Chapter 1: Bone marrow implant

The sun was at its peak, yet Lissie stood outside her husband’s dim lit office, sweating from her forehead down to her neck. The door was slightly opened. Lissie held onto her belly tight, nibbling her lower lip whilst listening to two people talking inside. 

Dr. Lando Hemsworth is inside having a tense conversation with her husband Colton Vistagra. “Why has her situation gotten worse out of the blue, Doctor?” Worry lies in his eyes. “How many more blood transfusions does she need?” 

The doctor shook his head before sighing heavily. “It's a blood transfusion needed, Mr. Vistagra. A bone marrow implant is the only way,” he paused momentarily. “But the tricky part here is, you might lose the baby. If the baby survives, it might face several handicaps throughout the pregnancy. Keep in mind that Missus Vistagra's life will also be in great danger.” 

Lissie saw how Colton's eyes were piercing thoroughly. His cold, regal stares were penetrating her heart. Colton was fidgeting his fingers until his hands turned into a fist. “I don’t want any pregnancy anymore. Schedule an operation ASAP.” 

Upon hearing that, Lissie hurriedly ran to her room, locked the door before glancing at the full body mirror against her. She stared at her arms, there were some small bruises and traces of syringe infiltration in her skin. Ah, of course she's being played again! 

‘No wonder why I've been feeling drained and always sleepy lately. All the gestures he showed me were all lies! I thought his feelings were genuine and pure, and yet he's scheming and stealing my blood without my knowledge! He wants only my body, he wants to use and destroy me!’ Lissie’s tears welled up on her eyes. Her heart ached at the sudden thought. There’s no way Colton would take their baby away from her. 

Lissie solemnly cradles her belly. Her baby is due soon. She promised she will protect it no matter what it takes. 

*** 

In the garden, Lissie was sitting down on the chair as the cold breeze oozed her skin. She hasn't taken breakfast yet, and she has no appetite eating after a huge piece of information she found out. On the other hand, she was taken aback to see Colton behind her with a tray in his hand. 

“Ember said you didn't take your breakfast. Now, have this. It's good for your health.” He affirmed before taking the plates one by one on the table. 

She observed how her husband treats her. He's gentle, far from the real Colton he witnessed last night. 

Ever since they set up to marry, Colton has been always making decisions with Lissie following obediently with no objections. But today, the unusual gentleness Colton showed Lissie made her uncomfortable. 

‘Wake up, Lissie! This monster is ready to trade your baby's life! Don’t fall for his trojan traps’ With that thought, Lissie jerked on the bowl along with the tray. Shattered glasses fell on the ground, mirroring their fragment relationship. 

Astonishment appeared in his eyes. He was surprised by Lissie's recent behavior. “What's wrong? Should we call Dr. Lando?” 

“So he could take more of my blood discreetly?” An awkward silence crept the garden. Lissie was ogling at Colton, challenging him with furious and anxious eyes. 

Colton's demeanor changed as a retort to her defiance. Colton tapped his both hands on the table, making Lissie flinch whilst leaning closer toward her. 

Her hands were trembling. Now, she got the answer she wanted. A harsh reality was bestowed upon her. “Now that you know my plans, then you should know that you have no options but to abide by.” 

Colton Vistagra, the fearsome CEO, now showed his real colors. Nobody dared to cross him. Indeed, he was feared by many. He will not get a title for becoming the most deadliest businessman in the country for no reason. 

Tears trickled down Lissie's eyes the moment she met Colton's ballistic eyes. Her heart is seemingly gripped by tightness, making it difficult for her to breathe. Colton's gentle way disappeared. He took his face back before coolly adding, “I can't do anything anymore now that you're aware. Just tell me your price, I'll pay you triple.” 

‘Is tripling the price could weigh our child's worth? He’s wicked. He has no heart and is selfish!’ Lissie kept thinking about that certain thought. 

Colton took the tissue. He wiped some fragments of the food that was poured in his shirt before swerving off. 

Lissie stood up. She crumbled against Colton's back as a thought kept on lingering in her mind. ‘Did he even love me? Was our marriage even real? God, Lissie! You're so stupid to get played!’ 

“Who is she? Tell me.” Lissie mumbled, trying to understand who was the woman who weighs more than the life of their unborn child, “is she way more important than me? Than our baby?” Her lips were shaking, and her knees felt weak, it feels like she will faint anytime from now. 

Colton ceased. He clicked his tongue before craning his neck, clenching his jaw before ogling at his wife with his menacing stares. “It’s none of your business,” He coldly affirmed then added, “the scheduled surgery is two days from now. Even if you run away from me, I'll go any lengths to come and find you. Don't make a foolish move. Make a wise decision, Lissie. You don't want to die young, don't you?” 

Lissie's shoulder fell on the floor the moment Colton left her at the garden. As expected, she fainted on the cold, hard as fuck floor. 

Her heart was bleeding. She couldn't accept that just inside the two days, the life she took care of inside her womb for nine months would perish. 

Thinking another woman was involved, Lissie stands no place in Colton's heart. She thought everything Colton showed her was real. Her best friend once said there are no loyal men left in which she once protested. But now that Lissie experienced the same shit her best friend had, Lissie painfully agreed.