Julian Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Industries, had a thing for dead women. Don’t believe me? Then why was he clutching my tombstone, sobbing like a lost child, just like when my sister passed? **1.** “Playing hard to get? Ellie Vance, you’ve worn that trick out. Can’t you come up with something new?” I held the divorce papers out to Julian. He didn’t take them, merely sweeping his gaze over the bold words at the top, a sneer twisting his lips. For three years, I’d seen that expression countless times. Whenever that familiar sneer appeared, the words that spilled from his sexy, thin lips would turn into poisoned daggers, piercing my soul with every syllable. I fought to ignore the dull, aching pain in my chest, stubbornly holding the papers out further. Julian snatched the document, his long fingers moving swiftly, tearing the meticulously drafted agreement into shreds. He then violently flung the pieces at my face. Paper shards fluttered, covering my hair and clothes. “You want a divorce? Over my dead body!” Those were his last words before he slammed the door shut and left. The sharp shards, carried by the force, became paper blades, slicing a red line just below my eye. Warm liquid trickled, and a searing sting spread from the wound. But Julian, I’m already dying. I crouched down, picking up the scattered pieces of paper one by one and tossing them into the trash. Blood was still seeping from the cut on my face. I grabbed two tissues and carelessly wiped it away, but the blood kept flowing. Finally, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I collapsed to the floor, clutching my head, and sobbed uncontrollably. Julian, you hate me so much, why won’t you let me go? A wave of emotions overwhelmed me, dizziness flooding my mind. Before my consciousness faded, I fumbled for my phone and struggled to make that call. When I woke, the blinding white of the hospital room filled my vision. Sunlight poured gently through the window, bathing the room in a soft glow, even gilding the perfectly blooming orchid by my bed with a gentle golden edge. I was staring blankly at the orchid when Leo Vance walked in. “So, you finally decided to wake up?” I twisted my lips into a smile. “Don’t be so grumpy.” He slammed a stack of papers on the bed – my leukemia diagnosis, medical records, and payment receipts. “When did this happen?” I tilted my head, thinking. “Early last month, I guess.” “If you knew then, why weren’t you hospitalized for treatment? Ellie, do you really want to die *that* badly?” Knowing he had a point, I shrunk my neck. “Leo, watch your tone. I’m a patient, and your own sister, for goodness sake. Can’t you be a little softer?” “Half-blood barely makes us sisters,” Leo scoffed, turning his head, but I clearly saw his eyes were red-rimmed. Leo is my half-brother, the illegitimate son of my unreliable father. His mother came from a family of prominent academics; she unknowingly became the other woman. When she learned the truth, she proudly took her own life by jumping from a building. When he was brought to our house, he was stubborn and withdrawn. My mother, naturally, had no affection for this illegitimate child, so he faced a lot of animosity from her. My father was busy with his business, rarely home, and my sister, Charlotte, was constantly shuttled between various finishing schools and social etiquette classes. The only one who would talk to him back then was me, the resident slacker. “I’ve arranged your hospitalization,” Leo said after a brief silence. “I’ve paid for three months upfront. Let me know if you need more. I’ll come visit whenever I can.” As my father’s only son, he had already started taking over company affairs, becoming Vice President at a young age. “Oh, Mr. Vance, always flaunting those deep pockets,” I teased with a laugh. “But honestly, I probably won’t live that long anyway. Three months? I won’t last that long.” “Shut up!” His eyes blazed crimson as he glared at me, furious. “Stop saying such depressing things!” I smiled indifferently. “It’s okay, Leo.” This tall young man, who seemed so strong, just stood there staring at me until tears streamed down his face. He buried his head in the covers beside me, sobbing uncontrollably. “Ellie, you’ll be okay. We can cure this. Don’t leave me…” The orchid on the nightstand gave off a faint, delightful fragrance. I reached out and gently stroked Leo’s hair. “Okay, I won’t leave you, Leo.” The big guy, somewhat appeased, still looked a bit awkward. He stopped crying and stammered about going to buy me food. I nodded, agreeing readily.
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