A woman as tough and optimistic as her should be able to face anything with a smile, right? So why was the nurse telling him she was dying?

Ethan felt like he must have heard wrong, or maybe this was some sort of nightmare. Desperately, he shook his head, trying to snaβ himself back to reality.

Stumbling backward, Ethan's knee hit the chair behind him, causing him to lose his balance and fall clumsily to the ground.

He started staring at his hands again. Even though he had washed them repeatedly,he still felt like they were covered in blood. The pungent smell of blood seemed to be everywhere, impossible to wash away.

Wendy's condition was critical. The nurse hurriedly brought two forms and handed them to Ethan. "Please, sign these quickly!"

Ethan's eyes were bloodshot as he looked at the critical condition notice. A sharp pain spread from his heart to every corner of his body, making his fingers tremble uncontrollably.

He took the pen and paper, his eyes falling on the notice. He recognized every word, but together, they seemed incomprehensible.

The nurse urged him anxiously, "Sir, please sign."

Ethan's hand trembled even more. He clenched his fist and punched the wall behind him, producing a dull thud.

The nurse jumped in frght. She turned to see a shocking bloodstain on the wall,indicating how much force he had used.

Ethan took a deep breath, trying to suppress the overwhelming pain in his heart. He then slowly lowered his head and signed his name on the form.

As the operating room door closed again, Ethan felt like his heart was shut inside with it.

He slumped into a chair, his mind filled with images of Wendy.

From their sophomore year in college when they started dating, to three years of marriage, he had always taken her efforts for granted. She was like a shadow, silently following him.

He had never truly acknowledged her sacrifices orcared about her feelings.

But now, with the possibility that Wendy might never wake up, he was terrified, as if the most imnportant part of his life was slipping away.

Ethan's vision blurred as he rubbed his eyes, realizing they were already wet with tears.

He suddenly remembered the first time he saw Wendy six years ago. She wore a white dress, her long hair flowing in the breeze, standing under a cherry blossom tree. When she turned and smiled, it felt like spring had bloomed on her face.

From that moment, he was smitten, unable to forget her, deeply obsessed.

Even after he finally pursued her and they were together, he often felt like he was dreaming.

When did he stop caring about her?

When did the light in her eyes start to fade?

Ethan wanted to smoke, but found the cigarette pack in his pocket soaked

with blood.

In another corner outside the operating room, Alexander stood quietly.hidden in the shadows, his eyes fixed on the closed door.

His fists were clenched, palms sweaty, his face full of worry and anxiety.

Memories of his past with Wendy flashed through his mind like a slideshow, their youthful playfulness now causing his heart to feel like it was wrapped in thorns.

He knew his presence was awkward, unable to get too close,but his concern surged like waves, crashing over him repeatedly.

He could only stand in the corner, silently praying for Wendy's safety.Every slight sound from the operating room made his heart race.

The nurse went to get Susan, who arrived shortly after. Seeing Ethan sitting outside the operating room, she froze in place. Why was Ethan here?

"What are you doing here? Where's Wendy?" A bad feeling rose in her heart.

Ethan looked up, his eyes empty and helpless. "She's in there."

Susan's face changed, her already serious expression becoming more anxious. She didn't waste a moment and rushed into the operating room.

Behind her. Ethan's voice demanded, "Susan, did you know Wendy had liver cancer?"

Wendy and Susan were close friends and roommates in college. As a doctor, Susan couldn't have been unaware of Wendy's illness.

Susan didn't answer, only giving him a cold glance as she closed the door.

That one look made Ethan feel like he was breathing in a thousand needles, his heart pierced through.

As the door to the operating room closed again, Ethan's vision blurred and he nearly lost his balance, tasting the metallic tang of blood in his mouth.

Outside, the rain continued to pour. As his intense emotions gradually settled, he felt like his blood was freezing, shattering like the raindrops hitting the ground.

Susan rushed in. "What's the situation?"

"Oxygen saturation is dropping, the patient is comatose, cardiac arrest,critical condition."

In dangerous moments, one must remain calm.

Wendy's face was ashen, her lips purple,'no pulse, no heartbeat.

"CPR."

Susan took a painful breath. She had never seen Wendy so weak. If she had paid more attention to Wendy, maybe things wouldn't have come to this.

A deep sadness spread from her heart, making it hard to breathe.

During the long resuscitation, Wendy's heartbeat gradually returned, like a final burst of life. She managed to open her eyes slightly.

The oxygen mask on her face fogged up, her vision blurred,triggering her subconscious fear.

Seeing Susan, she felt a bit reassured. She wanted to speak but had no strength.

Pain had robbed her of control over her body, unable to move even a finger.

Susan noticed she was awake and immediately heldeher cold hand,choking up. "Wendy, can you hear me? You'll be okay. Don't give up!Think of your grandma, think of Professor Taylor, think of me."

A tear rolled down Wendy's cheek. Susan knew she had heard.

Wendy tried to open her pale lips, attempting to speak. "Susan..."

She was too weak, her voice barely audible.

Susan leaned in, only catching a faint, "It huts."

Susan bit her lip to hold back her tears. Red-eyed,she reached out to gently wipe away the tears from Wendy's temple. "Juast hold on a little longer, the pain'will go away. You've always been so strong."

Wendy blinked, her vision growing more blurred,everything doubling.

She opened her mouth, like a stranded fish gasping for air, her bloodless lips forming a weak smile. In a hoarse voice, she slowly said, "Don't tell Ethan about my illness."