Chapter 5

When Bella opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Seth's worn, haggard face.

Seeing her awake, his voice softened—just slightly. "I didn't save you... because Faye is sick."

Her voice was calm, almost distant. "I understand."

Seth let out a barely audible sigh before continuing, "You still have the kidney donation in a few days. You need to take care of yourself."

A bitter smile flickered across her lips. So that's why he'd stayed to look after her—he was afraid an injury would delay the operation for Faye.

After a moment of silence, he added, "No matter what happens, I won't forget my promise. Even after I marry, I'll protect you. Always."

Bella raised her eyes slightly at that.

In her heart, she quietly answered, 'Too bad. I don't need that anymore.'

The rest of the day, Seth never came back. Bella sat alone, waiting for the IV drip to finish. She checked herself out of the hospital by herself.

Just as she completed the discharge papers, a stretcher rushed past her toward the emergency room.

She caught a glimpse of Seth running beside it—his face tight with panic.

And on that stretcher… was Faye.

Her mind suddenly blanked.

In her previous life, she hadn't donated the kidney, and Faye had died.

But now—she was willing to donate. So why was Faye still being wheeled into the ER?

She didn't have time to search for answers. She just ran.

At the emergency room doors, Seth sat with his head bowed, fingers tapping anxiously on the bench, his whole frame radiating tension.

Bella asked what had happened. Only then did she learn that Faye had a clotting disorder. She'd gotten dizzy while showering, fallen, and hit her head on the tub. The impact had caused internal bleeding.

Not long after, a doctor emerged from the emergency room.

"She's lost a lot of blood. Is there any family who can donate?"

Seth stood up instantly. "I will!"

"What's your blood type?" the doctor asked. "The patient is Rh-negative."

At that, Seth's face turned ghostly pale. His voice came out trembling. "I'm type B."

Rh-negative blood was rare, like a red wolf's. And of everyone there, only Bella had it.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward. "I'm Rh-negative. I'll do it."

The memories of her last life were still vivid. She had come so far—she couldn't let things play out the same way again.

Led by the nurse, she gave a full thousand milliliters of blood.

As the last drop drained, her vision went black. She collapsed in the donation room.

When she came to, she was alone. The room was silent.

She tore the IV from her hand and got out of bed, barefoot, hurrying toward Faye's ward.

Just as she reached the door, a tender scene met her eyes.

Seth held Faye tightly, his voice choked with emotion. "You're okay… you're okay…"

Faye, pale and weak, managed a faint smile. "Seth, if I had died, at least it would've freed you to be with Bella. Why are you doing all this?"

Seth shook his head, solemnly pulling her hand to his chest. "Faye, don't say things like that. Do you hear this? My heart only beats for you. Don't bring up people who have nothing to do with us to hurt what we have. This life and every life after… I'll only love you."

Hearing that, Bella's heart jerked violently in her chest. It was real—sharp, physical pain. She leaned against the wall, sorrow washing over her eyes.

Softly, as if only for herself, she murmured, "This time… the tragedy won't repeat."