Landing Before Dawn

Just after proposing to Michelle, Parker Browning hurried to the hotel. It was because his little mistress outside had sent him a message about booking a room.

The next second, Michelle received a short room video from the mistress. Her heart turned to ashes, but she neither cried nor made a fuss.

She simply buried the engagement ring Parker gave her and shredded all their photos together.

Then she dialed her biological mother's number, "Mom, I'm willing to leave here and return home to acknowledge my roots."

"Sweetheart, are you really not planning to return and acknowledge your roots? No matter how good your adoptive parents are, it's not the same as your own family!" Amid the bustling street noises, Michelle listened to her biological mother's pleading on the phone, her gaze unconsciously darkening.

Just when Anya Diesel thought she would refuse her request again, Michelle suddenly sighed, "Mom, I'm willing to go home and acknowledge my roots."

After a brief silence, Anya was ecstatic, "Sweetheart, have you finally come around?"

"Hm." Michelle's tone was calm. "It's not good for me to keep staying at my adoptive parents' home. Give me a month. I'll handle things here and then go home."

Anya wiped away tears of joy. Michelle consoled her a bit before hanging up.

The clock struck twelve and fireworks burst into the sky, quickly spelling out: [Happy Birthday, Michelle.]

The screen on the department store instantly switched to Parker's personal interview, "Mr. Browning, you're so young and accomplished. Why have you chosen to marry now, during your career peak?"

Hearing the host's question, Parker's eyes were filled with smiles, "Because my girlfriend is wonderful and I can't wait to marry her."

The host, stuffed with public displays of affection, couldn't help but smile shyly as the audience burst into exclamations of awe, "It seems Mr. Browning has it all, success in both work and love! If you could say something to your girlfriend now, what would it be?"

At those words, Parker's gaze, filled with a smile, pierced through the screen, looking directly at her, "Michelle, happy birthday! Marry me!"

At the same time, a line of Bentleys stopped in front of Michelle. Parker stepped out of one, approached her and knelt on one knee.

Parker, usually composed, had reddened eyes and his hand holding the ring trembled slightly. His expression was solemn and devout, "Michelle, marry me!"

People around stopped to watch, their voices full of envy, "What a perfect man! Knowing the real daughter of the Smith Family was just found, he went right away to cancel the engagement with Janet. And now he's proposing to Michelle in public!"

"This is too much love! I declare Parker as the most reliable man of the year!"

"Parker Browning, a dream man!"

"Marry him!"

...

The deafening 'Marry him' chants echoed around. Michelle caught the scent of a woman's perfume on him, a fragrance that wasn't hers. Her eyes moistened as a trace of ridicule flickered beneath.

She couldn't comprehend how this man, who showered her with endless love, could have secretly climbed into bed with her socalled sister.

She had loved Parker for ten years, ever since coming to the Smith Family. Parker remembered every one of her birthdays, preparing gifts a month in advance.

He remembered every one of her menstrual cycles, offering her a cup of warm brown sugar ginger tea when she was in pain, tenderly holding her to massage her lower abdomen.

Even after the real daughter of the Smith Family, Janet, returned, he fearlessly canceled the engagement between the Browning and Smith families and firmly chose her, the adoptive daughter.

Michelle once thought Parker was her destined one. Until one day, she accidentally caught him and Janet in motion in the underground parking lot.

The intense swaying of the car and the obscene moaning made her sick to her stomach. In that moment, Michelle wanted to rush up and confront him, but she froze in place when she heard Parker say, "You're more fun than her."

Thinking of this, Michelle couldn't stop her tears.

Parker, panicked, wiped her tears and cautiously asked, "What's wrong? Don't you like this ring?"

Michelle shook her head like a rattle drum, suppressing the pain in her heart as she asked, "Parker, do you love me?"

"Silly, of course I love you." Parker hugged her tenderly, his voice filled with doting affection. "Michelle, let's get married. I want to build a home with you."

Suddenly, his phone rang. When Parker glanced at the caller ID, his expression stiffened and his eyes glinted with a hint of desire. However, facing Michelle, he offered an apologetic look, "Michelle, it's an urgent matter at work ..."

"It's my birthday today. Can't you stay with me?" Michelle stared directly at Parker.

Parker chuckled lightly and ruffled her hair, "Be a good girl. Wait for me at home."

Michelle watched Parker's hurried departure, her emotional defenses slowly crumbling. The next second, a message from Janet arrived, showing the room booking receipt for her and Parker. [Parker is going to play some bedtime games with me tonight, Michelle, do you have any recommendations?]

In an instant, Michelle felt as if her heart had been stabbed. Silently, she took off the ring from her hand. Anything that could be taken away never truly belonged to her.

Feeling dazed, Michelle walked back home. Just as she reached the apartment's entrance, she saw the violently rocking car at the corner.

The car window, half rolled down, had a slender hand resting on it—a hand wearing the very ring Parker had just proposed to her with. Struck like lightning, Michelle's trembling fingers dialed Parker's number.

Inside the car, the man, still unsated, frowned impatiently. But when he saw the caller ID, his gaze softened into tenderness.

"Where are you?" Michelle asked through trembling lips.

Parker replied softly, "Almost home, honey. If you're sleepy, go ahead and rest."

Tears streamed down Michelle's cheeks. She opened her mouth but could only force out an 'Okay' before ending the call, her quiet sobs filling the void.

How could he be so brazen, bringing Janet here to cheat right under her nose?

"Aren't you afraid of my sister finding out about us?" Janet's coy voice drifted out.

His words were answered by more fervent and passionate gasps, "Who's the little seductress luring me in, huh? Seducing your sister's fiancé, how shameless can you get!"

Janet gasped in mock surprise, bashfully replying, "It only because my future brotherinlaw took the bait!"

Half an hour passed before the car finally quieted.

Michelle felt her blood surge to her head, her limbs cold and trembling as she dragged her numb body back into the apartment.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Parker followed shortly after, entering the house and hugging Michelle from behind. When he reached for her hand, he noticed it was bare, "Michelle, where's your ring?"

Michelle said calmly, "I took it off."

"Why would you take it off? Did I do something wrong to upset you?" Parker sounded flustered.

Michelle casually responded, "It's too precious, so I put it away."

Hearing this, Parker smiled helplessly, "Silly, how can a ring be more precious than you? Besides, I personally designed this ring for you, it's a testament to our love."

"Come on, put it back on," Parker said.

Michelle feigned a yawn, her tone listless, "Tomorrow. I'm getting ready to shower and sleep."

The next morning, when she woke up, Parker seemed to have forgotten about the matter entirely. Together, they drove to the Smith Family home.

Having proposed the day before, today was naturally the time to visit his future inlaws. As soon as they arrived, Janet cheerfully pounced on Parker.

Instinctively, he caught her, but after a brief pause, he tossed her to the ground, "How improper! Do you still think you're a little kid?" Parker frowned darkly and reprimanded her in a deep voice.

Janet, rubbing her bruised bottom, looked aggrieved and pitiful, "I'm sorry, Parker. I just got home and feel insecure. Seeing an old playmate, I couldn't help but get close."

Parker remained unmoved, his tone cold, "You're an adult now, stop using childhood as an excuse. Michelle might misunderstand." The hand that held Michelle's suddenly tightened, causing her pain.

Her eyes flickered with faint mockery. He had shared such intimacy with her behind her back but insisted on acting righteous in front of her. How absurd!

Hearing the commotion, the Smith's couple arrived to see their biological daughter upset and immediately turned their anger on Michelle, "Janet just reunited with us, it's understandable she might not know better. Michelle, as her older sister, you should let things go. How could you make her feel wronged?"

Adele said, "Don't forget what the Smith Family did for you. You can't turn your back on our kindness just because you've found someone influential!"

Lowering her gaze, Michelle concealed the disappointment in her eyes. She had heard such words no fewer than a hundred times this past month.

Ever since Smith's couple found their longlost daughter, Janet, their favoritism had been glaringly obvious. They seemed to forget the vows they made when they adopted her from the orphanage, that they would treat her as their own, loving her like a biological daughter.

Parker's face darkened like a storm brewing. Pulling Michelle behind him protectively, he snapped, "Enough! This was Janet's fault to begin with. Why blame Michelle?" His thin lips curved into a sarcastic smile.

Sensing his displeasure, Janet quickly stepped in to mediate, her eyes brimming with flattery, "Parker, don't be upset. This is all our fault. My sister is so magnanimous, she won't mind, right?"

Adele glared sharply at Michelle, her gaze filled with implicit threats.

Forcing a bitter smile, Michelle shifted the subject, "I'm hungry. Let's eat first."

At the dining table, Janet seized the seat next to Parker and clung to his arm.

Looking up, she coyly said to Michelle, "Michelle, Parker and I haven't seen each other in years. I want to sit close to him. You don't mind, do you?"

Parker frowned and was about to refuse. But under the cover of her thick clothes, Janet secretly pressed a sensitive trigger point.

Parker's expression immediately turned subtle. His body stiffened and he didn't dare to move.

Michelle's face went pale, her nails digging deep into her palms. Forcing a weak smile, she said with great effort, "I don't mind." But how could she not?

To see her fiancé openly flirting with her younger sister was enough to enrage anyone. Even more so for someone like Michelle, who still harbored some hope for Parker.

The meal felt tasteless to Michelle. As soon as it was over, she couldn't wait to leave that suffocating house.

On the drive back, she sat silently, staring out at the passing scenery.

At a red light, Michelle caught sight of a young couple by the roadside taking wedding photos. The bride's radiant smile pierced her heart, bringing tears to her eyes. So, this was how much she craved happiness.

"Honey, don't envy them. Tomorrow, we'll take our wedding photos too. I'll make you the happiest bride in the world," Parker whispered sweetly into her ear, kissing away her tears.

Michelle didn't refuse. Instead, she posted a photo of the two of them on her social media with the caption: [Tomorrow's the big day, my wedding photoshoot! I'm so excited!] She wanted to see if, come tomorrow, they'd truly take those photos.

The next morning, Michelle woke early, only to find the space beside her already empty.

All that remained was breakfast on the table and a note: [Honey, I'm sorry! Something urgent came up at work. Let's reschedule the photoshoot for tomorrow.]

She touched the bowl of breakfast, it was still warm. He hadn't left long ago.

Turning on the car's dashboard camera, Michelle saw it all, crystal clear. Her fiancé cheating with her younger sister played out like a script repeating itself again and again.

Tears blurred her vision as she quietly threw the breakfast into the trash and turned off the footage. Those obscene noises, like her lingering feelings for Parker, were abruptly silenced.

When Parker returned that night, he was surprised to find Michelle hadn't prepared dinner, an unusual occurrence.

He searched the entire apartment but didn't find her. Panic seized him and he rushed out to look for her.

Finally, he spotted her returning from the direction of the cemetery, looking utterly lost and broken.

Relieved, he strode forward and enveloped her in his arms, his voice filled with concern, "Why didn't you call me to go with you to see your mom's grave?"

Parker didn't know Michelle had recently reunited with her biological mother. He assumed she had been visiting the grave of her longlost biological parent, who was likely deceased.

Michelle quietly extricated herself from his embrace, her voice calm, "Just went to bury some things."

"What this time? A flower or old belongings?" Parker chuckled. He always found her belief in superstitions amusing.

She didn't reply but answered silently in her heart. Of course, I buried all the love I had for you.

Parker took her hand as they returned to the apartment, but his attention was glued to his phone, occasionally responding to messages.

Michelle tilted her head, observing him. She couldn't understand. Though he was right there beside her, holding her hand firmly and warmly, it felt like he didn't belong to her.

Meanwhile, her phone began vibrating incessantly. It was Janet, sending a string of photos, used condoms, thirteen in total. The last image was of Janet's body, covered in suggestive marks.

[Michelle, does Parker treat you like this too?]

[Oh, silly me! I forgot, Parker hasn't even touched you yet.]

Michelle's fingers trembled uncontrollably as she scrolled through the images, her eyes red. In just one day, Parker had slept with Janet thirteen times! Was his desire truly that insatiable?

Noticing her pale complexion, Parker looked at her with concern, "Honey, are you feeling unwell?"

Her tears fell uncontrollably, like broken strings of pearls, but she forced herself to lie, "No, I'm just missing my mom too much."

She wasn't fully lying. Michelle truly longed to reunite with her biological mother and never see Parker again.

Parker let out a faint chuckle but still coaxed her patiently, "Don't cry, my love. Seeing you cry breaks my heart."

Before Michelle could respond, the apartment's door suddenly swung open. A figure darted in and threw itself before them, "Michelle! Parker! I had a fight with Mom and Dad. Can I stay over tonight?" Janet's wide eyes brimmed with tears as she pouted pitifully.

The warmth that had just barely returned to Michelle's heart froze again. Her mind swirled with the images of the photos Janet had sent earlier.

Beside her, Parker's body went rigid and his face clouded with irritation, "No, you can't."

Janet's expression fell instantly and she turned her pleading gaze toward Michelle, "Sis, would you really let me sleep on the streets?"

Parker shielded Michelle, his brow furrowing deeply, "Don't guilttrip your sister! Janet, what nonsense are you trying to pull now? You can leave, right this minute! This house doesn't welcome you!" He had once sworn that this home would bear traces of only one woman, Michelle.

Janet's face showed disappointment as her teary almond eyes darted toward Michelle, harboring a subtle hint of menace, "Michelle, if Mom and Dad find out you didn't let me stay, they'll come after you again. You wouldn't want to upset them, would you?"

Michelle moved Parker aside and replied evenly, "You can stay."

Janet's face lit up with glee, but it quickly froze as Michelle added, "There's just one correction I'd like to make. They're your parents, not mine."

The unnatural calm in her tone unsettled Parker. For the first time, he sensed that she had changed. She began to care less about the relationship between her and her adoptive parents and even ... she cared less about him.

That night, as they lay in bed, Parker instinctively leaned in to kiss Michelle, but she avoided him.

His panic flared instantly, reddening his eyes. Holding her tightly, he rasped, "Honey, did I upset you? Was it because we didn't take the wedding photos today?"

Michelle broke free from his hold, her gaze unwavering as she suddenly smiled, "Parker, my friend got cheated on. She found out her fiancé was sleeping with another woman. What do you think she should do?"

Parker frowned, "So you've been bothered about your friend's issue lately?"

"Yes," she said casually.

Parker heaved a sigh of relief, "What's there to think about? Why would any woman be foolish enough to marry a cheating man? She should break up with him right away! Once unfaithful, he's forever untrustworthy. Isn't that common sense?"

"Break up?" Michelle's heart clenched. "But they've been together for so many years. Is it really worth it to just end it?"

Parker shrugged, "It depends on your friend's awareness. Realizing the truth about someone after a few years is worth it."

"Mm," she responded.

Taking ten years to see someone for who they truly are was better than wasting a lifetime. Parker, these were your own words. Once unfaithful, forever untrustworthy.

In the dead of night, Michelle awoke with a start, only to realize she had noisecanceling headphones on. But they didn't block out the sound coming from downstairs.

Under the faint glow of the dim light, two familiar figures writhed together, lost in their own world.

The creaking of the bedframe echoed sharply in her ears, each sound cutting into her heart.

The man who had sworn just the night before to love her for a lifetime was now, before her very eyes, entangled in an intimate act with her sister. The scene churned Michelle's stomach with disgust.

"Parker, you're so bad! Sneaking into my room in the middle of the night to do this. Aren't you afraid my sister will find out?" Janet's voice quivered, broken by breathy gasps as Parker relentlessly continued, almost as if he wanted to drive her past her limits.

He replied, "Who came to my house to seduce me first? You changed your mind now? You wish!"

Michelle crouched on the ground, clutching her mouth to muffle her sobs as tears spilled uncontrollably down her face.

Her cries, filled with despair, tore at her throat until it felt raw and stung. Why did it still hurt so much after she had already decided to let go?

Parker, how could you treat me this way? At sixteen, you shyly wrote me a heartfelt love letter. At eighteen, you held my hand and promised to love me forever.

Did you forget all of that? Her weeping drained all her strength, leaving her collapsed on the bed, tears flowing silently until dawn.

Before the first light of day, Parker finally returned, his body carrying an overpowering scent of women's perfume, "Come on, sleepyhead. It's time to get up and head to the beach for our wedding photos," he said as if nothing had happened.

Michelle responded with a soft mumbling, but the redness of her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.

Parker assumed her low mood stemmed from her 'friend's' issue and gently reassured her. He said, "Don't be upset, sweetheart. Some relationships are meant to end when the timing is right. But with the same timing, the right person will also appear." Michelle gazed deeply at him but remained silent.

Half an hour later, Michelle was ready to leave. However, she discovered Parker and Janet waiting by the door.

Janet flashed a pleading smile and clung to her arm, "Michelle, can I join you two at the beach for the photoshoot?"

Michelle's lips curved into a faint smile. Her eyes lingered on Janet's suitcase for a moment before she asked, "What if I say no? Will you not come?"

Parker hadn't expected her refusal and stumbled over his words in a panic, "I … I'm sorry, darling. I only agreed because she's your sister. If you don't want her to join, it'll just be the two of us. Don't be mad, okay?"

Janet's forced smile wavered, on the verge of tears. She began employing her usual pitiful tactics.

Yet, to her surprise, Michelle suddenly laughed aloud, "Why are you two so nervous? Relax, I was joking."

Her eyes narrowed as she added mockingly, "Unless you're feeling guilty about something you're hiding from me?"

Parker's demeanor shifted subtly, his eyes betraying his unease as he blurted out, "Of course not!" But Michelle ignored him, turning and walking straight to the car, leaving the two behind.

The drive to the beach was filled with silence as Michelle stared at the ocean ahead. The salty breeze lifted some of the weight off her heart.

Parker, however, fidgeted anxiously. Pulling her into his arms, he whispered, "Sweetheart, she's your sister in name. If we didn't bring her, I was afraid people might think you're jealous of Janet."

The excuse was so laughable that Michelle couldn't suppress a smirk. Jealous? How could he be so good at making excuses for himself! Michelle pulled the corners of her lips and said nothing.

Her silence pushed Parker into desperation. His eyes reddened with emotion as he asked, "Sweetheart, do you not love me anymore?"

"And do you love me?" Michelle's smile turned faintly amused, her gaze tinged with icy sarcasm.

"Of course I do! No one in this world will ever love you more than I do!" Parker's voice brimmed with conviction, his sharp eyes filled with what seemed like sincerity.

But Michelle knew she'd rather have never believed that sincerity shining in his eyes.

"I'm tired. Let me rest for a while," Michelle said.

Just as she expected, Parker and Janet wasted no time indulging in their inappropriate behavior, even on a boat.

The pain in her heart turned to cold determination as Michelle pressed the record button on her phone. It wasn't until the boat docked that their frenzy finally stopped.

While Michelle was in the backstage room preparing for the photoshoot, Janet handed her an ornate box and said, "Michelle, this is my engagement gift for you. I just know you'll love it," Janet said, her smile brimming with smugness before she walked off, looking as proud as a peacock.

Staring at the box for a long moment, Michelle hesitated. She couldn't imagine anything good inside, her heart aching faintly.

Summoning her courage, she opened it. An overwhelming stench hit her immediately, six used condoms and a tattered piece of vulgar lingerie. The revulsion was so strong that Michelle retched, her face turning deathly pale.

Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Janet: [Do you like the gift? Parker loved it.]

Eyes burning with unshed tears, Michelle let out a bitter laugh before anger overtook her, causing a mouthful of blood to spill from her lips.

At that very moment, Parker walked into the room, his face alarmed as he saw her, "Honey! Why are you coughing up blood?" Parker's voice was panicked as he swept her into his arms, carrying her towards the boat.

"We're not taking any photos! We're going to the hospital now," he murmured, more to himself than to her.

Michelle resisted his hold, managing a faint smile, "I'm fine."

Parker's face darkened with rare seriousness, "Honey, I forbid you to neglect your health like this."

Under his insistent demands, she was taken to the hospital. It was only when the doctor's report confirmed that Michelle was unharmed that Parker finally relaxed.

"I told you there was no way something could happen to my sister," Janet said, tone sweet yet cloying, but her words were interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Smith couple.

the Smith couple looked worried and nervously checked Janet's body, "What happened? Why are you at the hospital? Janet, say something! Don't scare your mom!"

"Michelle! Is this how you look after your sister? She's ended up in the hospital under your care! What kind of older sister are you?" Adele scolded her.

Michelle stood silently, watching the trio's dramatic display. Her face was cold, but there was a trace of scorn in her eyes.

So that's how it was, ten years of being raised by them was worth less than one blood tie.

Parker stepped forward, unable to bear her being wronged, "It was Michelle who wasn't feeling well and she's the one who needed a checkup. What does this have to do with Janet?" he said icily, gripping Michelle's hand tighter, a gesture of support.

"Mrs. Smith, your blatant favoritism is truly shocking," he added, his words hitting their mark as embarrassment flashed across Adele's face.

Looking at them with icy resolve, Michelle spoke slowly and deliberately, "You're right, I've never acted like an older sister. And I'll say it clearly, I have no sister. Janet will never be my sister."

She continued, "Since you've found your biological daughter, don't come looking for me anymore. As for the gratitude I owe you for raising me, I will repay it soon."

Seeing her resolve, Adele softened her tone, "Michelle, dear, that was wrong of me just now, but you should've told us beforehand. That's why I misunderstood!"

"We're family, why bring up repaying debts? Janet will need your and Parker's help in the future. Your father and I can't always be here for her, after all …" she pleaded.

"Michelle, you can't be so selfish as a person," Adele said.

…

Every word stabbed deep into Michelle's heart. She felt an overwhelming bitterness, like a fishbone lodged in her throat, rendering her unable to speak.

"Alright, alright. Dad, Mom, don't blame her anymore. It's all my fault," Janet interjected pitifully, stepping in to play peacemaker. Her frail demeanor immediately won over the Smith couple, their concern shifting entirely to her.

Watching the trio fuss over each other like a loving family, Michelle lowered her gaze.

A wave of nausea surged through her and before she could stabilize herself, her world spun, darkness overtaking her as she fainted.

When she opened her eyes again, Parker was the only one by her bedside, "Where are they?" Michelle asked indifferently.

She was curious. Just moments ago, those people had been imploring her with righteous moral appeals. Now they couldn't even keep up the facade?

Parker held her hand tightly, his eyes full of concern, "Janet fainted too, out of grief because you passed out. Your parents are with her in the next room."

The news evoked no reaction from her. Instead, Michelle turned her gaze to the window.

Swallows were beginning to return, a sign that spring was approaching. Her spring was near as well.

Parker grew increasingly uneasy seeing her detached indifference, as if the oncevibrant Michelle was slipping away from him. Something intangible yet precious was draining from his grasp.

Before he could speak further, Michelle cut in, her voice firm and cold, "They're not my parents. They're Janet's parents."

"Alright, alright." Parker played along, attributing her remarks to the pain caused by her foster parents' favoritism.

The door to the hospital room swung open abruptly. The Smith couple burst in with frantic urgency.

"What are you doing here?" Parker growled, his expression darkening like a storm.

Ignoring his hostility, they dropped to their knees before Michelle, wailing and pleading, "Michelle, the doctor says your sister has endstage renal disease. She needs a kidney to survive! As her elder sister, you must save her!"

"Your father and I are on our knees begging you! Can you really bear to watch us lose our daughter? If you agree to donate your kidney to Janet, I'll put you on the Smith Family's card registry, alright?"

…

Their cries drew a crowd outside the room. Onlookers gathered at the door, craning their necks to catch the unfolding drama.

Once, the mere mention of being added to the family registry would have been enough for Michelle to gratefully offer everything, even her life, to the Smith Family.

But now, she watched impassively, coldly observing their theatrical performance and their frustration when guilttripping her failed.

Turning to Parker, her gaze sharp, she asked bluntly, "And you? Do you think I should give my kidney to Janet?"

Parker hesitated briefly, then shut the door to exclude the prying eyes. Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered, "Honey, all I want is for you to stay healthy. What does anyone else's life have to do with me?"

"But …" Parker faltered slightly, his tone uneasy. "Janet is still your sister. If you don't save her today, I'm afraid you might regret it in the future."

"My Michelle is so kind, how could you live the rest of your life tormented by guilt? So, darling, you need to think this through carefully." His earnest gaze seemed to transfer all decisionmaking power to her.

Michelle curled her lips into a mocking smile, a flicker of derision flashing in her eyes.

He clearly wanted her to save Janet, yet he cloaked it in the guise of concern, slyly trying to trap her with morality.

Hypocrisy at its peak. Michelle exhaled slowly before forcing out a single, grudging word, "Alright."

She then turned to the Smith couple, her tone calm and collected, "I agree to donate my kidney." A single kidney, a fair exchange to settle her debt to the Smith Family for raising her.

After agreeing to donate, the Smith couple's treatment of her abruptly improved. Every day, they showered her with care and attention, providing the best food and drink.

Of course, this affection was directed not toward her but toward the kidney she was about to surrender.

Two days before the surgery, Michelle quietly packed her meager belongings.

The couplethemed items, matching clothes, cups, shoes, that once symbolized her and Parker's relationship, she discarded without hesitation, dumping them unceremoniously into the trash bin downstairs.

When Parker came home from work and saw their halfemptied apartment, he couldn't help but laugh, "Honey, are you planning to move the entire house to the hospital? There's really no need for this, you can just let me know whatever you need and I'll buy it for you."

Michelle perfunctorily hummed in agreement, though what she truly wanted to say was, Parker, I won't be bothering you anymore after this.

Noticing her sadness, Parker encircled her waist with his arms and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, "Darling, you've worked so hard. Once this surgery is over, let's get married, alright?"

His face lit up with anticipation as he enthusiastically discussed wedding plans, only to be abruptly interrupted by Michelle, "A wedding without wedding photos, what's there to look forward to?"

Parker merely thought she was throwing a childish tantrum and chuckled indulgently, "You're absolutely right. In that case, we'll take the wedding photos first ..."

"Parker," Michelle suddenly called his name softly.

Momentarily caught off guard, Parker responded with confusion, "Hmm? What is it?"

"Do you remember what you told me when I turned eighteen?" Michelle asked earnestly, her eyes calm yet unwavering.

Parker answered confidently, "Of course! I said I'd love only you in this life, treat only you well and never betray you!"

She asked, "What if you do betray me?"

He said, "Then let me lose you forever." Michelle locked eyes with him for a long time, her intense gaze stirring a rare unease in Parker.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated, breaking the heavy silence. She glanced at the screen briefly before turning it off.

"You're not checking your messages?" Parker asked with concern.

"It's just spam," she replied indifferently, her voice steady. Yet her fingers betrayed her, trembling ever so slightly. It wasn't spam. It was a message from Janet, accompanied by photos.

In the pictures, Janet wore a pristine white wedding gown, her face radiating sweetness and shyness as she leaned intimately against Parker's chest. To an outsider, they might as well have been the actual betrothed couple.

[Michelle, I took the wedding photos you couldn't take, just for you!]

[Oh, and by the way, here's a little secret, I don't actually have kidney disease. I just wanted to see if you'd agree to give me your kidney!]

[But what surprised me most was that Parker also hoped you'd agree to save me. Who do you think he loves more, you or me?]

Michelle was left aghast at the sheer cruelty of Janet's deceit. She had schemed to rob her of a kidney, all while everyone stood by her side. Those who are favored can be reckless with impunity.

Hidden from Parker's sight, Michelle's trembling hands finally typed a response to Janet's provocation: [Wishing you both happiness.]

The morning of the surgery arrived swiftly. An hour before the operation, Samuel, Adele and even Parker hovered around Janet's bed, showering her with words of comfort and encouragement. For the first time, even Parker spoke gently to her, coaxing her not to be scared.

Michelle stood at the door of the hospital room, her cold eyes observing the tender scene inside. It felt as though she was the one who didn't belong.

She dialed Parker's number, only to be met with a busy signal. But within seconds, a text from him appeared: [Honey, I'm on my way.]

[Don't be scared, I'll stay right outside the operating room with you. I won't let anything happen to you.]

Michelle lowered her eyes and handed the document rejecting the kidney donation to the nurse at the front desk. Then, she turned and walked away, heading straight to the airport. Goodbye, Parker.