The Borrowed Tomorrow

"Carson, are you even a doctor? How can you just stand by and watch someone die?"

The second half of the video consisted of an audio recording she had secretly taken of me.

It was only one sentence, but it was a harsh and merciless one.

"I'd rather cut my kidney out and chop it into pieces before giving it to that piece of trash."

The clip had been carefully edited and paired with mournful background music.

The moment it was uploaded, it exploded across every major platform. The fury of public opinion swallowed me whole.

[How is someone like him qualified to be a doctor? He's an animal!]

[Her first love is dying! Is losing one kidney really going to kill him?]

[He forged an AIDS report? That's illegal! The hospital should fire him immediately!]

[Expose him! Make sure he can't survive in this city!]

In less than half a day, every detail of my personal information was dug up and spread online. Someone even delivered funeral wreaths to the entrance of my examination room.

Reporters packed the hospital entrance so tightly that people could barely get through.

At 2:00 pm, the department director called me into his office. He looked exhausted, sighing nonstop. "Carson, all of us trust your medical skills and your character. However, the pressure from public opinion is overwhelming right now. Even upper management can't hold back the backlash anymore.

"Why don't you go home and take some time off? Once things calm down, we'll figure it out."

Looking at the troubled expression on his face, I nodded. "I understand. I'm sorry for causing trouble for the hospital."

I took off the white coat I had worn for five years and carefully folded it before placing it on my desk. After packing a few medical textbooks into my bag, I left the hospital.

The moment I stepped into the outpatient lobby, I ran straight into Jeannie. She was pushing a wheelchair. Elliot sat in it, his face pale and weak. Several internet influencers surrounded them, holding up their phones and livestreaming the whole thing.

The instant Jeannie saw me, she jumped in front of Elliot like a mother hen protecting her chick.

"Carson! You actually have the nerve to show your face! Look what you've done to Elliot!"

Elliot leaned against the wheelchair and coughed weakly. When he looked up at me, a flash of smug satisfaction slipped through his eyes. However, when he spoke, his voice sounded weak.

"Dr. Lloyd, I heard you've been suspended. I'm really sorry. This is all because of me. Jeannie is just worried. Please don't blame her. If you're angry, take it out on me. After all, I probably don't have many days left anyway."

The influencers immediately turned all their cameras toward me.

"Look! That's the cold-blooded doctor!"

"The patient is already in this condition, and he's still wearing that expression!"

Ignoring the cameras around me, I walked over to the wheelchair. Then, I looked down at Elliot from above.

"How are you feeling?" I asked.

Elliot blinked. "What?"

I stared straight into his eyes. "I'm asking how you're feeling after that injection."

Elliot smiled. There was obvious provocation hidden behind that smile. "Pretty good. I actually feel stronger. Mr. Lloyd, thanks for the medication."

I nodded.

"You're welcome. Enjoy the last days of your life."

Jeannie exploded with rage. Her entire body trembled as she pointed at my face and started screaming, "Carson, who are you cursing?! You've already been fired! What exactly are you so arrogant about? Get out! The farther away you go, the better!"

I ignored her shouting completely and continued walking toward the exit.

"Carson! Don't think this is over! You owe us, and I'll make sure you pay back every bit of it with interest!"

…

I did not return to the hospital dormitory. Instead, I took a cab straight to the home that had once been my future with Jeannie.

I had purchased a luxury apartment in the city center and paid for it in full two years ago. The property deed carried only one name—mine.

When I reached the front door, I pulled out my key and tried to unlock it. However, no matter how hard I tried, the key would not fit into the lock.