Chapter 76

"What do you mean?" Andrew Lucas frowned deeply.

Ryan Lucas maintained his usual aloof expression, though a trace of concern flickered in his eyes. "Cruelty brings momentary pleasure, but regret lasts a lifetime. Andrew, don't wait until it's too late."

"Regret?" Andrew scoffed. "If Susan Thompson dies, I'll celebrate with firecrackers!"

His words rang with absolute conviction, unaware that fate had already set the stage. Soon, he would indeed be standing at a crematorium, bidding Susan farewell...

Ethan Sullivan pulled Susan all the way outside the Clearwater Bay villas before stopping.

His sunshine smile remained unchanged. "Susan, now that we're alone, we can finally focus on our relationship."

Susan took a deep breath. "Ethan, I can't accept your feelings."

His smile faltered momentarily before rebounding. "That's alright. Feelings can develop over time."

"You deserve someone better." Her voice softened. "I'm not worthy of you."

"Nonsense! To me, you're perfect!"

Susan knew she had to be clear. "If I had years to live, maybe I'd try to love you. But my time is limited. I won't drag you down."

"What do you mean?" Ethan's grip on her hand tightened abruptly.

"Stage four gastric cancer." She spoke the diagnosis calmly. "Meeting you was my last stroke of luck, but I refuse to burden you."

Ethan's face drained of color. "Impossible!"

Without another word, he rushed her to City General Hospital. When the test results came, his hands trembled so violently he could barely hold the report.

"At most... two weeks." The doctor delivered the prognosis nervously.

Ethan collapsed as if all strength had left him.

"Now do you believe me?" Susan forced a smile. "Please forget about me."

Suddenly, she found herself engulfed in a crushing embrace. Ethan's voice broke. "I won't let go! Even if we only have one day left, I'll stay by your side!"

"We can visit Aunt Victoria—she'll know what to do!"

Susan shook her head. "I won't return to the Lucas estate."

Ethan's eyes reddened as he compromised. "Then let me stay as your friend. Please?"

She finally nodded, silently etching this kindness into her heart.

As they stepped out of the hospital, a screech of brakes shattered the air—

A horrific accident unfolded in the middle of the road. The figure lying in a pool of blood was someone Susan recognized instantly...