Chapter 3
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Because I donated too much blood, I was still dizzy when I was discharged.
I stumbled back to my rental and slept for two straight days.
Before I knew it, it was the day I was supposed to leave. I packed my bags and contacted the landlord to end the lease.
That’s when Alexander called. The moment I answered, his voice came through, fast and urgent. “You need to come to the hospital. We have something important to tell you.”
The call ended just as quickly. I hesitated, then went anyway.
When I arrived, the hospital room was all smiles and harmony. Reporters were interviewing Alexander and Laura.
My parents were there too, beaming proudly as they watched the cameras.
After the reporters left, Alexander cleared his throat and turned to me. “So, here’s the thing. Laura and I are married now. She’s already had her heart surgery and just needs time to recover.
“But you know her–she can’t sit still for long. She wants to start a business, something she can run from home while she heals.”
That sinking feeling in my chest hit rock bottom.
Before I could say anything, Mom jumped in, sharp and direct. “That’s why we asked you to come. Just give her a bit of money–not much, just 130,000 dollars.”
I felt something inside me break, but I still forced out a cold laugh.
“If Laura wants money, she can earn it herself. And if that’s too hard, she’s got Alexander now. Why should I pay?
“Besides, you’ve all said it yourselves. I’m not even your biological daughter.”
Laura looked at me with a face full of guilt.
“I’m sorry, Lynette. I know Alex is my husband now, but I want to be independent. I don’t want to rely on a man.
“If you’re not willing, that’s okay. I’ll try to think of something else.”
She sat up, reached for my hand–her expression guilty, but the smugness in her eyes said everything.
“I know you’ve always hated me-”
“Why are you wasting words on her, Laura?”
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Mom cut her off, her voice hard.
“Your dad, Alexander, and I looked into it. One kidney goes for 50 grand. But Alexander’s got a connection. We can get 130 grand for it.
“You can live just fine with one. Go get the surgery done and send the money to Laura’s account!”
I just stared at her, stunned by how casually she said it.
This was the family I used to love so much–now they felt like strangers.
Was this what I meant to them? Just a spare part? All because I wasn’t their real daughter?
“Lynette.”
Alexander spoke up again, “Even if you’re not the Harold family’s biological daughter, they’ve always treated you like family. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have come to you for help.
“Can’t you think a little more about Laura? If her business takes off, you’ll benefit too.”
Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous…
A wave of exhaustion–deep and final–washed over me. But oddly, I felt at peace.
I looked at them calmly. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
In an instant, Mom, Dad, and Alexander lit up with joy, crowding around Laura, showering her with praise.
I didn’t look back. I walked out of the hospital and booked the surgery.
The anesthesia wasn’t enough.
I clenched my teeth and endured every cut, every brutal slice of the scalpel inside me, and the sound of my kidney be- ing removed.
I gripped the bedsheet so tightly that it tore beneath my fingers. I nearly blacked out from the pain–only then did it finally end.
I watched, expressionless, as the doctor held my bloodied kidney in his hand.
A single tear slipped from the corner of my eye onto the pillow.
One kidney in exchange for a lifetime of clarity. Worth it.
When I woke up, I transferred the money to Laura’s account.
The phone rang almost immediately. I answered calmly. Laura’s smug voice came through.
“So, Lynette–how’s it feel to be short one kidney?
“You’ve always been the golden girl, so what? You still lost to me!
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Chapter 3
“As long as Mom, Dad, and Alex love me, I could ask for your death, and they’d say yes!
“Give it up, Lynette. You’re not even their real daughter. Just accept the suffering you were born for.”
I hung up. Then I glanced at the file the man had just sent to my phone.
Inside were two paternity test results–mine and Laura’s. The results were opposite.
I was their real daughter. She wasn’t.
“Results verified. The witness who originally swapped you and Laura is in prison now.
“Want me to get in touch with her for you?”
I smiled faintly and slowly typed back, “No need. Just come pick me up.”
I got out of bed and walked out of the hospital. At the entrance, a sleek, black Pagani was already waiting.
I tossed the phone in the trash and got into the car without looking back.
Mom, Dad, Alexander, thank you for showing me who you really are.
From now on, let’s never cross paths again.
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