Semua Bab Stardust to Ashes: Bab 1 - Bab 9

"All these years, I stayed by Marianne's side… only to atone for my sins."Cameron Mitchell's voice was as warm and gentle as ever, yet his words sent a chill through my entire body.So what I'd mistaken for redemption… was nothing but charity.In his heart, there had only ever been one woman—Lucy Wendell.Fine. I would step aside and give them my blessing.…The archive room door stood slightly ajar. Cameron's voice drifted out, thick with remorse."I had no choice. I already hurt Lucy once—I couldn't let anything happen to her mother, too. As for Marianne… I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to her."The deputy director's voice dropped, but the anger beneath was unmistakable."But that surgery seven years ago—you could've saved them both! You ripped out Marianne's mother's kidney just to give it to Lucy's mom! If this gets out, you won't just lose your license—you'll go to prison! All for a woman who never loved you back. Was it worth it?"Not even a second of hesit

Cameron had gone to extraordinary lengths to keep me from interfering with Lucy's medical aid work.The delicate breakfast spread before me turned my stomach. Without touching a bite, I pushed the tray aside and walked out.The law office was nearly empty. Within minutes, I held two copies of our divorce agreement.At the medical group's headquarters, nurses' whispers followed me:"Isn't that Dr. Mitchell's wife? That Van Cleef & Arpels necklace—he had it custom-made in Paris! I could never afford that in three lifetimes!""Dr. Mitchell's so successful, yet completely devoted to her. A real Prince Charming..."On the top floor, I paused outside the office door. Cameron's gentle voice carried through. "How has he been treating you?""Wonderfully," Lucy replied. "Just a few days ago, he agreed to donate the latest medical equipment to the African clinic. We've been married seven years, and he's still so thoughtful…"His voice dropped noticeably. "That's good… I've always worried

Brendan was so frantic he could barely keep still, stomping his foot before slapping the document down in front of him."This one—Marianne sent it to the hospital! You forged her signature to authorize the organ transplant for her mother all those years ago! Her number's been disconnected. I can't get in touch with her at all..."From the nearby fitting room, Lucy stepped out at the sound of the commotion.A flicker of disdain flashed across her eyes, quickly replaced by a mask of concern."What's wrong, Cameron? Is Marianne throwing a tantrum again? She's always been this way—so stubborn ever since college! You've spoiled her too much. Sometimes women need a firm hand."But don't worry, she's all alone now. Where could she possibly go? Once she calms down, she'll come back."She picked up a dress and held it against herself with a soft smile. "What do you think of this one? It'll go perfectly with the sapphire necklace you gave me."Cameron gave it a quick, distracted glance.

"Lucy knew full well that Marianne's mother was critically ill, yet she chose that exact moment to request an organ transplant. That wasn't coincidence—it was calculated. She used your feelings for her."I helped you forge that organ transplant agreement. That alone went against every principle I've sworn to uphold as a doctor. Now that Marianne has found out, maybe it's divine retribution. I'm sorry, but I can't help you anymore."Whether she forgives you or not, what's between you two… it's over. And deep down, you know that," the deputy director said.Cameron sank into the leather chair, his eyes hollow and unfocused.The deputy director rose to leave, but paused at the door. "There's one more thing you might want to think about."These past seven years, I've watched your life unfold. Maybe you're too close to see it clearly, but haven't you already fallen in love with Marianne?"When she didn't text back late at night, you were restless. When she didn't show up for a day, you

"I know I betrayed your trust. But please, believe me—ever since the day we got married, my heart hasn't belonged to her…"Cameron's hands trembled as he pulled out a document from his briefcase—a share transfer agreement for the medical center. The paper still carried the warmth of his palms.A bitter laugh escaped me."Cameron, do you really think that's enough? You married me just to stop me from ruining Lucy's wedding. You sacrificed my mother's life to save hers. And now you stand here saying you love me? Do you even believe in your own lies?"I stepped past him, but behind me came the heavy thud of knees hitting the wet pavement.When I turned, he was kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down his face."I'm sorry… I know I was wrong. I let obsession blind me. But I see it now—I've always loved you."I've cut all ties with Lucy. The charity projects have been terminated. Look, this is the transfer of equity. I'm giving you everything. Just give me one more chance…"I st