Her Mate, His Redemption.

Camila

I stared at the report in my trembling hands. Instantly, tears blurred the lines. The paper fluttered away as my knees buckled under me and I slumped slowly to the floor.

I knew about it, but seeing it clearly written just made everything more real.

I sobbed harder, not caring if it would be heard by anyone. Let them hear. I had just basically been served my death sentence by my doctor.

Suddenly, Sia entered the kitchen, her brow furrowed in confusion the moment she saw me on the floor. "What's wrong, Mila?" she cried, rushing toward me. She crouched down and lifted my chin. "Talk to me. Why are you crying?" Her voice was laced with concern as her eyes scanned my face.

This had always been her routine whenever she saw tears in my eyes over the past 23 years. She would assume my heart disease had flared up, causing me severe pain and discomfort.

I remained silent, my lips quivering as if I were kneeling on broken glass.

"Did you take your medication this morning?" she asked urgently. "You know you can't miss it, not even for a day. Are you feeling any pain?" Her voice cracked; tears welled in her eyes and fell.

I ignored her question, lifting a trembling finger instead to point at the pieces of paper that had practically sealed my fate.

"Wait! I know this," she exclaimed. "Did Doc Simon send this to you?" she inquired, eyeing the report with curiosity.

I remained silent, piquing her curiosity even more.

She picked it up, and I saw her eyes widening as she scanned each word. By the time she was finished, her hands were trembling, with eyes filled with tears

Like the true best friend she was, she could feel my pain.

"Oh, Mila. I'm so sorry." She hugged me. "But it's can't be true. Three years to live is just-"

I shook my head, cutting her words short. Doc Simon would never give me a false report. Furthermore, I had no money to seek a second opinion from another doctor and she knew it.

My shoulders shook as I resumed sobbing, and I clenched my fists against my chest.

Late Miss Abigail, my adoptive mother (may she rest in peace), flashed into my mind-the woman who dedicated her life to caring for orphaned children. She sacrificed her own happiness of marriage and family, choosing instead to work in an orphanage, devoting herself to children who had lost their parents' warmth.

Her warm smile appeared vividly. She had taken me in, a fragile three-week-old, abandoned by my parents due to my incurable illness. I recalled her gentle hands soothing my feverish brow and her soft voice calming my cries. Sia, too, was part of those memories-a toddler giggling and playing beside me. We had both been adopted by Miss Abigail.

Countless times I had asked her about my parents, or if they had ever come back for me; yet her answer was always the same: "I found no one but you at the orphanage gate."

Miss Abigail's sacrifices for me were countless. She spent her life savings on my treatments, seeking the best care possible. She treated me like the daughter she never had. Doc Simon's words echoed in my mind: End-stage cardiomyopathy.... Irreversible damage... Prognosis three years.

My heart shattered as I remembered Miss Abigail's unwavering hope.

It was truly painful to realize my time on earth was limited. Why me? Were all Miss Abigail's efforts in vain now?

I sobbed harder. Sia quickly pulled me into her tight embrace, and we cried on each other's shoulders. She knew how its all stated, all the sacrifices and emotions support they've offered, yet it's all in vain.

The pain was unbearable.

Why hadn't I died at birth?

Why all this suffering with no solution in the end?

"Don't cry, please." Sia's voice cut through the long silence between us. She slowly withdrew from the hug and palming my face. "Even if this is true, death can come and take both of us. I'm not scared." She said bravely, shaking her head, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

I let out a sad smile, wondering what I had done to deserve such amazing people in my life, who had stood by me all those years.

No! I wouldn't let anyone make more sacrifices for me again, and the only way to conceal that thought in her head was to pretend I was fine.

"Yes, no one has the right to make me leave this world, not even STEMI," I said with all the confidence left in me, trying to act brave in front of her.

"Happy Birthday!" She suddenly exclaimed.

I blinked my eyes rapidly, as I tried to process what she had said. Then, in a flash, it hit me - today was my birthday. Though not actually the day I was born but the day Miss Abigail found me, which became automatically my day.

I couldn't believe that the day I had been planning for months had slipped my mind so easily.

"Thank you, crocky head, I almost forgot," I said with a mist of my tears.

She raised her hands and wiped away my tears, "Hope you're fine now?" she asked, with concern lingering in her voice.

I let out a heavy sigh. "I know I'm supposed to be one of the happiest people on earth, I'll be fine," I assured her.

Leo called soon after to wish me an happy birthday. We chatted for a bit before saying goodbye. His call brightened my mood, causing a smile to spread across my face. I turned to Sia, who watched me and my phone intently, her smile a bit too wide.

"You and Leo are a perfect match." she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she giggled like a schoolgirl.

My face fell and I quickly held her hands, "Should I tell Leo about it tonight?" I confided in her.

Her expression turned serious. "I would advise you not to tell him. He can't be trust with such information." she said.

"But Leo is different," I protested.

Her gaze dropped. "And Leo is no exception," she said, shattering my last glimmer of hope.

"Just hold on, don't tell him yet." She advised.

"Okay," I mumbled, agreeing with what she said.

"Don't worry. I have a surprise for you when you get back home tonight," she said quickly, bursting into laughter and running out.

"Wait, what? Sia..." I started to say before she left, not allowing me to finish.

After three hours, I quickly gathered my things and left the cafe, so eager to see Leo and what surprise he has for me. Without hesitation, I hailed a cab, and he drove me to my apartment.

Soon we arrived and I paid my fare. I started walking elegantly towards my apartment.

Suddenly the twilight air felt thick. Doc Simon's words echoed again: Three years. My hand flew to my chest, Miss Abigail's hopeful face flashing before me. All for nothing?

Then, Leo's warm voice from our call cut through the chill. My birthday. His surprise. Sia was wrong. He was different. My anchor.

A shaky breath escaped, becoming a determined smile. I walked the last steps towards my apartment and exhaled a deep breath before I slowly pushed the door open and saw everywhere dark.

Boom!

"Happy Birthday!" Sia and Leo said in unison, flipping on the lights. My jaw dropped at the lavishly decorated dining table before me. They looked stunning: Leo in a crisp black suit that matched his jet-black hair and brown eyes, Sia in a vibrant red shirt dress.

Leo rushed over, kissing my forehead, while Sia giggled, pulling me into a hug.

"All this... for me?" My voice cracked as I moved toward the table.

"Come on, babe, sit." Leo pulled out a chair, and I sank into it.

I couldn't contain my widening smile or the joy bubbling inside me. How did I get such amazing people in my life?

Sia sat beside me. "Here's your gift, Mila." She slid a small box toward me. "Open it!" she urged, beaming.

I started unwrapping it, but she suddenly placed her hands over mine. I looked up, brows furrowed.

"Make a wish first," she whispered.

I shut my eyes, palms pressed together. 'I wish that no matter how short... my time on earth, May it be filled with happiness Amen.'

I opened my eyes and finished unwrapping the gift. My breath caught. Inside lay a delicate gold necklace. I instantly pulled her into a fierce hug.

"I'm so glad you like it," she whispered, hugging me back. "And amen to your wish." She drew away, smiling.

Leo reached across the table, his hand open. I placed mine in his, and he gently smoothed my knuckles.

'Why hide this? We've always confided in each other. Hiding this betrayed everything we were.' My thought reeled. Yet fear lingered. How would he react to knowing his girlfriend had only three years to live? I had to tell him.

I gulped. "Leo... I have something to tell you," I murmured, barely audible. Sia immediately tugged my sleeve to keep quiet, but I ignored her.

Leo smiled, warm and pure. "What is it, baby?"

I closed my eyes, unable to look at him, "I have terminal heart disease. The doctors say... I have three years left."

Camila.

The warmth vanished from his hand. His smile didn't fade-it shattered, replaced by furrowed brows and utter confusion.

"How did this happen?" He leaned closer, concern lacing his voice.

'Phew! What a relief.' I'd braced for anger, for rejection-not this tenderness.

I steadied my breath and explained everything to him, as he listened with rapt attention.

To my surprise, he held me fiercely tight."We fight this. Together. You're not alone, Camila," he whispered, his voice thick.

Tears welled as I smiled-a fragile, disbelieving curve of my lips. "I never expected... this," I choked out. I turned to Sia, whose jaws hung slack. She'd expected him to rage, to walk out, to shatter the night. That's why she begged me not to tell him.

"Woah!" Sia exclaimed. "Leo, you're really one of a kind..."

She clearly hadn't seen that response coming. Leo and I burst into laughter at her outburst. "Told you my man was different,"I bragged, shrugging playfully as they chuckled.

The night unfolded with so much food and drinks. Sia stood abruptly, serving generous portions onto our plates. I leaned over, inhaling the rich aroma wafting from the dishes.

"You didn't make this, did you?" I asked, already digging in. A moan escaped me as flavors exploded on my tongue. This tastes incredible.

Leo chuckled-he knew exactly where this was headed.

Sia froze mid-serve, fixing me with a playful glare."And what if I did?" she retorted, hand on hip.

I shook with suppressed laughter. "Doubt it," I mumbled through a mouthful of chicken."My kitchen would be ashes otherwise. Yet here it stands, untouched by your culinary chaos."

She threw down the serving spoon. "Are you saying I can't cook one meal?" She whined, jutting out her lip and crossing her arms.

I finally released the laugh I'd been holding."You know the answer," I teased, waggling my brows.

She scoffed. "Just. Eat. Your. Food." Her eyes rolled skyward.

I backed off-we all knew her kitchen phobia. Since childhood, Miss Abigail had tried relentlessly to teach her, but Sia treated recipes like grenades. So she trained me instead-a fact I now weaponize with glee and I never miss an opportunity to tease her.

After a long silence, while we focused on our meal, Sia suddenly cleared her throat. She took a sip of water glass before meeting my gaze. "Ahem... Mila, what are your plans..." she began hesitantly.

"About what?" I replied instantly, wiping my lips with the napkin beside my plate as I turned toward her.

Her lips stretched into a strained smile. "I know I shouldn't ask this, but... your apartment, savings... If you..." She trailed off, unable to finish, but I understood.

'I should make plans.'

"She's not going anywhere," Leo snapped, visibly angered by Sia's question. That reaction alone proved how deeply he cares for me – how desperately he wishes I could stay.

My lips stretched into a faint smile as Sia's words replayed in my head. That thought had never crossed my mind before, yet there was truth to her words; I should be making plans about my apartment and savings. Who knows? Anything could happen at any time.

Sia is the only family I have left in the world. She should rightfully own everything I have, especially my apartment. Miss Abigail left me this apartment and some money before she died. Unknown to us, she had secretly arranged everything-even buying the apartment under my name.

Sia had refused to move in with me, citing that we grew up together and she'd never had her own privacy. Though Miss Abigail insisted we live together as one family and support each other, Sia preferred staying in her rented apartment instead.

I rested my hand on Leo's arm, and he turned to me, his gaze instantly softening. I shook my head. "She's right. I need to make preparations," I murmured.

"There's still time, babe," he interjected, turning to face me fully, his eyes glistening with tears.

'God, what have I done to deserve such a man? I don't want to die. I don't want to leave him.' My heart ached for him.

A long silence stretched between us. Sia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, then tugged at my sleeve. I turned to meet her gaze.

"I'm sorry for what I..." she began.

I flashed her a small smile. "I've already given it thought. I'll leave everything to you."

Her eyes widened. "Wait, what?!" She shook her head vigorously. "Camila, you can't do that!"

I held my resolve. "You're the only family I have left, Sia..."

She kept shaking her head, her voice strained. "Miss Abigail bought this house for you-under your name. I could never accept it." She insisted, declining.

I hesitated for a while as my gaze shifted to Leo. A new possibility surfaced, I considered him my family too. "What if I willed it to you, Leo?"

Camila.

I watched the color drain from his face. His gaze snapped to me, jaw slightly slack-clearly not the response he'd anticipated. Sia stiffened, disbelief freezing her features.

"Mila, you'd really do that?" She stared, unblinking.

I smiled and nodded. 'Her refusal left me no choice.' I thought.

I understood her rejection wasn't just guilt-it was denial. Accepting meant admitting I could die. But my reasoning stood firm: she was the only family I trusted. Since she refused, Leo was the obvious alternative.

I turned to Leo, who hadn't recovered from the shock of my question, and waved a hand before his face. He startled slightly but quickly composed himself, sitting upright.

"Ba-babe, you don't have to do this-"

"Yes, I want to," I cut in sharply. "It makes no difference. I'm still here with you both. This is just a change of ownership-nothing more. Did you expect me to leave it to strangers?" I pressed, staring at them as they sank into silent contemplation.

Leo opened his mouth, but no words came. After a weighted pause, he shook his head. "Mila, I-"

Sia's eyes flickered between us. "Will you deny her only request?" She interjected, stunning us both.

The air crackled as Leo's eyes locked on mine-raw and searching. I held his hands and flashed him a reassuring smile.

He nodded, reciprocating my smile. "If this is what you want, I'll honor your wish," he agreed, pulling me into a swift hug.

After a moment, I withdrew and breathed out in relief, prompting soft chuckles from the others. I couldn't deny my excitement, knowing everything was in safe hands. No doubt lingered in my heart.

I stood and began clearing the dishes; Sia quickly rose to join me. I felt utterly weak and tired-all I needed was to rest my back on my bed. It had been a chaotic day, yet splendid and fulfilling in the end. Without doubt, this felt like my best birthday ever.

The plate clicked as we carried them to the kitchen, leaving Leo at the dining table staring at his half-finished meal.

I started washing dishes and turned to Sia, who was storing untouched food in the refrigerator. "I'll need to find a lawyer to draft the will..."

"I have a friend who can do it free-he owes me a favor," she replied. "I'll contact him tonight so we can all go together tomorrow."

Pressing my lips into a hard line, I nodded. "Okay, call him," I agreed, stretching my arms wide. I'm exhausted.

She smiled softly, noticing how tired I was-our coffee shop had been hectic today, with lots of customers keeping me on my feet all day long.

"Go to bed. Let me finish the dishes-and don't forget your medication," she reminded me, mimicking Miss Abigail's voice.

"Yes, Mom," I whined. We burst into laughter as I left the kitchen to my room, shedding my worries before sinking into deep, sound sleep on my bed.

*****

(NEXT MORNING)

"Wake up! Wake up!"

A slight tap brushed my shoulder. My eyes fluttered open, but I lay frozen, unable to stir. Stiffness locked my limbs; I couldn't move my legs or raise a finger. Damn! I felt paralyzed. Then, in the blink of an eye, a sharp pain struck my chest. In that split second, my stiffened body released. My hand flew to my chest, clutching it as if my heart might tear itself loose.

The pain wrenched through me, vicious and deep, as if my bones were being crushed. I couldn't scream, couldn't even gasp out how life-threatening it felt, yet tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

"Mila!" Sia burst into my room, her eyes widening in horror. She flung her arms around me. "What's happening?" Her voice cracked as she held me tightly, as though I might vanish from her grasp.

I couldn't utter a word, but her gaze darted over me, catching how desperately I clutched my chest. Instantly, she released me and lowered me onto the bed, while I writhed and moaned in agony.

She ran to my bedside drawer and pulled out the miniature black bag where I kept all my medication. She hastily began searching through it, then dumped everything onto the floor in frustration. Her fingers raced through the scattered pills, desperate to find the one I needed.

"Camila, where are the damn pills?!" Her voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes as she kept searching. Dozens of medications littered the floor-white, brown, purple, green-a kaleidoscope of chemicals keeping me alive.

"Got it!" she cried, holding the bottle up to my tear-blurred vision. But her relief shattered when she saw only two pills left. "At least this might help..."

She scooped me upright, pressed the pills into my mouth, and made me swallow them with water from the cup on my nightstand.

Gradually, the pain eased. Within a minute, my chest heaved in rapid, shallow gasps-like I'd just run a marathon.

"Thank you," I whispered to Sia, who watched me intently.

Abruptly, she swatted my arm, her lips puckered in a pout. "Why would you let your meds run out?!" She glared, then sighed. "Thank goodness these two were still here." She snapped her gaze up, sharp and fierce. "Don't you dare die on me," she warned, jabbing a finger toward my chest.

I managed a weak smile. "I'm sorry for the scare. I'll refill the prescription after signing the will."

She scoffed, eyes wide with disbelief. "You're still thinking about the will in this state?"

Of course I am. What else is there? My health? After all these years of fighting, what good has it done?

"I'm fine," I assured her. "Where's Leo?" I asked.

He'd slipped out before I woke, and I had no idea where he'd gone.

"He stepped out, but he'll be back soon," Sia replied. She rose from the bed and stood before me, her expression resolute. "Since you insist, I've booked a car. It'll be here shortly. Get cleaned up and dressed-we're leaving for the lawyer's office." With that, she turned and left.

I got off the bed, a dull ache still lingering, but pushed through it. After a quick shower, I stepped out, toweled off, and slipped into a short black gown that ended just above my knees. I pulled my hair into a loose bun, forewent makeup, and left my room.

Sia emerged from her room at the same moment, also dressed and ready. We walked together toward the living room-just as Leo was setting out breakfast on the dining table.

"Babe," I called. He turned, flashing a smile before walking over. He leaned down and kissed my cheek.

"Good morning," he said, pulling out my chair and guiding me into it.

"Where did you go this morning?" I asked, popping a bite of boiled egg into my mouth.

He smiled. "I booked a reservation for us tonight-I want to take you somewhere special."

I lowered my head, blushing at his thoughtfulness. Though I wondered why he hadn't just booked online, I shrugged the question away and focused on my meal.

Afterward, we finished breakfast and took a cab to the lawyer Sia had recommended.

An hour later, we arrived at the office and stepped out of the car. Sia paid the driver, who drove off.

We walked side by side into the lawyer's office. He sat reading files but looked up the moment we entered.

"Sir Jose!" Sia called, smiling. He returned the gesture and stood, offering us seats.

"Sia, how are you?" Jose asked directly. She nodded in response. "What brings you here?"

Sia cleared her throat, sitting straighter. "My sister wants to will all her property and savings to her boyfriend," she explained calmly.

Sir Jose fixed me with an intense stare, as if processing her words. "Boyfriend?" he exclaimed, jaw slack, brow furrowed.

I nodded, offering a faint smile.

"Young lady, are you certain? Whatever your reasons, this decision is irrevocable once the papers are signed," he pressed. I sensed he was either cautioning me or ensuring I understood the gravity of my choice.

But my mind was made up. This was my only path forward. With no cure in sight, there was no turning back.

"Yes, sir. I'm sure," I answered. Leo slipped his hand into mine, his touch steady.

"Do you have the property deed?" Jose asked, yielding.

I opened my bag, pulled out the documents, and slid them across the desk. He reviewed them, made notes, then asked Leo and me to sign. Moments later, the papers were stamped-final and irrevocable.

We thanked the lawyer and left. Sia and Leo took a cab to check on our coffee shop employees, while I headed to the pharmacy.

But when I arrived, I realized I hadn't brought the empty pill bottle to match the prescription exactly.

I hailed a cab home immediately. Halfway there, the car broke down. We lost nearly two hours. Though tempted to call another ride, I relented when the driver begged for time to fix it.

When we finally reached my house, I sprinted inside and threw open my bedroom door-freezing at the sight.

Leo was thrusting rhythmically into the figure beneath him, moving in time with the pulsing music.

"Yes, Daddy, just like that," the woman gasped beneath him as he found her spot.

Wait!

That voice.

I'd know it anywhere-even scorched to ashes.

Sia. Traitor. Liar.

My gaze locked on my lover and my best friend-skin slick with sweat, bodies entangled.

My chest seized. Ice flooded my veins. Tremors raced through my hands; my legs threatened to buckle. Breath turned shallow, thoughts blanked-only the hammering of my heart remained.

Tears fell. The universe despised me.

Sia noticed me first. "Look who crawled home," she sneered, arching into his deep thrusts, eyes drilling into mine. "The half-dead has arrived."