Chapter 1
Chapter 1
“Miss Clark, are you certain you want to donate all your organs?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Tia Clark said this with a smile that seemed to be one of relief.
The doctor hesitated, trying once more to dissuade her. “Even though your cancer is in the advanced stages, with proper treatment, you might still extend your life”
Tia Clark’s smile only deepened as she shook her head without hesitation. “No need, Doctor. Every day, I just wish for it to end. I probably have about a month left. When the time comes, I’ll notify the hospital in advance so you can donate my organs to help others. Thank you.”
With that, she smiled, stood up, and walked out.
The doctor watched her leave in disbelief. He had never encountered a patient so eager to face death.
Just as Tia Clark stepped out of the hospital, her phone rang. It was Nathan Harrison.
His voice was cold, slightly gravelly. “Where did you sneak off to today?”
Tia Clark’s fingers tightened around her phone, and she lied, “Just a cold.”
It was clear Nathan wasn’t truly concerned. “Riverside Club, Room 314. Get here.”
Tia Clark didn’t hesitate and headed straight there.
Entering the room, she found it filled with Nathan’s business associates.
“Miss Clark, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. We’ve heard you’re quite the drinker.”
“Rumor has it you’ve sealed many deals over drinks. Let’s see that in action today.”
“There’s 99 glasses on the table. If you can finish them, the deal’s done!*
From the sofa, Nathan watched her with a cryptic smile, speaking softly, “Don’t disappoint me.”
Everyone watched in anticipation, and Tia Clark didn’t refuse.
Smiling, she picked up a glass. “Well, here goes.”
She downed glass after glass, the burning pain in her stomach intensifying–a pain magnified tenfold by her
stomach cancer.
Her face turned pale, her hands trembling, yet she didn’t stop, drinking one glass after another.
Nathan watched her with cold detachment the entire time.
Finally, under the astonished gazes of everyone there, Tia Clark finished the 99th glass.
Applause erupted in the room. “Impressive! Truly impressive!”
Sweat glistened on Tia Clark’s forehead as she forced a smile.
One of the business partners was intrigued. “Miss Clark, you could do so much better than working for Mr. Harrison. He doesn’t appreciate you. Why not jump ship and join me?”
Tia Clark smiled faintly and politely declined. “Thank you for your kind offer, but Mr. Harrison is fine.”
“I’ll triple your salary!”
But Tia Clark remained unfazed, shaking her head firmly.
Nobody could understand. “Why won’t you leave?”
Her smile faded slightly as she replied, “I’m here to pay off a debt.”
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14:55
Chapter 1
The partner assumed she owed money to the Harrison Group and dropped the subject, albeit disappointed
In the end, the deal was sealed that night
As the gathering dispersed and night fell, Nathan’s driver arrived to pick them up. Tia Clark took her usual seat in the passenger side.
Nathan didn’t like her sitting next to him.
The car stopped in front of her apartment building, and Tia Clark thanked the driver softly, exhausted as she
got out.
She was so worn out that she didn’t notice Nathan following her
He watched her stumble up the steps, his dark eyes growing deeper.
Tia Clark was oblivious until she reached her door and fumbled for her keys.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her wrist, turning her around and pressing her against the wall.
The hallway’s sensor light flickered on just as Nathan cupped her chin and kissed her deeply
The kiss was intense and long, leaving Tia Clark breathless.
Finally, he pulled back, his eyes unexpectedly moist, his voice shaky. “You keep putting on this act, trying to make me worry. Why didn’t you leave when others tried to poach you? Tia Clark, why are you still here!” Catching her breath, Tia Clark struggled to calm her emotions. “I have to stay and atone for my sins.”
14:55
