Chapter 15 

I finally convinced Lucas to leave. He couldn’t abandon his career for me. But I promised to video call him daily. He feared I might slip away quietly. 

I wouldn’t. 

I still needed him to bury me in my chosen place. 

Before leaving, he gathered his courage to ask: “Sophie, are you really going to keep hiding this from James?” 

“You told him?” I tensed immediately. 

“No,” Lucas quickly reassured me. “I wouldn’t.” 

I relaxed. 

I realized I’d overreacted. 

2 

89% 

“I just think…” Lucas seemed unsure how to continue, then admitted, “James called me.” 

I looked at him, surprised. 

“He asked me not to tell you, but I don’t want to keep secrets,” Lucas explained. “The day after you posted that video clearing his name, he called to explain things to me.” 

“He insisted nothing happened between you two. That the kiss was just goodbye, and you were even wearing masks.” 

“He emphasized how much you love me, that even with his wealth and fame, you remained faithful to me.” 

I listened silently. 

I couldn’t imagine James’s feelings when he called Lucas to explain. 

Despite his obvious hatred for me, he still humbly considered my welfare… 

“These past weeks, James and Yasmine have been so public with their relationship. I don’t think it’s just for the media. He’s deliberately showing me that nothing 

happened between you two,” Lucas sighed. 

Tears slipped down my cheeks uncontrollably. 

“Lucas, this is exactly why I have to keep this from James,” I explained. 

The care goes both ways. 

He looks out for me, and I for him. 

Lucas understood. 

He was simply lamenting what might have been between James and me. After Lucas left, I was alone in this city. 

1/3 

ร 89% 

15 

The only way to pass time was watching James’s films and shows. 

I binge–watched his entire filmography. 

My hospital roommate couldn’t help commenting: “I thought I was James Reed’s biggest fan, but compared to you, I shouldn’t even call myself a true fan.” 

She hadn’t recognized me as James’s ex–girlfriend. 

My appearance had changed so dramatically that even I barely recognized myself. 

One day while walking the hospital corridor, I encountered Yasmine. 

She was heavily disguised, but I recognized her instantly. 

She passed by without noticing me. 

See? I told you my appearance had changed beyond recognition. 

I went to the hospital’s garden to enjoy the sunshine, dozing in a chair. 

“Sophie?” a voice called. 

I opened my eyes to see Yasmine. 

“It really is you,” she said in shock. “How did you end up looking like… this?” I didn’t answer. 

Just glanced around to see if we were alone. 

“James isn’t here. I came to visit my mother who’s sick. If I hadn’t checked your records at the hospital, I wouldn’t have believed this was you,” she said, staring hard at me. 

She still seemed unable to process my transformation. “How did this happen to you?” 

“If you checked my hospital records, you already know everything about my condition, don’t you?” I replied flatly. 

Yasmine didn’t deny it. 

Then she suddenly became agitated. “Does James know?” 

“No.” 

“This is the real reason you left him?” 

“More or less.” 

Yasmine bit her lip, then stated: “The doctors say you have days left.” “Yes.” 

“I won’t tell James. I won’t tell him you’re dying,” Yasmine declared firmly. “I know,” I acknowledged. 

Yasmine turned and walked away. 

But not before I glimpsed what might have been tears in her eyes. 

2/3 

12:06 PM Mon 28 Apr