Chapter 3
I don't know how long I was unconscious. My body felt weak, and my stomach ached. It hurt when I tried to move, so I touched it, feeling the bandage on my side.
"He did it," I whispered, my mind struggling to grasp what had happened.
The door opened. A man entered with calm steps.
"Are you alright? Do you need me to call a doctor?"
I recognized the voice. My tired eyes struggled to focus on the figure beside my bed.
"You… Why are you here? Did you come to seek revenge for what my husband did?"
Standing before me was Nathaniel, Reyhan's arch-rival in the business world. They had often been involved in conflicts, not hesitating to use dirty tactics. Nathaniel was known as a dangerous man, willing to hurt or even kill to get what he wanted. According to rumors, he was the one who had Reyhan attacked by an unknown assailant, targeting his kidney.
Nathaniel smirked, his eyes fixed on me. He stepped closer, bending down until he was inches away from me. His hand reached out, gently caressing my cheek, yet it felt like a threat.
"Beautiful," he murmured. "But so foolish."
I shivered. My breath caught in my throat. My heart raced, fear crawling through my veins.
Nathaniel stood up and walked toward the large window beside my bed. His arms crossed over his chest as he stared at the city lights shimmering below.
"You know everything," I said, my voice trembling.
"Of course," he said smoothly. "I saw how your husband treated you like garbage. Taking your kidney, even though he knew you only had one."
I fell silent, trying to process his words. My heart felt shattered, like it was being pelted with shards of glass.
Did Reyhan… take my kidney… for Livia?
Nathaniel turned to face me. His sly smile grew wider.
"They've already taken your kidney."
The world spun.
"They… took my kidney?" I touched my stomach, which felt sore.
"But… how am I still alive? If they've taken my kidney…"
Nathaniel chuckled.
"I saved you."
My eyes widened. "You… saved me?"
He walked closer, leaning against the edge of the bed.
"After they took your kidney, they dumped your body like trash. But I arrived just in time. I found you before you bled out."
Tears began to flow. My body shook violently.
"Reyhan… he really did this…"
"Reyhan didn't throw you away himself," Nathaniel said, cutting me off. "But he ordered someone else to do it."
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms until they hurt. A wave of heat filled my chest, mixed with pain, anger, and hatred.
Nathaniel watched my reaction, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Control your emotions, Arneta. What I’m about to tell you might make you hate your so-called beloved husband even more."
I glared at him, hatred burning in my eyes.
"Beloved husband? Don’t joke with me. Maybe he was once. But now? Not anymore. I hate him!"
Nathaniel smiled, his gaze dark.
"Good. Because it seems like you need to know one more thing."
"What else? Just say it!"
He leaned closer, his face only inches from mine. The scent of his cologne stung my nose.
"This incident… has made you lose something you’ve been waiting for all this time, Arneta."
"What do you mean?"
Nathaniel sighed deeply.
"Besides your kidney… you've also lost your unborn child."
My breath caught in my throat again. The world felt like it was shattering into pieces. Tears fell from my eyes, unable to hold them back. I stared at Nathaniel in disbelief.
"My baby… I…"
Nathaniel nodded.
"Yes. Your baby."
I shook my head, unable to believe it.
"No… It’s impossible. I didn’t even know I was pregnant…"
"And now, you don’t need to know anymore," Nathaniel said, smirking. "Because Reyhan took it from you. Just like he took your kidney."
Choking. My chest felt like it was being crushed, and I was unable to breathe. I wanted to scream, but the sound was trapped in my throat.
I lost my baby…
I lost my kidney…
Now, I've lost everything I had.
Nathaniel stared at me without mercy.
"Now you know who that man truly is. So, what are you going to do now, Arneta?"
I remained silent. My sobs grew louder, filling the hospital room.
"This can’t go unpunished," I said, my voice trembling. "He has to be held accountable. He killed my child!"
I tried to stand up, but Nathaniel held me back.
"Do you think Reyhan cares?" he said sarcastically. "He knew you were pregnant. The doctor told him. But he didn’t care."
My blood felt like it had frozen.
"What? So he knew? And he still did it?"
Nathaniel nodded slowly, his gaze cold.
"He chose Livia over your child."
My body went limp. All the pain now turned into boiling anger in my chest.
"Reyhan…"
Chapter 4
"Reyhan... "I whispered, my voice weak, my eyes staring blankly out the window.
" You have to get revenge. You can't let him get away with this. He destroyed your life," Nathaniel said provocatively.
I looked at him. He smiled—a sly, calculated smile.
"If you decide to do it, you can come to me. I'd be happy to help you," he continued, his eyes gleaming with manipulation.
I rubbed my face, trying to calm myself down.
"Work with you? Never."
"What? "Nathaniel's expression changed to shock.
" I don't need you. I can do it myself," I replied firmly, my gaze cold and unwavering.
Nathaniel's face darkened, disappointment flashing across his face. But I didn't care.
"You're rejecting me? Seriously? What can you do now? I'm Nathaniel Holder. I can easily help you avenge what you've gone through—as long as you're willing to work with me," he said, his voice low and threatening.
I sighed, then looked at him with unwavering determination.
"Work with you? Never. I know exactly what kind of man you are. You're just as cunning and corrupt as Reyhan. I'll never stoop so low as to work with a hypocrite like you."
Nathaniel's jaw hardened. His eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I saved you. I paid for your medical bills. Is this how you repay me? "he asked, his voice tense with pent-up anger.
"Thank you for helping me and paying my hospital bills. If you can give me the amount, I'll pay you back—two or three times as much, if necessary," I said flatly, emotionless.
"You..."
Nathaniel's face flushed with anger. This wasn't what he expected. He must have thought I'd be broken and begging for his help, that I'd submit to him in desperation.
But no. I wouldn't involve anyone, especially a sly man like him.
"Go. I want to be alone," I said, turning away, dismissing him as if he were nothing more than a meaningless fly.
Nathaniel didn't move. He stood there momentarily, his eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable. Finally, he turned and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
As soon as the door closed, I took a deep breath, trembling. My chest felt tight, my heart racing as I tried to stay calm. I had to go home. I needed my parents. They were the only people I could trust now.
But I had nothing. Not even a phone.
I pressed the emergency button, calling a nurse to my room. Within seconds, a female nurse entered, her face soft and concerned.
"Miss, is there anything I can help you with?“ she asked kindly.
I looked at her, desperation flashing in my eyes.
”I need to call someone. Can I borrow your phone? Please.”
The nurse handed me the phone without hesitation.
“Thank you. Please give me ten minutes. Also, could you give me your bank account number? I'll reimburse you for the call,” I said, my voice tense but firm.
The nurse nodded with a faint smile as she left the room.
My hands trembled as I dialed my father's personal assistant's number.
"Uncle, I need to talk to Dad,“ I said, my voice urgent.
My father's deep, familiar voice came through the phone a few seconds later.
”Arlena? What's happening?"
I took a deep breath. Then, the words poured out. I told him everything—about my kidney, about the lost baby, about Reyhan's betrayal.
My father's voice trembled with suppressed anger.
"Arlena! Why didn't you tell me sooner?! Damn him! He's gone too far! Don't worry. I'll destroy him. I'll make sure he never sees the light of day again after what he did to you!"
I took another deep breath, my jaw clenching. A burning determination inside me consumed all the fear and pain.
"No, Dad. I'll do it. I have my way. I'll make him suffer. I'll make sure he never finds peace again. Dead or alive, he'll regret ever being born," I said in a cold, unforgiving voice.
My father was silent for a moment, as if considering my words.
"You're going to do this yourself? All right. I'll support you. But for now, go home. Mom and I are waiting at home. We'll talk more when you get there."
I nodded, my eyes hardening.
"All right, Dad. I'll be home soon."
After hanging up, I remained sitting on the edge of the bed, the phone still clenched tightly in my hand. I stared blankly at the window, the city lights outside blurring into an indistinguishable sea of color.
I will make Reyhan pay for everything he took from me. Starting with my heart.
A few days later, after my condition stabilized, the doctor finally allowed me to go home. My father sent a young man to pick me up—perhaps a bodyguard or driver.
"Good morning, Miss. I'm here to take you home," the man said politely, bowing slightly.
I nodded without saying much, my steps slow and unsteady as I exited the ward. I was determined to leave this place and forget every painful memory etched into these sterile white walls.
But as I stepped into the hospital lobby, my heart shattered. Standing near the exit was the person I didn't want to see.
Chapter 5
I saw him. Reyhan. Walking side by side with Livia, that rotten woman. They looked happy, laughing as if nothing had ever happened. But their laughter vanished instantly when they saw me. Reyhan stared at me with a look full of hatred.
"Arlena…" Livia spoke, her voice trembling as if filled with regret. But I knew it was just an act.
I ignored them and tried to walk away. However, Reyhan grabbed my hand roughly, holding it tightly.
"I want to talk to you," he hissed.
The man my father sent didn't stay silent. He immediately stepped forward, separating Reyhan from me. 'Let go of Miss Arlena,' he said firmly.
"Who are you? Mind your own business! Get out of here before I beat you up!" Reyhan shouted angrily.
But the man wasn't afraid. He punched Reyhan in the face without hesitation, sending him crashing to the floor. Blood flowed from his nose.
"Reyhan! "Livia screamed in panic and rushed to help him.
"Arlena, why are you doing this? Mr. Reyhan just wanted your explanation," Livia tried to play the role of the good woman.
I smiled sarcastically. "Stop pretending, Livia."
Without realizing it, my hand rose. Plak! The hard slap landed on her cheek. Livia screamed, and Reyhan immediately stood up, pushing me until I stumbled. The man my father had sent caught me before I fell.
"Miss, are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
I nodded and released his grip. My eyes shifted to Reyhan, who was still standing there with a face full of anger.
"I told you before, Arlena," he said coldly. 'You should have known better."
"Known better?' I laughed sarcastically." Yes, I know now. I know I've been in love with a worthless man like you."
"What did you say?" Reyhan stepped closer, his eyes blazing with anger. But the man beside me didn't let him get near me,
"Trash. You're trash! Stupid and self-centered! You came back to the woman who rejected you because you were poor, and left the woman who was always by your side when you were down. And worse than that, you had the nerve to kill your flesh and blood for a cheap woman like her!"
"Enough!" Livia screamed, tears streaming down her face. 'Enough insulting me! I know I was wrong, I'm sorry. I…”
"You don't deserve her forgiveness, Livia!' Reyhan pulled her back." Arlena deserves all of this! She lost her baby not because of your mistake, but because of her own mistake! She's selfish and irresponsible! I was already kind enough to let her live after taking her kidney and replacing it with another one. I was too kind to let her keep living!"
I clenched my fists, holding back my anger. Tears could no longer be contained. Reyhan… You're truly a man with a heart of a demon. I'll never forgive you.
"I'm selfish…?"
"You call me selfish, Reyhan?" I stared at him in disbelief. 'You've ruined my life! You took my kidney, you killed our child, and now you have the nerve to call me selfish?"
"Arlena, shut up!' Reyhan shouted, his face flushed red. His breath was labored, his jaw clenched. "I'm telling you, I didn't kill your child! You're the one who couldn't protect him!"
"Your child?" I stepped forward, closing the distance between us." He wasn't just my child, he was your child too, Reyhan! You knew I was pregnant. You knew I only had one kidney. But you still forced me to donate it! You took my kidney without caring about the risks I'd face. And now... You still dare to blame me for losing our child? Have you completely lost your mind? Are you a heartless monster?"
Reyhan fell silent. His eyes glared at me, but no words came out. Meanwhile, Livia squeezed Reyhan's arm, hiding behind him.
"I never asked you to donate your kidney for me back then," Reyhan said coldly. 'It was your own decision."
I laughed sarcastically. My laughter was filled with bitterness.' My decision? You have no shame, Reyhan. You took advantage of my love. You forced me, manipulated me, and now you stand here as if you've never done anything wrong?"
Livia suddenly spoke up. Her voice trembled. "Arlena, I'm truly sorry. I didn't know you were pregnant. I didn't know... If I had known, I wouldn't have—"
"Shut up!" I snapped at her, my voice trembling with anger. "Do you think your apology can bring my child back? Do you think the word 'sorry' can erase all this pain?"
Livia sobbed, though I knew she was only pretending. "Arlena, I'd rather die if this is how it is. I'll give you back your kidney. I hope that can atone for my mistake and Reyhan's. I also beg your forgiveness. I truly loved Reyhan. I accepted him back then. You know how my family is. They wanted me to marry someone of equal status."
"Does that mean everything will be okay? No, I'll never forgive either of you!"
"Whatever, do you think I care?" Reyhan squeezed Livia's hand, pulling her aside. "Let's go. There's no point talking to you, crazy woman," Reyhan sneered, pulling Livia away. Crazy woman?