Arthur Vance was signing his organ donor papers when Lily Albright’s call came through. “Brandon’s flight is at five. Make sure your things are gone by three. I don’t want him upset.” The call disconnected, followed by a SnapChat transfer notification from Lily, just as always. Arthur lowered his gaze and smiled sadly. Five years. And he still hadn’t managed to melt her heart. But it didn’t matter anymore. He was dying anyway. ………………………………………. “Mr. Vance, regarding the organ donation policy, we do require a signature from a direct family member. You see…” Arthur’s eyes fell on the space for a family member’s signature, a sudden pang of bitterness in his chest. Direct family… Five years ago, his parents had died in a car accident, leaving Arthur all alone in the world. Besides Lily Albright, he had no direct family left. But he didn’t want Lily to know. So, he forced himself to speak. “I’ve agreed. Is a family signature really necessary?” The doctor paused. “It’s standard procedure. Given your current condition, you have about a month left. You should inform your family. Moreover, your records show you’re married. We can’t proceed with the donation without your wife’s consent.” Arthur’s gaze dropped. As hard as it was to accept—leukemia at thirty—it was happening. No matter how much he wished, there was no way back from this. He thanked the doctor, took the organ donation papers, and walked out. Actually, the day he was diagnosed, he’d already made up his mind: donate any usable parts of his body to those in need. He might not have much going for him, but his corneas, at least, were good. Arthur checked his watch. Two hours until Lily’s deadline. Two hours was enough time to visit Martha, the housekeeper who had served the Albright family for twenty years. Martha had lost her sight three years ago due to corneal disease. For the past three years, the Albrights had always sent Arthur to visit her. Over time, Martha had grown incredibly fond of Arthur. He often did things she couldn’t do herself and even hired a caretaker to look after her daily needs. For three years, consistently, Martha had come to treat Arthur like her own child. If she had anything good, Arthur was the first person she thought of. Arthur stepped inside. Martha was sitting on the sofa, sipping tea. Hearing his footsteps, Martha immediately recognized him. “Arthur’s here!” Arthur smiled faintly. “Your ears are so sharp! You guessed it was me so quickly!” Martha pursed her lips in a smile. “I might not know others, but I’d know yours anywhere.” With that, she handed him a plate of osmanthus cakes from beside her. “Lily bought these.” She paused mid-sentence. “Why didn’t you two come together?” Arthur froze slightly, his throat tightening. “When did she come?” Martha looked a little surprised. “Just now.” She gently took Arthur’s hand. “Are you two arguing?” Otherwise, why would she have been accompanied by a stranger? Martha didn’t voice that last thought. Arthur and Lily had an arranged, contract marriage. The Albright family had been pressing hard back then, wanting Lily to settle down quickly. At the time, Lily had a boyfriend, but he was a dead-end street, with no ambition and no future. Under constant pressure from the Albrights, he was eventually forced to leave the country. Lily was devastated, drowning herself in the nightlife every day. Seeing things worsen, the Albrights hired a professional therapist for her. And that therapist was Arthur Vance. The moment Arthur saw Lily, he was captivated. Her delicate features, those full lips, and that small, perfect nose. But it was her eyes, dark and sparkling like stars, that truly captivated him, making him want to get closer. Yet, Lily absolutely despised Arthur. The first time she saw him, she said he radiated this intellectual, almost gentle vibe that she immediately decided wasn’t “manly enough.” Arthur didn’t get angry. Every day, he diligently tried to guide Lily, telling her stories that might lift her spirits. Even when she’d cover her ears, turn her back on him, or even lock him out in the dead of winter just to shut him up, Arthur never showed anger. In his eyes, someone suffering from emotional pain often had uncontrolled emotions. And besides, this was Lily. Over time, Lily seemed to dislike him less. She began to tentatively accept Arthur’s guidance. During his patient counseling sessions, she would turn her back, whispering her deepest, most hidden feelings. Later, when the Albrights suggested another blind date for Lily, she unexpectedly grabbed Arthur’s hand, declaring, “I’ll get married, but I choose him!” Arthur was stunned. He thought Lily had genuinely changed, that she had truly developed feelings for him. It wasn’t until Lily pulled out a marriage contract that he realized the truth. She had only done this to escape the blind dates, using him as a shield. Arthur took a deep breath, forcing a smile to reassure Martha. “No, she’s busy with work. Our schedules just don’t align, so we couldn’t come together.” After he spoke, Arthur slipped a bank card from his bag into Martha’s hand. “My job situation is changing recently, and I might not be able to visit for a long time. Please keep this card. Buy anything you need, don’t hold back.” Arthur glanced at his watch. Before Martha could respond, he was gone. He needed to get back to the mansion before Lily’s deadline. Five years. He knew Lily’s temper all too well. If he didn’t follow her instructions today, she would undoubtedly tear the house apart. Most importantly, he still needed Lily’s signature. With her signature, he could proceed with the donation, and Martha could regain her sight. So, he had to rush back to the mansion now. The car drove on, and Arthur arrived at the mansion at two-thirty. The yard was as quiet as ever. He pulled out his keys, ready to unlock the door. But before he could step inside, Lily opened the door first. **Chapter 2** “Do you have no sense of time? Or are you doing this on purpose?” Arthur instinctively swallowed. “No, of course not. We said three, didn’t we? I didn’t realize you’d be back so early.” Lily’s eyes darkened, as if she realized she was in the wrong, and she lightly coughed. “My flight was moved up. Is that not allowed?!” Arthur said nothing. Lily’s attitude towards him had always been like this. She was a spoiled princess through and through. Her word was law, and whatever she wanted, Arthur had to deliver. So, for five years of their marriage, Arthur had gone along with her every whim, terrified of upsetting Lily. He didn’t want her unhappy, didn’t want to make her angry, because he loved her. But Lily was different. To show off her status as a rich heiress, every time she was happy, she would transfer a sum of money to Arthur. Her goal was to make him understand that he’d only get money if he made her happy. Arthur moved past Lily, who was blocking the doorway, and walked straight into the room to pack his things. Lily had already instructed him yesterday that their contract marriage would end the moment her ex-boyfriend, Brandon Miller, returned. So, he was now diligently packing his bags. As he reached the stair landing, Brandon stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. Their eyes met, and Arthur’s heart felt like it had been pierced by a thousand thorns, an indescribable agony. “What are you standing there for? Do you want Brandon to look at you all day?” Lily’s sharp words came from behind him. Arthur’s hand instinctively recoiled. Of course he wanted to leave quickly, but Brandon’s arm was blocking his way. It was clear Brandon didn’t want him to go inside. Arthur tried to walk upstairs, but Brandon still didn’t budge. “Mr. Vance, you haven’t changed your shoes. Aren’t you afraid of bringing germs into the room?” Brandon’s blatant provocation was completely normal in Lily’s eyes. She grabbed Arthur’s shirt, her voice icy as she commanded him, “Didn’t you hear Brandon? What are you waiting for?” Arthur looked down at Lily’s veiny hand on his arm, her eyes clearly showing impatience, as if telling him, “I can’t wait, hurry up.” Arthur turned and walked towards the entrance, putting on the disposable slippers Lily had personally set out for him. These were specifically for him last night because Brandon had a germ phobia and disliked using things others had used. This was also why, in five years of marriage, Arthur and Lily had never slept in the same room. Arthur changed into the slippers and slowly walked towards the stairs. Before returning, he had slipped the organ donation agreement into the divorce papers. He had originally planned to pack his things and then have Lily sign, but now, it seemed better sooner rather than later. Lily always dismissed Arthur, so when he handed her the papers, she only glanced at them. Seeing the bold words “Divorce Agreement,” she quickly signed her name. Arthur flipped the page, revealing only the signature box on the second page. Lily didn’t even look, signing her name directly. Everything was settled. Arthur sighed softly. He was about to say, “We’ll finalize the divorce tomorrow!” Then he swallowed the words. Their marriage had been a contract from the start. They hadn’t held a wedding or even officially registered their marriage. Just a single piece of paper had defined their entire five years together. Arthur walked directly into his room. At that moment, he didn’t look back at Lily, but he could still feel her burning gaze on his thin back. Arthur’s room was a converted study. When he first moved in, Lily had told him. Brandon would return one day, and all the rooms in the mansion were to be reserved for him. And on the day he returned, Arthur was to leave discreetly, without any delay. This was a warning, and the most crucial term of their contract. That was why Arthur had always slept in the study, and why he was so cooperative in choosing to leave. Arthur folded all his belongings into his suitcase. The room’s furnishings were mostly books. Besides his laptop and some clothes, Arthur had almost nothing. Once everything was packed, he picked up his suitcase, ready to leave. Brandon suddenly walked in, blocking Arthur’s path. “This mansion is huge, and Lily’s family has a lot of valuables. Are you…?” He trailed off, his eyes instinctively glancing at Arthur’s suitcase. Arthur understood his implication, but Brandon had no right to question him, nor to inspect his suitcase. Legally speaking, he and Lily hadn’t finalized their divorce yet, so he was still the man of this house. Arthur ignored him, walking straight past him with his suitcase. But Brandon persisted, lunging forward to block the doorway. As he rushed past, Arthur was simultaneously walking out, and by sheer accident, Brandon bumped into the doorframe. When Lily walked in, Brandon was on the floor, clutching his forehead. Arthur, meanwhile, stood expressionless, looking down at Brandon. Seeing this, Lily panicked. She pushed Arthur aside roughly. “Are you crazy?! Why would you do that to Brandon?!” Lily’s shove was powerful. Arthur lost his footing and hit his head against the bookshelf. Blood immediately seeped from his forehead. Arthur quickly pressed a tissue to the wound. Leukemia. The scariest thing was bleeding. Once he started bleeding, it wouldn’t stop. In severe cases, it could lead to infection. **Chapter 3** But Lily didn’t know, and she didn’t care. She flung Arthur’s suitcase out the door, her voice sharp as she warned him, “You, now, immediately, get out of my sight!” Arthur hadn’t eaten all day due to his check-ups. The hunger made him feel weak, almost unable to stand. Brandon, seeing this, grabbed Lily’s hand. “Baby, I’m in so much pain. Can you take me to the doctor? It really hurts…” Brandon clutched his forehead, which showed no trace of injury, pleading with Lily through a pained expression. Lily glared back at Arthur. “You’d better be gone before I get back, or else, don’t blame me for what happens next!” With that, she helped Brandon leave, completely ignoring Arthur, who was still bleeding profusely. Arthur leaned against the corner, gasping for air. He had still held onto some hope for Lily. After all, she had once been inseparable from him, even if that time was because she’d thrown a ceramic vase at him in a fit of rage. But even then, he’d felt a strange warmth. Now, though, he was utterly and completely disappointed. Arthur slowly got up from the floor. The tissue was soaked with blood. He held it to his wound and pulled the first-aid kit from the cabinet. He’d specifically stocked it the day he was diagnosed with his terminal illness. In the five years he’d been with Lily, he had never left the kitchen, often cutting his hand every few days. Each time, the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Ever since Martha got sick, Lily had never hired another housekeeper. She believed that Arthur, by marrying into the Albright family, should contribute something. So, all the household chores were handled by Arthur. He woke up early every day, prepared breakfast for Lily, and then rushed to catch the bus before eight. The first thing he did after coming home from work was prepare ginger tea and dinner for Lily, making sure everything was ready three minutes before she got back. Arthur was immersed in a life of tirelessly tending to Lily. At first, his colleagues at work used to mock him, calling him a “whipped” husband. But Arthur didn’t care. He loved Lily, and he loved doing things that made her happy. Back then, he felt it was all worth it. But now, he didn’t. Arthur sprinkled some hemostatic powder on his wound, then carefully lay down on the bed. Even though his life was counting down, he wanted to cherish the remaining time. Regrettably, the hemostatic medicine had no effect. His blood continued to flow, and the wound throbbed. Arthur forced himself up, hailed a taxi outside the mansion. He leaned his entire body against the back seat, trying to keep his forehead flat against the cushion. When he arrived at the hospital, Arthur’s face was pale, and he stumbled several times from weakness. Finally, a kind stranger helped him into the emergency room. Arthur lay on the bed, his consciousness slowly fading. But he could still feel the doctors and nurses frantically trying to stop the bleeding. The pain made him forget that Lily and Brandon were also there. As Lily walked past the emergency room, a nurse happened to call out Arthur Vance’s name. Lily stopped, casually asking, “Which Arthur Vance?” Brandon pulled her arm. “There are tons of people with that name. Isn’t your Arthur Vance at home?” Lily instinctively turned her head. Seeing Brandon’s jealous expression, she quickly pulled her hand away from the nurse. The two disappeared down the hallway without looking back. Meanwhile, Arthur, due to excessive blood loss, was admitted to the intensive care unit. Fortunately, the hospital had recorded Arthur’s emergency contact. Otherwise, he might have died in the hospital with no family showing up. Martha, supported by Daisy, rushed to the hospital. After the doctor’s explanation and persuasion, Martha collapsed onto the floor. She couldn’t believe it. How could Arthur, who had been perfectly fine, be diagnosed with aggressive leukemia? And with less than a month left? This was even more painful than when she learned she was blind. Martha stood by the ICU room, her eyes filled with tears, the rhythmic beeping of the machines tightening her entire chest. Daisy comforted her kindly. “Arthur’s a good person, good things happen to good people. He’ll be fine!” But Martha knew it was just a way to comfort herself. Arthur’s life was already counting down. Even if she wanted to try her best to save him now, it was too late. As time ticked by, nurses began to emerge from the room. Daisy quickly approached to ask, but was met with stern criticism from a nurse. “How can you be such irresponsible family members? You know the patient can’t get injured at this stage, how could you be so careless? Luckily, we acted quickly today, otherwise, if the bleeding hadn’t stopped, his life would have been in danger!” Daisy stood stunned, unsure how to respond to the nurse’s accusations. But she knew that Arthur’s injury must have something to do with Lily. Martha slowly walked over, crying as she apologized to the nurse, promising to be more careful in the future. But Daisy couldn’t stand it. Arthur was always so careful and steady. How could he get injured without reason? Even if leukemia made bleeding easy, without a violent impact or cut, how could he bleed without cause? The more she thought, the angrier she became. Just as she was about to defend Martha, the doctor stepped out. “The patient is awake. You can go in now!” **Chapter 4** Daisy quickly helped Martha inside. Arthur lay weakly on the bed. Seeing Martha, his heart felt like it was being gnawed by a thousand ants. When the hospital registered his emergency contact, he hadn’t thought much of it. He assumed he would be careful, and no emergencies would arise. But with the hospital’s insistence, he reluctantly gave Martha’s number. He hadn’t wanted Martha to know, worried she wouldn’t be able to handle it. But now, it was impossible to hide. “Arthur…” Martha choked out the name. Arthur raised a weak arm, softly calling out, “Aunt Martha.” Their hands clasped tightly together. Martha fought back tears, bringing Arthur’s hand to her ear. “Why are you so foolish? You’re sick, and there’s no one by your side. How can I not worry?” Arthur’s throat was tight, but he forced a smile to comfort Martha. “It’s okay, I’m much better!” Martha, though blind, wasn’t foolish. She guessed Arthur hadn’t told Lily about his illness. She also guessed that something had gone wrong between Lily and Arthur, likely because of that other man. But she couldn’t ask, couldn’t say anything. Because with Lily’s temper, rushing over to question her now would only lead her to blame everything on Arthur. Besides, she wanted to respect Arthur’s decision. If he chose not to tell Lily, there had to be a good reason. Martha wiped her tears and turned to instruct Daisy to prepare some bland food for Arthur. Though she couldn’t see, she could feel that Arthur was very weak right now. Daisy ran out of the hospital like a flash. When she first came to Martha’s house, it was Arthur who taught her about the local shops and Martha’s preferences. Occasionally, if she broke something, Arthur never blamed her. Instead, he’d comfort her, “Don’t be scared, Aunt Martha won’t be angry. I’ll get her something new.” For three years, whenever Daisy clumsily broke something, Arthur would use his own money to replace it. He treated Daisy like his own younger sister. When Daisy was upset, she would actively seek out Arthur to talk. They had almost no secrets. But now Arthur was sick, and Daisy felt her world had collapsed. She was terrified of losing Arthur, terrified of losing the Arthur who had protected her, taught her, and guided her for three years. She walked and cried, her sorrowful thoughts causing her to not notice Lily approaching from the opposite direction. They collided with force, both falling to the ground. Lily immediately snapped, “Are you blind?! Don’t you look where you’re going?!” It took Daisy a moment to recover. When she saw Lily in Brandon Miller’s arms, her face instantly changed. “What are you doing here?” Lily looked at her in surprise. “Is Aunt Martha not feeling well?!” Daisy was about to speak, but Brandon clutched his forehead and moaned. Lily ignored everything else, reaching out to help Brandon up. By the time she looked back, Daisy had vanished into the crowd. In the hospital room, Arthur seemed to sense something bad was happening. He gritted his teeth and reached for his phone. Before his fingers could touch it, Lily’s call came through. Arthur glanced at Martha, then lowered the volume to the minimum and answered. “Arthur Vance, what good are you? Do you know I just saw Aunt Martha’s caretaker at the hospital? If anything happens to Aunt Martha, I’m holding you responsible!” Lily’s accusing words exploded in his ear. Arthur swallowed, his throat dry. It took him a moment to speak. “I know. She’s fine, just picking up some medicine.” Arthur’s body ached, and he didn’t have the strength to argue with Lily. He also didn’t want Lily to know he was sick, because he didn’t want to receive her shallow, pathetic sympathy. Besides, even if she knew, she wouldn’t feel sorry for him. Instead, she’d blame him for being careless. So, this time, he chose to remain silent. Lily was slightly stunned. She felt Arthur was a bit strange today. Normally, whenever she lost her temper, Arthur would immediately admit his mistake. But this time, he hadn’t said anything, clearly just brushing her off. However, before she could speak, Arthur hung up. This undoubtedly pushed Lily’s last nerve. She quickly started the car, ignoring Brandon’s reaction, and floored the accelerator. Pushing open the mansion door, she shrieked Arthur’s name in a sharp voice, but the house was unusually quiet. Even the magpies that usually chattered noisily in the trees were silent. Lily grew angrier. She strode upstairs and kicked open the study door. But the room was empty, save for a pool of blood on the floor. Arthur was nowhere to be seen. Lily’s brow furrowed. She stepped closer to the bloodstain. After confirming it was human blood, Lily’s heart instantly panicked. She opened her phone and dialed Arthur’s number. The phone rang for several seconds before being hung up. Immediately after, a SnapChat message popped up: “Something came up at work. I’ll pick up my luggage as soon as possible.” Lily’s heart sank like a heavy stone, feeling a mix of suppression and anger. Arthur had never refused her calls, no matter how busy he was. He would always answer without hesitation just as the ring was about to end. But this time… She glanced at the suitcase by the door, suddenly feeling indignant. Saying something came up at work, and then mysteriously leaving a pool of blood—this was clearly deliberate, an excuse to not leave. Thinking this, she lifted her foot, ready to walk out. She wanted to confront Arthur and ask him how he dared pull such a childish stunt. Did he have no shame? But she hadn’t taken many steps before Brandon stopped her from behind. “Lily, my wound hurts. Can you please help me with it again? You know I hate pain…” Lily’s outstretched foot immediately retracted. She looked at the suitcase outside the door, then at the weak, pathetic Brandon. Yes, he hated pain the most. Normally, if he got even a small scratch, he’d desperately pull her arm, begging her to kiss it better. How much more so now? Lily helped Brandon up and then took a cotton swab to gently dab his forehead. At that moment, everything was replaced by Brandon’s cries of pain. **Chapter 5** Three days later, Arthur was discharged. His first priority was to rush back to the mansion to retrieve his luggage. Given his current relationship with Lily, he didn’t want to stay there a minute longer, nor did he want any more entanglement with her. He just wanted to get his bags and spend his remaining time in peace. But the mansion’s password had been changed. Lily and Brandon weren’t there, and Arthur couldn’t get in. He glanced at the time. He still had to go to his office later to hand in his resignation. Waiting indefinitely wasn’t an option. So, he bit the bullet and called Lily. The call connected, and Brandon’s cold, mocking voice came through. “Lily and I are on vacation in Westview. Mr. Vance, if you’re not in a hurry, would you mind waiting outside for a while?” Arthur paused. There was a very important patient list in his suitcase, and his body was getting weaker by the day. If he couldn’t get it today, he didn’t know when his next chance would be. So, he weakly asked, “How long will that be?” Brandon sneered. “That depends on my mood.” Arthur checked his watch again. “I’m afraid I can’t wait. Can you text me the password? I’ll grab my luggage and leave.” Brandon suddenly burst out laughing. “How can I do that? No one’s home. If you take your luggage and something goes missing, how do we account for it?” Arthur’s throat instantly tightened, but before he could say anything, Brandon hung up. Arthur rubbed his hands, which were red from the cold. It was December, and the frigid air made his hands and feet numb. He didn’t dare move around freely. These past few days, Lily had often posted photos of herself and Brandon on Ins, enjoying outdoor excursions. Their locations varied, sometimes far, sometimes near. He was terrified of missing their return. Arthur huddled by the mansion gate, quietly waiting for Lily’s return. Time ticked by, minute by minute. The cold seeped into his entire body, but there was still no sign of Lily. Finally, just as the sun was about to set, a black Rolls-Royce slowly pulled into the driveway. Seeing Arthur huddled by the gate, Lily’s eyes instantly darkened. She quickly opened the car door and walked up to Arthur. “What are you doing out here? It’s so cold, couldn’t you find somewhere to take shelter?” Arthur opened his eyes. Seeing Lily’s irritated expression, the words he was about to say caught in his throat. He just managed to say, “I came to get my suitcase.” Lily’s face immediately fell. “Are you that impatient? So eager to move out?” Even she felt strange saying this. She had been the one to repeatedly urge Arthur to leave, yet now she was questioning him. It truly made no sense. Arthur said nothing, just stood with his head down by the door, waiting for Lily to open it. “The previous lock was broken, and I wasn’t home during the day. For safety, I changed it.” Arthur paused, surprised for half a second. Was she explaining herself to him? But this was her house. She could do whatever she wanted. Why tell him all this? The door opened, but Arthur didn’t go inside. Only Lily’s and Brandon’s slippers were by the entrance. “Could you please bring my suitcase out?” Lily instinctively glanced at them. “Brandon doesn’t like disposable slippers, so I threw them out.” Her eyes flickered slightly as she spoke. “Why don’t you come in? You’ve waited so long, a hot drink wouldn’t hurt.” Arthur smiled. “I have other things to do. I won’t bother you.” Just then, Brandon brought out the suitcase. Lily seemed to want to say more, but Arthur left with his suitcase. Snow fell from the sky, and Arthur’s figure looked desolate and lonely. For some reason, at that moment, Lily felt Arthur had changed. He seemed thinner, quieter. In short, he was completely different from before. Arthur took his luggage to his office and handed over the patient list and his resignation to Dr. Lawrence, the head of the clinic. As a psychologist for five years, Arthur had helped countless patients with mental illnesses, but when it came to himself, he was powerless. Dr. Lawrence looked troubled, his eyes filled with regret. “Actually, with current medical technology, there have been cases of leukemia being cured. Your father-in-law…” “No need,” Arthur smiled. “No need to bother. I’ve already been checked. I don’t have much time left, and I don’t want to waste it on treatment, especially for a disease that can’t be cured anyway.” He looked up at the neon lights outside the window. He and Lily were no longer bound. They hadn’t even registered their marriage back when they signed the contract; at most, they were contractual partners. How could he trouble a top-tier hematology professor for someone who had already been given a death sentence by the hospital? Dr. Lawrence sighed, then put the resignation letter in his drawer. “If you need anything in the future, just tell me. I’ll do my best.” Arthur’s eyes shimmered. “Nothing else, just one thing: please don’t tell the Albright family about my illness and resignation.” “I’m afraid they won’t be able to handle it.” His certain tone and serious expression didn’t arouse any suspicion in Dr. Lawrence, who gritted his teeth and agreed. Arthur walked out of the hospital with his luggage. He had promised Martha that he would stay with her for his remaining days. So, after leaving the hospital, he went directly to Martha’s house. Halfway there, Arthur suddenly stopped. He started bleeding from his nose again, unsure if it was due to the day’s exhaustion or the cold weather. He tilted his head back, wiping with one hand, letting the blood flow back into his nose. The strong metallic taste of blood spread in his throat, making him cough violently twice. Just then, his phone suddenly rang. Arthur, still with his head tilted back, didn’t look at the caller ID. He answered, and Lily’s voice came through. “Do you cook lily bulb and snow fungus soup with cold water or hot water? Brandon’s sick, and I don’t really know how. Could you please…?” “Cold water.” Arthur cut her off before Lily could finish. “Just put the ingredients in when the water boils. You decide how long to cook it.” Arthur’s voice was hoarse with fatigue, sounding distant. But to Lily, it felt like defiant indifference. “You don’t have to be like this, do you? I just asked you to temporarily move out. I didn’t say you couldn’t come back. Why are you overreacting and giving me the silent treatment?” Arthur suddenly laughed. He, giving her the silent treatment? She just asked him to “temporarily move out”? Their contract was expired, both had signed, and she had signed with unusual haste. Now that everything was settled and they could go their separate ways, she was saying she hadn’t forbidden him from returning? Did she really think of him as a pet, summoned and dismissed at will? Arthur didn’t speak, simply hanging up the phone. He was feeling too unwell to argue with her now. But Lily reacted as if she had received a severe shock. She started dialing Arthur’s phone again and again. Arthur carried his luggage with one hand and clutched his continuously bleeding nose with the other. His phone only stopped ringing when it finally died and he stepped into Martha’s house. Daisy quickly brought a basin of hot water and carefully wiped Arthur’s face. Blood trickled down his nose, staining the front of his shirt. Daisy immediately started crying, her voice choked and trembling. “Does it… hurt?” Arthur smiled and shook his head. “It’s just a nosebleed. Normal people get nosebleeds too. It doesn’t hurt.” But Daisy knew Arthur was just trying to comfort her. How could a leukemia bleed be the same as a normal nosebleed? Once it started, it was hard to stop. How could it not hurt? Arthur leaned back on the pillow. Just as he closed his eyes, an urgent knocking came from the door. Daisy quickly ran over. The moment she opened the door, her throat instinctively tightened. “Is Arthur Vance here?” Lily’s aggressive questioning left Daisy momentarily stunned. She pushed past Daisy and walked straight in. Seeing Arthur lying on the sofa, covered in blood, Lily’s expression instantly darkened. “What happened to you?” Arthur paused. In five years, this was the first time she had ever asked him. It made Arthur feel, for a fleeting moment, as if she were concerned about him. But a fleeting moment was all it was. Just as Arthur was about to speak, Lily’s phone rang. He didn’t need to guess who was on the other end. “Lily, where are you? I feel so awful. Please don’t leave me!” Hearing Brandon’s voice, Lily looked directly at Arthur, as if under a spell. “Brandon’s sick and wants your lily bulb and snow fungus soup. Come back with me, and I’ll pay you for your trouble.” Hearing those words, Arthur’s chest began to heave. So, in her eyes, he was just that worthless. But before Arthur could speak, Daisy was already enraged. “Your boyfriend is sick, why should Arthur serve him? He’s sick too, Arthur’s not well! If you want service, do it yourself!” With that, she resolutely stood in front of Arthur. This scene instantly ignited Lily’s already bad mood. She brutally pushed Daisy aside, then grabbed Arthur’s arm and tried to drag him out. Arthur’s nosebleed had just stopped, but his body was still weak. He broke free from Lily’s grip, telling her in a faint voice, “I can’t go. I don’t feel well.” But Lily acted as if she hadn’t heard him. “You just have a nosebleed, but Brandon has a fever! It’s just a bowl of soup! I’ll pay you, isn’t that enough?!” She kept talking, dragging Arthur towards the door. In their struggle, Arthur accidentally tripped on a stone at the entrance, and blood immediately covered his entire face. Lily waved her hands in distress. “Why is there so much blood?” Daisy screamed and rushed over. “Lily Albright, haven’t you caused Arthur enough harm?!” “He’s dying!” **Chapter 6** The air suddenly went silent. Lily hesitated for a moment, then resumed her composed demeanor.
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