Stole My Kidney for His Crush

I flinched at the sound of footsteps, eyes straining to open.

Then came Bryson Schubert's voice—freshly arrived and ice-cold. It hit me like a slap.

"Mr. Schubert, are you sure? Your fiancée's always been frail. She might not survive losing a kidney."

That was his assistant. Kidney? Whose?

Before I could even think, Bryson stepped closer, voice like frost. "We've come this far for that kidney. Hurry—Lily can't wait."

My blood ran cold. He was really doing this—for Lily Khunt.

"Bryson... Bryson..."

I barely whispered his name, faking that out-cold vibe. He froze. The needle scratched my skin, and I flinched.

"Don't be scared, Kayla. I'm here. Just let the doctor check you. You're okay."

Yeah, right. Sensing I was waking up, he plunged the needle in.

As the anesthesia kicked in, tears slid down my face and hit his chest. Then—blackout.

The dream felt like it'd never end. Young Bryson, holding white roses, all sweet lies.

"Kayla, I'll love you forever. I'll protect you forever."

Then it twisted— Bryson, drenched in blood, ripping my kidney out.

He laughed. "You really thought I'd want some broke girl? I only got close for the kidney."

The scenes blurred, crashing into each other. I curled up, sobbing in the dark.

***

When I came to, I was in Bryson's arms. He stroked my face like he actually cared.

"It's okay, Kayla. You're safe. I saved you. The doctor said you'll be fine after some rest. Don't be scared."

His hands shook as he patted my back.

I almost believed him.

If I hadn't heard it all, I might've curled into his chest and spilled everything.

"Kayla, can you hear me?"

I stared at the ceiling, tears slipping down. Bryson freaked and called for doctors. The whole room froze.

"What's going on? Didn't you say besides the missing kidney, she was fine? Then why is she like this? I want answers!"

This was a Schubert-owned hospital. No one dared speak.

"I'm fine."

My voice was hoarse, but it yanked him right out of his fake panic.

He sat beside me, brushing my forehead. "Good, that's good. You don't know... Lily's been crying nonstop. She was so scared something happened to you. She's still out there waiting."

A fresh kidney and already dying for a grand entrance?

I clenched the cup as Bryson walked her in, holding her like she was made of glass.