Chapter 1
I was born with a congenital heart condition.
At twenty–five, I underwent a heart transplant.
That same year, Patrick Moore walked into my life.
I thought his feelings were genuine–until I found all the documents about my transplant at his place.
Later, my body developed a rare rejection. My life hung by a thread.
Patrick himself performed the surgery.
Seconds before anesthesia pulled me under, I asked him, “Are you thinking of me…
…or this heart?”
In the end, I forgot Patrick completely.
“Hello, is this Ruth Smith? Our hospital has found a compatible heart donor. Are you free this afternoon? Please come confirm if you’ll accept the surgery.”
My hand trembled slightly as I held the phone.
After all this time, I’d finally found a match.
“Yes, I’ll be there this afternoon.”
After hanging up, I pressed a hand to my chest. The faint thumping felt
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surreal.
Could I really return to a normal life?
After lunch, I rushed to the hospital.
“See here? Tests confirm you’re a perfect match with this donor. If you agree, we can prepare for surgery immediately.”
I nodded repeatedly. “Absolutely. I’ve waited years for this.”
The doctor gently reminded me, “The procedure is costly. Are you certain
“I’m certain.”
My voice held no hesitation. I’d taken every part–time job since college and saved for three years–just for this moment.
“Sign here then. We’ll schedule it as soon as possible.”
I picked up the pen, my hand shaking as I signed my name.
As the doctor turned to leave, I stopped him. “May I know the donor’s name?
“They’ve given me a second chance at life.”
He shook his head. “Anonymous donation. We don’t have that information.”
I stood, clutching my Transplant Acceptance Notice, and walked out. At the corridor’s turn, I collided with a doctor.
He was tall–the impact sent me stumbling back. My papers scattered across the floor.
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Chapter 1
Before I could steady myself, he picked up my notice.
His eyes lifted to meet mine. “You alright?”
I shook my head at the unfamiliar face. “Fine.”
I walked past him toward the stairs, unaware of the burning gaze following me.
*
*
The hospital called three days later as I packed for surgery.
“Ruth? Your operation is scheduled for next Monday. Arrive early–you’ll need post–op observation.”
“Understood,” I replied.
Waiting for admission churned my stomach with dread.
What if the surgery failed?
What if my body rejected the new heart?
What if-
A knock cut through my spiraling thoughts.
I opened the door to a tall, slender man. He offered an apologetic smile.
“Excuse me, I’m the new neighbor next door. Could I borrow your cleaning supplies?”
My mind was preoccupied with the upcoming surgery, so I handed him the items without really looking at his face, then shut the door.
With poor blood supply to my heart, I couldn’t overexert myself. It took
Chapter 1
several rounds to finally get my hospital bag packed.
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Lying quietly in bed, I wondered–shouldn’t this cautious life end soon?
