She gestured with her hand, indicating the surgery.

Before I could grasp her words, the surgeon and nurses entered to commence the procedure. I turned to Becky, and she winked at me. My heart raced; I could hardly believe it, and it was too late. One of the nurses was speaking to me, but my mind was elsewhere, not registering his words. Suddenly, I felt lightheaded and slipped into oblivion.

I slowly opened my eyes, my mind blank, and I was filled with pain… that was when I remembered I had undergone surgery and one of my kidneys was gone. I looked around; I was no longer in the theater, but in a room that appeared abandoned yet tidy. I needed assistance; a drip was still attached to my hand, and I scanned the area for someone to call when the door burst open, and a familiar figure entered, the brightness behind him illuminating his approach. I felt relief at first, but then disappointment washed over me. Mark, what does he want now?

"You’re awake; I guessed my lucky charm was working for you already," Mark said, smiling and revealing his beautiful white teeth. "How is Becky?" I asked, feeling a bit anxious, hoping the surgery had been successful.

"Well, Becky is fine. Your parents are with her in the VIP ward," Mark tried to sound casual, but he didn’t miss the message he was conveying. I was no stranger to this treatment ever since Becky showed up a month ago. "You said you’d see me after the surgery; what is it?"

I went directly to the point; I didn’t want to look at his face for too long, and I understood that was the reason for his presence. "Oh, yes, you remembered, of course," he began, and I simply stared at him, wondering how I had overlooked this aspect of him during our time together. "Well, I wanted to discuss something with you," 

"Why?" His intense gaze was almost overwhelming, and I felt myself nearly melting under his scrutiny, prompting me to avert my eyes. "I have a proposal," he stated plainly, and I raised my eyes to meet his unwavering stare.

"Huh?" I replied, looking at him.

"I want to assist you," he continued. "I understand it’s difficult for you, especially with a family that has turned their back on you. The hospital has accumulated your bills because your father won’t pay, as he no longer has the funds to cover your expenses, and the doctor has informed me that you have developed complications that won’t be treated until your outstanding bills are settled, which your father cannot manage, but I will." 

I regarded him warily; he was serious. "Did you mention complications?" I inquired, tears beginning to flow down my cheeks. "Your family can’t pay because they believe you are responsible for your sister’s situation, and it’s karma coming back to you." I let out a small laugh, unable to comprehend what I was hearing. I felt devastated, but this was not the moment to break down. I needed a solution, and Mark was offering one. "Are you saying you’ll help pay my bills?" I asked him, blinking away the tears. "Yes," he nodded, "Just as I did for your sister," he added with a smirk.