Chapter 3
I never thought James would actually send the money.
But I kept it. I needed it desperately.
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For James, I guess this was his way of closing the chapter on his “greatest regret.” I never expected to see him again either.
Until he came to film at my hospital…
I’m lying in my hospital bed when I hear my roommate exclaim, “Oh my God, is that really James Reed? He’s filming a drama here? I’m dying!”
“I wish I could go down and get his autograph. Do you think he’d be disgusted by my illness?” she asks nobody in particular.
“James Reed looks even better in person than on screen.” My roommate has her face pressed against the window. “Sophie, come look! He’s unbelievably hot.” Eventually I give in, joining her at the window.
The courtyard below is crowded with crew members.
But James stands out immediately – impossible not to notice among the chaos. He’s sitting in a director’s chair waiting for his scene, Yasmine beside him, laughing at something he said.
“They’re such couple goals,” my roommate sighs dreamily.
They do look perfect together.
“I still can’t believe some woman was stupid enough to dump James Reed. And when he called her during that interview, she actually asked him for money! Can
you imagine being that shameless?” My roommate rants indignantly.
“She probably didn’t know he was on a livestream,” I offer quietly.
“Still! She must be kicking herself now. Bet she’s crying herself to sleep every night.” Suddenly my roommate gasps. “Oh my God, he’s looking up here! He saw me!” I turn away instantly, heart pounding.
“Bed 16, Sophie Miller, your discharge papers are ready,” a nurse calls from the doorway, holding a clipboard. “Remember to come back for monthly check–ups. If you experience any discomfort between visits, contact us immediately.”
“Thank you,” I say, relieved for the distraction.
I change out of my hospital gown into my street clothes, which hang loosely on my frame.
My roommate looks at me sadly. “You’re leaving already? I’m jealous.”
“Don’t be. You still have hope,” I tell her.
But I don’t.
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12:03 PM Mon 28 Apr
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03
I was diagnosed with stage 4 leukemia five years ago.
My family is gone. No suitable bone marrow donor has been found.
I’m just waiting for the inevitable now.
As I leave the hospital with my small bag of belongings, I see James again. Before I can slip away, he grabs my arm and pulls me into his luxury car.
“Sophie, what are you doing here?” he demands.
“I heard you were filming here and came to stalk you. Believe that?” I force a laugh, trying to keep things light.
James stares at me, disgust gradually filling his eyes. “What do you want?”
“I regret everything,” I say, looking at him with wide eyes.
James’s eyebrows furrow. “Need money again?”
“You caught me,” I admit with false cheerfulness. “Last time you lent me a hundred thousand. Think you could spare a bit more?”
“Why should I?” James barely contains his anger.
“Well,” I lean closer, lowering my voice suggestively, “I could make it worth your while. For old times‘ sake.”
James’s expression transforms before my eyes. The disgust deepens as his jaw clenches. “Sophie, you’ve become so pathetic it makes me sick.”
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