Semua Bab Nice Try, But No Kidney: Bab 11 - Bab 17

"Luna, let me explain!" Hudson grabbed my arm, desperate. "I'm already looking for other ways to help Gabriel. I wasn't—"I didn't want to hear another word. If I listened any longer, I might throw up everything I ate yesterday.I kicked his leg, yanked my arm free, and bolted straight into the subway station.***The next day, I headed to the company. Since it was my first day, there wasn't much to do—just getting familiar with the workflow and meeting the team. By the end of the day, I had settled in well enough.That evening, as I got home, my landlord was waiting outside with a smile. "Ms. Lanford, I'm really sorry, but I can't rent this place to you anymore."I'm renovating it for my son's wedding. But don't worry! I have another place for you—same rent, same conditions!"I nodded. As long as the price stayed the same, I didn't care where I lived. Without much thought, I packed up my few belongings and left with him.But instead of another rental, he drove me straight into

I continued, "Talia Shea, I've never believed in gods or fate. But six months ago, when I found out you had kidney failure, I prayed every single day. I begged the universe to take me instead, so you wouldn't have to suffer."And when I learned our kidneys matched, do you know how happy I was? Because it meant you could live."I would've given you my kidney without hesitation. Hell, I would've given my life for you!"I fell silent, bitterness clawing at my chest. "But you lied. You were never sick. You and Hudson set me up just so I'd donate my kidney to Bianca's son..."I just don't get it, Talia. What did I do to deserve this? Was it because I wasn't beautiful enough? Because I was overweight?"Did you hate me that much? Enough to betray me like this—for a total stranger?"I let out a hollow laugh. "Your father works hard, I know that. But haven't I also given my all to this family? I poured my heart into everything—your food, your clothes, your home."And yet, to you and your

A few days later, it was Micah's birthday. I brought him a homemade cake.His eyes lit up as he snatched it and hid it away. "Not letting my classmates see this. They'll devour it. I'm taking it home."I laughed. This kid sure knew how to make someone feel good. It was just a cake, not some rare treasure.We were chatting when—bam—someone walked straight into me, spilling their drink all over my clothes. Great. I grabbed my spare outfit and headed upstairs to change.As I passed a quiet corner near the banquet hall, a hand shot out from behind a potted plant, grabbing me."Mom—"Talia.She looked like she was about to throw herself at me but froze when she saw my expression—cold, detached. Instead, she clung to the hem of my clothes, trembling. "Mom...""I'm not your mother anymore." I pulled away.Tears streamed down her face. "Please! I know I messed up! I'll change, I swear! Just don't leave me!"Funny. There was a time when a single tear from her would break me. Now? I fe