I pushed it open. Inside, a small shrine had been set up for Olivia Swanson.
The woman in the photograph had gentle eyes and a soft brow. She really did look a little like me.
I lit three sticks of incense, knelt on the cushion, and bowed three times until my forehead touched the floor.
"Olivia... I'm sorry. I was too desperate for this warmth, even knowing it was stolen. I've taken your name. I've claimed your daughter."
"But I swear — I'll use whatever's left of this borrowed life to protect her."
"I'll love her the way you would have. I'll live for her the way you can't."
Through the curling smoke, I lifted my head. Through the blur of tears, the gentle woman in the photograph seemed to gaze back at me, a quiet smile settling on her lips.
"She would thank you."
A low voice came from behind.
I turned. Ivan stood in the doorway in a black robe, leaning against the frame.
He walked over and handed me a document and a black card.
"Nondisclosure agreement. The card has no spending limit. PIN is Melody's birthday."
I took the pen and signed my name.
"The medical team moves in tomorrow. You'll need to cooperate."
Ivan looked at the portrait. "Olivia's greatest wish was to see Melody regain her sight. You need to stay alive."
Beatrice tightened her grip on the card. "Okay."
Meanwhile, at the Henson family estate.
The great hall blazed with light.
Lavinia Henson lounged in silk pajamas, nestled against Murray's chest, dabbing at her tears.
"Murray, do you think my sister's angry at me? Is that why she won't give me her kidney?"
"Maybe I should just die and give Mom and Dad back to her."
Murray wiped her tears. "Don't be ridiculous. That vicious woman is faking it."
Josephine Henson slammed her palm on the coffee table. A glass toppled and water spilled across the surface.
"Where could she possibly run? A dropout who never even finished high school!"
"I've frozen every last card. Not a cent to her name and riddled with disease. Let's see how many days she lasts."
Murray's lip curled. "You're absolutely right, Mrs. Henson. Give it three days, tops. She'll come crawling back, begging you to take her in."
"And when she does, drag her straight to the operating room."
Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
Ivan kept his word. He flew in a world-class nephrology team.
Targeted therapy, IV nutrition, acupuncture, one after another in relentless rotation.