Chapter 2

Javier frowned, looking troubled. "There's still one problem."

"What problem?"

"Lilly's health is bad, and she has a rare blood type. Elaine, don't you have the same rare blood type? Why don't you go to the hospital and donate blood for her in the next few days?"

I stayed silent. Javier grew anxious, reassuring me repeatedly. "Elaine, you're the kindest person I know. Besides, donating blood for her is for our future, right? You wouldn't refuse such a small sacrifice, would you? If Lilly gets better, she might even donate her inheritance to my dad's company. Then everything will be ours."

Unable to resist Javier's persistence, I agreed.

The big screen paused here, and the comments exploded, nearly covering the display.

"Elaine is beyond saving. Can't she see through this guy's obvious manipulation?"

"I'm starting to feel sorry for Elaine. Tricked into donating blood? The one who deserves punishment is that jerk."

Javier's memories kept playing, the scenes shifting.

I was drained of blood, passed out, abandoned. Javier never spared me a glance, always at Lilly's side.

One day, Javier pushed open a door and found Lilly collapsed on the floor. Without a word, he slapped me. "Elaine, Lilly's so weak. I didn't think you could be this cruel."

I wasn't just slapped. I was pushed, injured, battered.

Javier, terrified his dad would find out about my injuries, sent me abroad that night.

The memories that followed were all of him and Lilly.

After I left, Lilly's health improved. She no longer needed blood transfusions and even moved into the home meant for Javier and me.

Lilly pulled one of my nightgowns from the closet, holding it against herself with a seductive smile. "Who looks better in this, me or Elaine?"

Javier wrapped his arms around her waist, his lips brushing her ear in a vulgar display. "Elaine's a lifeless plank. I've never touched her. She doesn't compare to you, not even a toe."

The screen turned to static and mosaics.

They carried on like that for months.

Javier even gave Lilly the houses, cars, and engagement jewelry his parents had promised me.

A year later, Javier called me for the first time. "Elaine, Lilly's not doing well. Come back to the country."

I returned because of Javier.

At the airport, the first thing he said was, "Lilly's heart is failing. The doctors say your heart is the only match. Elaine, for me, would you give your heart to Lilly? Without a healthy heart, she won't survive."

The comments on the big screen multiplied, too many to read, while the crowd below seethed with rage.

"If Elaine agrees to this jerk Javier, she's beyond stupid. No trial needed-she's a love-struck."

"This is more shocking than love being a painkiller!"

"I'm asking, I'm asking, I'm asking-is this moral blackmail or straight-up murder?"

What stunned them more was my response.

"Okay, I'll do it." I leaned into Javier's arms, looking blissful. "If my heart goes to Lilly, you'll marry her, and it's like marrying me."

The room fell silent.

Their silence was deafening.

Someone muttered, "I can't watch this. Back when I stayed off the internet, nothing could upset me."

"Now, thousands of miles away with a time difference, I'm still furious."

"Respect, blessings, let them be together forever!"

Soon, it was time for Lilly's surgery.

Javier comforted her in the hospital room. "Once your surgery's done, we'll get married. You'll be the most beautiful bride."

Lilly, touched, hadn't expected me to agree. "When I come out of surgery, I have good news for you."

She placed her hand on her stomach.

Javier waited outside the operating room until the doctor emerged, removing his mask. "The surgery was a success."

Javier's final memory showed him marrying Lilly and starting a family.

The extraction ended.

The crowd couldn't wait any longer.

"Judge, make the ruling!"

"This doesn't need a ruling. The thought of that jerk Javier getting money makes me sick!"

"Others play with emotions-Javier's after money and lives!"

On the livestream, someone asked sincerely, "If the surgery was successful, doesn't that mean Lilly has Elaine's heart now?"

"All I can say is, Elaine's something else!"

All eyes turned to me.

The judge's gavel struck the stone. "The trial is over. Elaine Briggs is not guilty!"