03
Elias‘ brow furrowed as he pressed the answer button.
A soft, trembling voice came from the other end. “Elias… what’s the point of me living? My limbs are so stiff today,
I won’t be able to stand or dance anymore. I might as well die now… that way, I won’t have to keep suffering”
“Don’t be impulsive! Don’t do anything rash!” Elias‘ voice was sharp as he slammed on the brakes, veins.
standing out on his forehead “Vera, calm down! Sit down, take a deep breath–please.”
His tone softened, becoming gentle, like a patient teacher. “Promise me you won’t do anything stupid. I know you’re strong. You’re the best”
Vera’s sobs filled the line. “It’s too painful… I just want to end it.”
The sound of something crashing to the ground echoed through the phone.
“I’m such a loser… I can’t even pick up the knife…” Elias‘ body tensed at the words. “Vera, put the knife down! I’ll
come to you now. Wait for me.”
He quickly turned the car around and sped toward her place. Moments later, the car screeched to a halt outside a residential building. Elias hurriedly got out and glanced at Mira. “I’ll be back soon.”
Mira felt a sharp pang in her chest. Her nails dug into her palm, but she said nothing. Her eyes felt hollow
distant
Half an hour later, Elias emerged from the building, followed by Vera–her long black hair damp, eyes red from crying The two of them walked toward the car together.
“This is my wife, Mira,” Elias introduced, his voice casual. “You can treat her as your sister”
Vera hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. “Hello, sis. My name is Vera.” Her voice trembled “I’m sorry to disturb you on your wedding anniversary.”
As she spoke, she started to back away, but Elias reached out to stop her. “It’s okay” he said, holding her hand firmly “You’re staying with us today Don’t go anywhere”
Hep
pushed her gently but firmly into the back seat. Vera shrank under his touch, obediently settling in, not daring
to argue
“See, honey? This girl is always threatening to end it all. I have to keep an eye on her.” Elias‘ voice was tinged with a forced lightness as he gripped the steering wheel. “It’s really exhausting…
Despite the words, his face remained calm, not a hint of irritation visible
Mira glanced at him, her mind racing. How far would he go for Vera? He had stopped her from committing suicide over and over again. He was even holding a wedding for her, and now, on their own anniversary, he was taking her along.
Mira couldn’t help but wonder what drove him to such lengths.
“Where are your family members?” she asked, her gaze shifting to Vera in the rearview mirror
Before Vera could respond, Elias cut in. “Don’t ask about that. Her parents divorced, remarried, and she was raised by her grandmother.”
The answer left no room for further questioning Mira fell silent.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from her senior.
Frederick Hale. “It’s not advisable to continue conservative treatment. It’s best to remove the tumor as soon as possible to prevent malignant transformation.”
Frederick Hale: “In cases like this, Phileklen Hospital in the UK has stable and advanced technology. The post–op recovery is generally smooth. Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland is also good, but I heard their surgery schedule is booked for more than six months.”
Frederick Hale: “Mira, amnesia is better than death. If you need the surgery, just let me know.”
Mira quickly searched for Phileklen Hospital, realizing it was in the same city as her upcoming business trip next month
She typed a reply. “Thank you, sir. I’ll think about it.”
As the car pulled up to Cedarbrook Academy, the couple got out to visit their former teacher. When they returned, they found Vera waiting outside, holding three cups of milk tea.
