When I was dying of silver poisoning, my fiancé Marcus, the Alpha who had promised to never abandon me, now wanted to harvest my healthy kidney for my parents' adopted daughter, Celeste.

So I refused the conservative treatment plan. I injected myself with the witch's life potion.

The price? In 72 hours, I would die from complete organ failure.

In those three days, I gave my private healing center—the one I'd built with my own hands—to Celeste. Mom and Dad beamed with joy. "Good girl, you've finally grown up. You're taking care of your sister now."

Marcus wanted to postpone our wedding to care for Celeste. I accepted it calmly. He praised me for finally being understanding.

I even gave up my position as the pack's chief healer to Celeste. My parents and Marcus were so excited they planned to throw her a grand celebration ball. They invited every important person with status in the pack to honor her new role.

I was just curious about one thing. After I died, would they shed a single tear for me?

When I was dying of silver poisoning, my fiancé Marcus, the Alpha who had promised to never abandon me, now wanted to harvest my healthy kidney for my parents' adopted daughter, Celeste.

Three years ago, I got silver poisoning while defending my family during a rogue wolf attack.

But somehow, my sister was the one who took all the credit. When we returned to the pack, she spun a story about how she had bravely fought off the rogues while I cowered in fear.

My attempts to tell the truth were dismissed as jealousy and attention-seeking behavior.

From that day forward, Celeste began having mysterious health issues.

Whenever she felt "unwell" - which happened conveniently often - I was expected to give up something for her comfort. My room when hers was too small. My time with Marcus when she needed emotional support.

"Celeste is a hero," Dad would remind me each time. "You should be more understanding. She sacrificed herself for our family."

Even now, in the late stages of my silver poisoning, they wanted me to donate a kidney to treat Celeste's kidney failure.

So I refused the conservative treatment plan. I injected myself with the witch's life potion.

The price? In 72 hours, I would die from complete organ failure.

Under my assistant healer's regretful gaze, I pushed the needle into my vein.

My life officially entered its 72-hour countdown.

After handling everything, I went to Celeste's private hospital room.

Inside, Dad was opening champagne. Mom and Marcus surrounded Celeste's bed, their faces full of joy.

When they saw me push through the door, the family's warm laughter came to an abrupt halt.

"What are you doing here? Are you trying to ruin Celeste's good mood on purpose?"

Mom spoke first, her voice full of wariness and displeasure.

"How could the Blackwood family raise such a cold-blooded, selfish child? Celeste is your sister. What's wrong with donating one kidney to your sister?"

"If I'd known you were so heartless, we never should have brought you back from the countryside!" Dad snorted coldly.

In their blind spot, Celeste flashed me a victor's smile from her hospital bed.

I lowered my head. In the past, I would have argued back. I would have told them Celeste wasn't nearly as sick as she claimed.

Though they never listened to any of my explanations anyway.

But now, I didn't want to argue anymore.

"You came at the perfect time. Your father and I were just about to find you," Mom's tone softened slightly.

I smiled weakly. "Mom, I have something to tell you too."

"Celeste has always envied my healing studio, hasn't she? I've thought it through. I'm giving it to her."

Dad and Mom both froze. Marcus looked up at me in surprise.

"What did you say? Say that again. You're willing now?"

No wonder they were so shocked.

Celeste had been wanting my studio for a long time.

Mom and Dad had tried every method—soft persuasion and hard pressure—to make me hand over this brand I'd built from nothing.

But I had never given in.

For someone about to die, though, these worldly possessions truly held no weight anymore.

After Mom confirmed I wasn't joking, her face finally bloomed with a satisfied smile. She walked over and patted my shoulder.

"You've finally understood!"

"Even though Celeste's health isn't good, she has real healing talent."

My heart felt completely numb as I handed over the transfer contract I'd prepared.

Watching Celeste eagerly sign her name, Mom and Dad happily grasped my hands, praising me over and over as their "good girl."

How ironic. Only when I gave in to Celeste could I earn half a word of praise from them.

I suddenly wanted to know something.

If they ever discovered that Celeste wasn't really sick, and learned of my death—would their smiles freeze on their faces right now?

Evening came, and I dragged my exhausted body home.

My fiancé Marcus was in the living room, holding my dog Rusty, playing fetch while video chatting with Celeste.

Maybe it was the effect of the witch's potion, but my steps were steady and strong. They didn't even notice my return.

Marcus threw the ball and turned around to see me. The smile on his face froze for a moment.

"Aria, you're back? How are you feeling today?"

Rusty was a dog I'd brought with me from the countryside. The moment he saw me, he tried to break free from Marcus's arms to circle around me.

It seemed Celeste was determined to leave me with nothing. She wouldn't even spare my wolf companion.

How ridiculous. I was about to die.

Marcus hurriedly hung up the video call, trying to calm the struggling Rusty.

But Rusty ignored him, whimpering as he rubbed against my legs.

This was the only companion I'd brought from the countryside.

From the video screen, Celeste's weak voice rang out again.

"Marcus, does Aria not like me? Even her dog is so mean."

Before I could speak, Marcus was already frowning.

"Aria, Celeste's health is fragile. She can't handle being scared."

"It's just a country dog anyway. I'll have my assistant take it away tomorrow."

Celeste flashed a triumphant smile on the screen.

I lifted my head, my gaze sweeping coldly across Marcus's face.

My stare made him uncomfortable. He looked away.

"Rusty is mine. I'll handle it myself. Don't trouble yourself."

I turned and headed upstairs.

Marcus hesitated, then called after me.

"Aria, there's something I want to talk to you about."

"Celeste's condition—the doctors say it's not looking good."

His voice carried a barely detectable note of pleading.

He pulled me toward the dining room.

On the table was a candlelit dinner spread.

The flickering flames reflected off his handsome face, making him look especially tender.

He pulled out my chair and poured the wine.

"Aria, it's been so long since we've had a proper meal like this."

He raised his glass, looking at me with gentle eyes.

I didn't move.

"Do you remember? Our first date was at a restaurant just like this."

He talked about the past, lost in his memories.

Those moments that once made my heart race now sounded grating to my ears.

Finally, he got to the point.

"Aria, I know asking you to donate your kidney is cruel."

"But Celeste—she became this way because of me."

I paused mid-reach for my wine glass.

Marcus's eyes were filled with pain and guilt.

"She was originally a strong she-wolf, but she's just too kind-hearted. Not only did she suffer a serious injury saving your family, but she also suffered kidney failure saving me.

Three years ago, during the forest patrol mission, if she hadn't pushed me out of the way when that rogue wolf attacked, I would've been the one bitten."

"Her kidneys started failing from the toxins in that bite. I owe her my life."

I almost laughed out loud.

So that was it.

But that day, the one who was bitten protecting him from the rogue wolf was me.

I was the one who got bitten and fell down the ravine.

Celeste had only been waiting at the base camp below. She'd twisted her ankle on her own.

But while I was missing, she stole all my credit.

The same trick she always pulled—just like how she had stolen credit for me saving our family before, now she was stealing credit for me saving Marcus.

My achievements, my injuries—she effortlessly turned them into capital for gaining sympathy.

From that moment on, she'd been scheming to replace everything of mine.

"Aria, you're so kind-hearted."

Marcus gripped my hand, his tone earnest.

"For my sake, please save her, will you?"

I looked at his face, full of deep emotion, and felt nothing but emptiness inside.

"Marcus."

I spoke calmly.

"My kidneys are damaged too."

The pleading expression on his face froze instantly.

"I was diagnosed today."

Last winter, I'd been rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night with severe stomach cramps.

He had held my hand just like this then.

His palms were sweaty, his brow furrowed with worry.

He'd told the doctor to use the best medicine, no matter the cost.

He'd leaned down and whispered comfort in my ear.

"Aria, your health is more important than anything else."

His caring words still echoed in my memory.

Now he was asking me to sacrifice my health to save someone else.

I slowly pulled my hand away.

Looking at the man before me, I suddenly felt like he was a stranger.

The deep affection in his eyes—it had all been an act.

Even his concern had an expiration date.

He seemed to misunderstand my silence, thinking I was throwing a tantrum.

"Marcus, Celeste isn't sick."

I looked into his eyes, speaking each word clearly.

"Her kidney failure is fake. The person who saved you that day was—"

Before I could finish, Marcus's expression darkened.

"Aria, I never thought you could be so vicious."

"To avoid donating your kidney, you'd actually make up such lies to curse her."

I tried to explain. "I saw her eating spicy food with friends at a restaurant. Someone with kidney failure could never do that."

His phone rang.

It was Celeste calling on video.

On screen, Celeste lay in her hospital bed, pale as paper, coughing weakly.

"Marcus, I feel so terrible. Am I going to die soon?"

Marcus's eyes immediately filled with heartache and anxiety.

He hung up the call and looked at me with cold disappointment.

"This is the Celeste you claim was eating spicy food?"

"Aria, you've let me down completely."

My ears rang, and it took a long time to find my voice again.

Marcus sighed with relief. "Aria, I know you feel wronged. But Celeste is your sister. We can't abandon her."

"Besides, it's just a delay. After Celeste dies, I'll give you an even grander mating ceremony."

I stared quietly at the man before me.

This was the man I had once loved deeply.

This was my chosen life partner.

I thought I'd given everything in our relationship, held nothing back.

In the end, all I got was betrayal.

But it didn't matter anymore.

If this was what they wanted, they could have it all.

I lifted my head and looked at Marcus. "Fine. I agree."

Relief washed over Marcus's face. He gripped my hand, his tone utterly sincere.

Looking at him, the last trace of warmth in my heart finally dissipated.

Until this moment, I'd held onto a tiny bit of hope for Marcus.

But now...

Enough. Besides death, I had no other expectations left.

I stood up, ready to return to my room.

Suddenly, a wave of intense dizziness hit me. My vision went black, and I lost consciousness.

As I fell, I seemed to see Marcus's face filled with panic.

I was awakened by the cold.

Opening my eyes, I found myself still lying on the cold floor.

Marcus stood over me, looking at me.

"Aria, can you stop using these methods to get my attention?"

"I know you're upset, but Celeste is waiting for me at the hospital. What's the point of this drama?"

Only then did I realize what had happened.

The witch's life potion I'd injected would make me appear completely healthy for 72 hours.

It seemed the potion was indeed effective.

I used the sofa to help myself stand. "Probably just low blood sugar. I'm fine. I'll go to the hospital with you."

"There are some things that need Celeste's personal signature."

Marcus nodded, without a trace of guilt on his face.

At the hospital, Celeste was propped up in bed, looking at the latest tablet computer.

"Sister, are you really willing to give me the entire studio?" Her tone was mocking, full of showing off.

Celeste's complexion was still somewhat pale, but she looked energetic.

"Sister, thank you for giving me the studio. I'll manage it well and won't disappoint you."

"That's right, Aria. You can just stay home and enjoy yourself, waiting for the dividends. How wonderful."

Mom chimed in with a smile.

I pulled another document from my bag. "Since that's the case, I'll transfer my ancestral estate to Celeste as well."

"From now on, let her handle all these matters."

"Aria, have you lost your mind? Do you know what that ancestral estate means?"

Marcus was the first to grab my arm, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Now it was my turn to feel confused.

In the past, hadn't they always sided with Celeste?

Whatever Celeste wanted, they would find ways to take from me.

If I refused, I'd face endless accusations and harsh words.

So why, now that I was voluntarily giving everything away, did they think I was being unreasonable?

Dad snapped back to reality and looked quite pleased. He patted my shoulder firmly. "That's right. This is how family should be."

On the hospital bed, a flash of panic crossed Celeste's eyes, quickly replaced by triumph.

She struggled to get out of bed, but Mom quickly pressed her back down.

"Don't move. Rest properly."

Celeste leaned into Mom's embrace, looking at me with feigned weakness.

"Sister, thank you."

She paused, lowering her voice so only we could hear.

"Marcus will be mine too, from now on."

I looked at that innocent, harmless face and suddenly found it amusing.

"Are you comfortable using my things?"

Celeste's face instantly turned deathly pale.

She clutched her chest, gasping for air. Tears came instantly.

"Sister... I didn't mean it that way... why would you say such things..."

Mom immediately shielded Celeste behind her, glaring at me furiously.

"Aria! What's gotten into you now! What did Celeste say wrong?"

Dad joined in the accusations. "We thought you'd finally grown up, but you're still this selfish. Stop upsetting Celeste!"

Marcus strode forward and yanked me away.

"What exactly do you want? Won't you be satisfied until you drive Celeste to her death?"

The disappointment and disgust in his eyes pierced through me like a needle, numbing my heart.

I watched as the three of them surrounded Celeste, gently comforting her.

And I stood there like an outsider.

No, I was a dead person about to exit the stage.

Dad, Mom, you've been deceived by Celeste's innocent face for so many years.

Do you really believe she's really dying?

My throat felt terrible. I suddenly turned around and started coughing violently. The tissue in my hand was instantly stained with specks of blood.

"Aria, what's wrong? Do you have a cold?" Mom asked with a frown.

I gripped the bloody tissue tightly. In the end, I couldn't help but look at them.

"Dad, Mom, if I died from illness one day, would you be sad for me?"

But Mom's expression didn't change at all. She just looked at me impatiently.

"Child, you're perfectly healthy. Why are you saying such unlucky things?"

Dad nodded, looking at Celeste with worry. "It's Celeste who needs proper care before and after surgery. We can't be careless about anything!"

"Exactly!" Mom immediately chimed in. "Aria is just under too much stress lately. Celeste is the one who's sick and needs our concern!"

The last ember of hope in my heart was completely extinguished.

When we were children, the whole family went to the lake. Despite our warnings, Celeste insisted on swimming in the deep water.

She quickly got a cramp and struggled in the water, calling for help.

I jumped in and used all my strength to drag her to shore.

When Mom and Dad arrived, they only saw Celeste's pale face after choking on water.

Mom held Celeste and scolded me harshly for the first time in her life.

"Aria, you're the older sister. Why didn't you watch your little sister properly!"

Dad also said I was jealous of Celeste and had deliberately harmed her.

From that day on, they decided Celeste was physically weak, and it was all my fault.

They felt they hadn't protected Celeste well enough, so they had to compensate her doubly.

I became their way to avoid responsibility.

So now, when Celeste wanted my kidney, they thought it was perfectly justified.

It was what I owed her.

There was nothing left in this world worth staying for.

I seemed to see Rusty running happily to my feet.

I unfastened the collar around his neck and said, "Don't you love freedom? Let's go."

I stood up and headed toward the hospital room door.

I turned back for one last look.

They were all gathered around Celeste, caring for her. Not one person looked back at me.

I quietly closed the door and left that suffocating place.

One day left until my death. I was homeless now.

My whole life, I'd lived for others, never truly stopping to live for myself.

Before my body completely gave out, I dialed a number.

Then the world plunged into darkness.