All Chapters of If You Only Had 72 Hours to Live: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

The day I decided to donate my body to science, my family gathered around my adopted sister, Hailey, celebrating her acceptance into a cutting-edge experimental treatment program. The one with brain cancer was supposed to be me. But Hailey used my husband Zane's position at the hospital to swap her healthy medical records with my terminal diagnosis, stealing the one chance I had to survive.And the worst part? Everyone cheered her on.The pain became too much. I fought to stay present, only to overhear the nurses whispering, "It's a good thing Dr. Zane secured that spot for Hailey. They said she only had three days left."So, in the last 72 hours of my life, I quietly let go of everything.When I gave Hailey the original manuscripts of my novels I had poured my heart and soul into, my father and brother gave me a satisfied smile.When Zane decided to grant Hailey her dying wish by marrying her, he handed me the divorce papers. I signed without a moment's hesitation. He sighed and prai

When he heard what I said, Zane was so stunned he forgot to greet my father, brother, and Hailey, who were just returning.He rushed over and grabbed me, his face a picture of disbelief."Clara, you're really giving Hailey the villa?"This confused me.They had always sided with Hailey, giving her whatever she wanted, as if they would pluck the stars from the sky for her.If I ever disagreed, they would never give me the time of day.So why was it that now, when I was giving Hailey the very villa that symbolized the purest days of my love with Zane, they were the ones who couldn't understand?My father and brother crowded around me.My father's hand landed on my shoulder, heavy enough to make me stagger."Clara, I knew you were the kindest, most generous one!" he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't worry, we're just lending the house to Hailey for a little while. After she's gone…"My brother took Hailey's hand, his eyes glistening with tears. "Hailey, did you hear that? Clara i

Hailey was lounging in the master bedroom of the seaside villa, fresh from a soak in the whirlpool tub.She looked nothing like a woman with terminal cancer.Suddenly, a sharp, insistent knock echoed through the villa.Thinking it was a delivery, she opened the door, only for a man in a black suit to barge in.His expression was icy, his eyes like a viper's. A malicious smile played on his lips.The color drained from Hailey's face."What are you doing here?" she stammered, a flicker of fear in her eyes.The man sneered as he sank onto the sofa, crossing one leg casually over the other."So, how's it feel playing sick? Enjoying the mansion?""Let's cut the crap. Where's my money? I need that five hundred thousand."Hailey, clutching her bathrobe, leapt to her feet. "What are you talking about?" she snapped. "I don't owe you that much! We agreed on two hundred and fifty thousand!"The man glanced around the opulent villa with disdain."The price just went up. Today's the deadline. You d

Clara's father sat slumped in the leather sofa, his eyes staring blankly into space.His son, Ethan, had to call his name several times to pull him back to reality."What are you thinking about?" Ethan's voice was heavy with exhaustion.His father startled. "Any luck getting through to Clara?"Ethan shook his head. "Still off. It's been four days.""This isn't like her."His father's fingers drummed restlessly on the arm of the sofa.The day Clara signed the transfer papers and arranged Olivia's room, she had just vanished.No goodbye, no explanation.She had simply vanished.The old Clara would never have done this. She might get angry, give them the silent treatment, but she would never disappear completely.Unless… something had happened to her.Her father sat up straight. "How long has Clara been gone, exactly?"Ethan rubbed his temples. "Four days. Four whole days."A knot of dread tightened in his father's chest.The next morning, the father drove straight to the seaside villa."

For three silent days, Zane locked himself in his study, poring over Clara's medical reports again and again.Olivia hovered outside the door, wanting to knock but too afraid.She was young, but she could feel the atmosphere in the house had changed.And she knew that change had something to do with her mother.But Olivia refused to believe it. Her award-winning painting was still on the table, waiting for her mother's praise…Olivia hugged her knees, sitting on the floor outside the door. Tears welled in her eyes, but she didn't dare let them fall.She could only listen to the sounds of Zane smashing things inside.Just as Zane tore the last report to shreds, the doorbell rang. It was a woman in a sharp suit.He glanced through the peephole, intending to ignore it, but the bell rang again, persistently.Zane yanked the door open, annoyed. The woman before him had a serious expression and held a briefcase."Dr. Zane Pierce?""My name is Jessica. I was Clara's attorney. Please gather yo