Second Chance in Brightfall

Chapter One - Central Medical Center Smack ! A sharp slap rang through the sterile corridor. A burning pain exploded across Lena's face. "You cold-blooded b***h! You won't even save your own sister's life? Are you even human?" Lena held her swollen cheek, staring in disbelief at her husband, Evan. "You... want me to save Mira?” Her voice trembled. “Do you even understand what that means? She needs my heart.” "So what?" Evan sneered. "Mira is a popular star,the pride of Brightfall City. And you? His gaze swept over her face with contempt. “Did you really think I could love someone like you? Covered in rashes,looking all hideous? If you weren't useful, do you think I would've married you?” Lena's pupils contracted violently. It felt as though the blood in her veins was flowing backwards Her mind went blank She had helped Evan when he was crippled, using the medical techniques she had learned in secret. She had pulled him back from the brink,watched him rise to power step by step. She believed foolishly that once everything stabilized, happiness would follow. But instead, the Quinn family announced that her half-sister, Mira had suffered sudden heart failure and urgently need a transplant And the only compatible heart… …was hers "Heh..” Blood-tinged tears slid down Lena's face as hysterical laughter tore from her throat. Three years of marriage. She had loved a devil. Evan stared at her with impatience. Disgust flashed in his eyes as he grabbed her wrist. “Sign it,”he barked. “ Mira can't wait any longer.” "No! I won't sign!" Lena struggled desperately, but she was no match for his strength "Lena", her name appeared twisted on the document. Evan sighed in relief and handed the papers to someone nearby. "Give this to the doctor and have him start the surgery immediately!" "Yes, sir!" Soon after, Lena was dragged into the operating room. The anesthesia seeped into her body, numbing her limbs while her consciousness remained clear. Bang. The operating room doors shut. She wanted to scream No sound came out. Then — the side door opened. She saw her stepmother, Marilyn, approaching with a gentle smile, the same woman who had always called her my child. At the same time, laughter echoed softly. Lena's eyes widened in horror. The patient on the neighboring bed,the supposedly unconscious Mira. Slowly sat up. “You…” Lena barely forced out a sound Mira stepped down from the bed, smiling sweetly as she walked closer. "My dear sister,” she said softly. “I'm so touched that you wanted to give me your heart. Her lips curved. “But unfortunately, I don't need it…” At that moment, Lena finally understood. Mira didn't have a heart condition, nor did she need Lena's heart. What Mira wanted was her life! She thrashed violently, but restraints pinned her down. The drugs dulled her strength to nothing. Mira wiped away nonexistent tears, looking at Lena on the operating table with feigned concern. Suddenly, Mira's eyes widened in shock, staring at Lena's face in disbelief. "Your... your face..." The hideous rashes were gone Her skin was now flawless, her features stunning, with a natural beauty that needed no makeup. She looked like a goddess from a fairy tale. Mira, once hailed as Brightfall City's greatest beauty, felt her heart plunge.. If Lena ever appeared in public like this … She would destroy her effortlessly. "How could this be..." Mira staggered back a few steps, her face drained of color. Lena caught her reflection in the metal surface beside her. The toxins —the one suppressing her true appearance had vanished. Tonight was supposed to be her surprise. But instead, she found herself being forced by Evan to donate her heart to her half-sister! Jealousy exploded in Mira's eyes She couldn't allow Evan to see this face "Quick! The surgery! Start the surgery now! Take her heart out!!" Mira screamed. Marilyn snapped, “What are you waiting for? Do it!” Everyone in the operating room had been bribed by them. As long as they kept quiet, no one would know that the "ugly" Lena was actually a rare beauty. Lena tried to speak, her lips trembling. I will drag you to hell with me Marilyn read her expression and sneered. “ Do you believe in ghosts?” she mocked. “ Do you know how your mother died? I arranged it myself . If ghosts could kill, she would have come for me long ago,” Lena's eyes widened in shock Her mother Murdered by the woman she had trusted. Animals. Monsters A violent cough wracked her body, blood spilling from her lips Marilyn laughed loudly With the last doze of strength she had left, Lena lunged forward and sank her teeth into Marilyn's hand. Blood splattered everywhere. Marilyn shrieked, grabbed a scalpel, and plunged it downward. White light exploded in Lena's vision. Darkness swallowed her whole. … Pain! Crushing, unbearable pain. Lena jolted awake and froze. A man's face loomed inches from hers Handsome. Sharp- featured. Dangerous He was on top of her . His clothes were disordered. The moment her eyes opened, his palm clamped over her mouth. Shock paralyzed her. Wasn't she dead?. Where was she? Who was this man? As her eyes darted around, recognition struck. This was the cabin of the cruise ship that had brought her back from the countryside… Three years ago. Her heart slammed. She had returned to the past. Before she could think further, cold steel pressed against her throat. “Make a sound,” the man whispered, voice glacial, “ and you die.” The curtains were drawn. His face in shadow. But the smell of blood was unmistakable. Then, without warning he ripped her clothes open.