Love That Came Too Late Is Empty

Gerald’s expression darkened instantly. His earlier concern twisted into contempt.

“What’s all the screaming about? People would think someone had died.

“What heart condition? You’re just clinging to my money!”

Aileen rushed over. “Gerrie! How can you say that?

“Hailey, what’s wrong? Is your heart hurting again?”

I opened my mouth, but the pain left me speechless. This only elicited Gerald’s mockery.

“Who are you trying to fool with this pitiful act? Everyone knows your illness is fake. That minor heart condition never bothered you for years, yet suddenly it flares up now that I’ve brought Ailey home?

“Don’t think faking a heart attack will earn my sympathy. Stop deluding yourself. You won’t get a single cent from me.”

A sharp pain pierced my chest. Bitter amusement welled up inside me as tears blurred my vision.

Just days earlier, when my heart condition had worsened, I went for a hospital checkup, and Gerald confronted me the moment I returned.

“So eager to transfer the assets, are you? Listen carefully, even after bringing Ailey home, I won’t divorce you. Did you really think I’d let you profit from my wealth?

“Give it up. Not a single penny will ever be yours.”

I had only taken the money to see a doctor. I had not done anything unforgivable.

I could not fathom why he was so furious, or why he even brought up divorce.

Later, when he deliberately transferred all the family’s properties and bank cards to Aileen right in front of me, I finally understood.

He was not being stingy. He just did not want to waste a cent on me.

My heart ached so badly that I could barely breathe. When I gasped for air, he called me disgusting.

Aileen did not bother pretending anymore. Her face, which was full of scorn and provocation, mirrored Gerald’s expression behind her.

They were truly birds of a feather.

He was right. I was wrong.

I checked my pulse. My heartbeat was growing weaker.

I could not die yet; not like this.

I turned to Gerald, who stood coldly to the side, and begged, “Gerald, my heart is failing. I’m dying. Please… take me to the hospital.”

...

At almost the same moment, Aileen suddenly clutched her stomach and collapsed beside me. Her face was twisted in agony.

Gerald, who stood nearby, rushed over and scooped her into his arms. “Quick! Call an ambulance!”

Aileen lay in his arms, sobbing. “Gerrie, don’t blame Hailey. It’s all my fault for insisting on drinking the ginger tea she made. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Hailey!”

Without hesitation, Gerald turned and yelled at me. His eyes were burning with even more disgust than before.

“You witch! If anything happens to Ailey, you won’t live to see another day.”

He ignored my desperate pleas but caught every subtle gesture Aileen made.

I closed my eyes in despair and braced myself for the slow torture of death.

When I opened my eyes again, I was in a hospital room. Penny was slumped in her chair beside me. Her eyes were red from crying.

“Why the tears? I’m not dead yet.”

I patted her head reassuringly, but she took my joke seriously.

“Don’t jinx yourself by talking about death! Hailey, you’ll live a long, healthy life!”

Warmth flooded my chest, and tears welled in my eyes. “Am I really that important?”

Ever since my parents died when I was ten, I was convinced that no one in the world truly cared about me anymore.