He Died So She Could Live

Chapter 7 He Chose Her Over Everything

Selene did not return to the Vale Villa until morning. After being soaked in seawater and exposed to the cold wind, she quickly developed a high fever.

Curled up under the covers in the guest room, she drew herself into a tight ball, her breath burning hot against her skin. Exhausted by the fever, she finally drifted into a shallow sleep by evening.

But just then, the door was pushed open. Selene was dragged to the living room by two bodyguards.

In the living room, Vivian's cheeks were flushed as she leaned weakly into Adrian's arms, her hands tugging at her clothes in a daze.

"Adrian… I feel so uncomfortable… so hot…"

The next second, Adrian removed his own jacket and wrapped it tightly around her, soothing her with a trace of helpless tenderness.

Once she calmed down, he finally turned his gaze to Selene. "Stay outside tonight. I'll give you one hundred thousand."

Selene froze at his cold command. So, he was going to be Vivian's cure. But when she had been drugged, he had turned away without hesitation. The thought tightened her chest, yet she said nothing, only nodding silently.

"As long as you pay, anything is fine."

Adrian's expression darkened. Without another word, he carried Vivian into the master bedroom.

Selene remained crouched outside the door as the sounds inside began, low male breaths and soft, broken murmurs intertwining and echoing through the quiet night, striking her ears again and again.

The intimate sounds cut into her like blades. She sat there like a lifeless shell, enduring it all in silence, tears soaking through her clothes.

Just when it was about to end and she thought her torment would finally stop, Vivian’s voice came from inside the room. "Adrian… I've loved you for ten years. Every single day, I've thought about you. I never imagined I'd actually get to marry you. Adrian, can you grant me one more wish?"

"Say it."

"The doctor said my condition is stable now. After Selene finishes the last trial, can you let her leave the Vale Villa? I don't want anyone disturbing our life together."

'Leave…So I would be leaving soon?'

Selene, crouched by the door, accidentally knocked against the wall, the dull sound echoing in the quiet hallway. Her heart tightened instantly. She held her breath, waiting for the verdict.

A long silence filled the room. Adrian looked at Vivian, her eyes full of love. His throat moved. He closed his eyes briefly.

Then, at last, he responded softly, "Mm." That single word sealed everything.

Clatter. Selene's phone slipped from her hand and hit the floor with a dull sound. The noises resumed inside the room. It was not until dawn that Adrian opened the door and looked at her coldly.

"Clean the room."

Selene looked inside. The floor was scattered with contraceptive pills, the sheets torn and crumpled.

Her heart trembled. She bent down to clean, but her legs gave out. Her body pitched forward. Just before she hit the ground, a hand caught her arm. She fell into a warm, familiar embrace.

But before she could even register that fleeting warmth, Adrian's cold voice cut through it. "Heh. Trying to fake illness again to get money? Selene, you really never change."

His words pierced into her chest like needles. Suddenly, her heart seized. A violent cough tore from her throat. The taste of blood surged up and spilled out.

"Selene! What's wrong? I'll take you to the hospital!" Adrian's voice tightened involuntarily.

Even though he knew she was selfish and deceitful, the sight of her coughing up blood still made his chest clench. He grabbed her wrist, panic flashing in his eyes.

But in the next second, his fingers were pried away, one by one. Selene let out a faint, mocking laugh. "Adrian, you still fell for it. It's just ketchup. You're this nervous… don't tell me you still haven't gotten over me?"

Adrian froze. Then the anger in his eyes burned even brighter. He stared at her, and this time, there was no trace of concern left.

"Even if you die, it has nothing to do with me. Finish the trial today, and get out."