To Love is To Let Go

Love is both salvation and torment. If Bella Ramsey were given another chance, she swore—she would never fall in love with Seth Rogan again. Chapter 1 The one thing Bella Ramsey regretted most in life was falling in love with her late father's friend. She was ten the first time she met Seth Rogan—a tall man who held the newly orphaned girl in his arms and promised to protect her for the rest of his life. He adopted her, raised her, and treated her like a real uncle. At fifteen, when Bella was being bullied, it was Seth who showed up and made her tormentors kneel and apologize. At eighteen, when one of Seth's missions failed and he was on the brink of death, Bella ignored the doctors' warnings and donated part of her liver to save him. That same day, she stole a kiss from him, only for Seth to wake up at that very moment and see it happen. There was no sweetness, only shock in his eyes—and a distance that never seemed to close. Later, when Seth's one true love, Faye Walters, was critically ill, Bella was the only compatible donor. The usually aloof Seth came to her then. He said that if she agreed to donate her kidney, he would do anything she asked. Bella gave no reply. Her silence was her refusal. Faye died on the operating table. Seth didn't shed a single tear. Life continued as if nothing had happened. But on the seventh day after Faye's death, Seth made Bella's diary—filled with the secret longings of her teenage years—public. He nailed her to a pillar of shame for loving her uncle. On Bella's birthday, Seth drugged and kidnapped her. She was assaulted. He stood by and watched, saying only, "Don't even think I'd touch you. You disgust me." Just before she lost consciousness, Seth threw a bucket of cold water on her. Dazed, she saw him walking toward her, knife in hand. Then came the blade, swift and cold as ice. "This is what you owe Faye." When she opened her eyes again, Bella found herself back on the day he had asked her for the kidney. … "I'm begging you. This kidney might mean nothing to you, but without it, Faye will die. If you agree to donate it to her, I'll do anything you ask." Seth's pleading voice rang in her ears, snapping Bella fully awake. She had come back to life. In her past life, she had turned him down on this day and ended up suffering a fate worse than death. But she had already lost part of her liver for Seth. How could she survive losing a kidney too? Yet now, living this day again, Bella understood everything. If not donating meant death anyway, then this kidney would be repayment—for eleven years of care from Seth. After that, they'd be even. Gripping her hands into fists, she answered firmly, "I'll do it." The words caught in Seth's throat. The doctor beside him looked stunned. "Bella, are you sure?" the doctor asked, alarmed. "We usually don't recommend a second organ donation—it makes the surgery far more dangerous, even life-threatening." Bella nodded. Of course, she understood the risks. But if it meant staying away from Seth forever, she was willing to die. Watching her sign the agreement with his own eyes was the only thing that finally eased Seth's heart. He had feared she was lying to him. He hadn't expected her to go through with it, without hesitation. His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Since you agreed to donate, I'll keep my word. Whatever you want, name it." "I only have one request. I want to sever ties with the Rogen family. From now on, I am no longer one of you." Seth frowned. "Are you serious?" He had assumed she would use this to force him into marriage. He never expected her only request would be to cut him off. Bella met his eyes, her voice cold. "Yes." Seth studied her for a few seconds, then his expression darkened. "Bella, I suggest you give up your little schemes. Don't think that just because you cut ties with the Rogen family, there's a chance between us. There will never be anything between us. I only love one person—Faye. Not you." Bella's lashes trembled. "I know." The memories of her past life's humiliation were still fresh. Of course, she knew how much he loved Faye. That was why, this time, she would never love him again. All she wanted was distance—distance and nothing else. Seth looked at her for a moment longer. He didn't know why, but something about her felt different now. He couldn't quite say what. Just as he was about to speak, a voice from the hospital room interrupted them. Faye. He rushed inside instinctively. Bella's face dimmed, but she followed. Faye was coughing, her eyes rimmed red. "Seth, stop pressuring Bella. I know she doesn't like me. Even if she refuses to donate, I understand." Before she could say more, Seth grabbed her hand, his voice full of joy. "Faye, Bella agreed. You're going to be okay!" Faye froze. Her gaze snapped to Bella, stunned—then her eyes turned bloodshot. "Seth, did she make you promise to marry her?" Before he could answer, Faye slapped Bella across the face. A red mark bloomed instantly. Clutching her chest, Faye shouted, "Bella, do you have no shame? Seth is your uncle—how could you suggest something so disgusting? Seth, if you marry her, I'd rather die right now!" Her outburst didn't even make Seth glance at the bruised Bella. He only held Faye tighter. "Faye, the only one I love is you. I'll marry no one else. As for anyone else—don't even think about it." Bella touched her burning cheek and let out a small, bitter smile. She took the hint and quietly left, but just as she stepped out, she heard their voices. "She already donated her liver to you. Would donating a kidney now be dangerous?" Bella paused mid-step. A part of her still hoped for his answer. But it shattered the next second. "You know me, Faye. I don't care what happens to anyone else. I only want you to get better. That's all that matters." Bella stood still for a moment, then calmly pulled out her phone and made a call. "Hello, Counselor? About the Caledon Volunteer Program you mentioned last time—I'd like to join." Chapter 2 The counselor lit up instantly. "That's wonderful, Bella. I'm proud of you. This country needs more young people like you, who are willing to give of themselves. But the program is tough. Remote locations, difficult conditions. Will your uncle even agree to let you go? He's always been so protective of you." Bella tightened her grip on the phone. Her voice came out steady, no room for doubt. "I don't need his permission. I can decide for myself." The moment she ended the call, the strength drained from her. Her legs felt weak. She wanted to lean against the wall and catch her breath. But when she stepped back, she collided with a firm chest. Startled, Bella's body tensed. Seth frowned. "Who were you on the phone with? What were you talking about joining?" Bella hesitated, then replied calmly, "Oh. A teacher asked if I wanted to join a school club." Seth didn't press her. Instead, his tone shifted, firm and impersonal. "The surgery is scheduled for next week. In the meantime, I'm bringing Faye home." There was a beat of silence. Then his voice turned cold. "And I don't want to see any strange letters in my study that might give Faye the wrong impression." Bella turned her head to the side. Her fingers dug into her palm as she answered bitterly, "Okay." Ever since she had kissed him that one time, Bella had taken to writing Seth a long love letter every week, trying desperately to express what she couldn't say aloud. But every single letter ended up in the trash. Still, she kept writing. She hadn't realized that what to her were heartfelt confessions were to him strange, unwanted, and inappropriate. Seth said nothing more. He gave the driver a few instructions, then turned and walked into Faye's hospital room. An hour later, Bella saw Seth's car pull up at the hospital entrance. He helped Faye into the car. She hurried downstairs, rushing to the roadside, just in time to reach for the door. The car pulled away before her fingers could touch the handle, trailing exhaust in its wake. Frozen on the spot, she stared blankly after the receding vehicle. Then her phone buzzed with a message. [Faye has a cleanliness obsession. She doesn't like unfamiliar smells. Take a taxi home.] Her eyes dimmed. Slowly, she lowered her phone, flagged down a passing cab, and got in. She didn't say a word. Just stared out the window in silence. The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror, concern in his voice. "Miss, your face doesn't look so good. Want me to stop by a pharmacy?" She shook her head. Her eyes grew even darker. Not one word of concern from her so-called family. The only person who'd shown her any kindness today was a stranger. How ironic. How pathetic. Eventually, the cab stopped in front of Seth's villa. Bella got out and pushed open the door. Inside, there was no sign of Seth. Only Faye, idly toying with a necklace. Bella looked closer. Her heart clenched. It wasn't just a necklace. It was the pendant she had locked away in the safe—her parents' only keepsake, the one she treasured so much she hadn't dared to touch it for years. And now it was in Faye's hands. Her expression turned cold. She stepped forward and held out her hand. "Give it back. Faye, you entered my room without permission. Is that what you call proper upbringing?" Faye's expression soured. But before she could respond, Seth's voice came from upstairs. "I told Faye she could go in. She'll be the lady of this house sooner or later. She's free to enter any room she likes. In fact, even if she wanted to live in your room, you shouldn't have a problem with it." He descended the stairs and stopped in front of Bella, his face expressionless, his gaze sharp. Her face went pale. Faye, emboldened by his presence, scoffed. "It's just a cheap old pendant. You want it back? Fine." She held it out, then let it slip from her fingers. It hit the floor. Crack. "No!" The sound of it breaking cut through the air like a blade. So did Bella's heart. That pendant—her only link to her parents, her only keepsake, her only memory of them—was now shattered on the floor. Her eyes turned red. She shoved Faye aside and dropped to her knees, no longer caring about appearances. Her hands moved desperately, trying to piece it back together, but the cracks ran deep, and nothing she did could make it whole again. Faye stood awkwardly to the side, taken aback by the intensity of Bella's reaction. She hadn't expected this. Seth's brows knitted slightly. After all these years living together, this was the first time he'd ever seen Bella lose control. But seeing Faye so shaken, he still frowned and tried to soothe her. "That's enough. Faye didn't do it on purpose. I'll pay you back for the pendant." Chapter 3 Bella didn't respond. She simply gathered the shattered pendant and placed it gently into her bag. After a long silence, she turned to Seth and gave him a smile—thin, distant, and tinged with sorrow. "No need, Uncle." She said it lightly, almost casually, and then walked off in a hurry, leaving Seth standing there, frozen. Uncle… She hadn't called him that since confessing her feelings. No matter how many times he insisted on the title, she had refused to say it. But now, she'd said it herself. Voluntarily. Seth stood rooted to the floor, unmoving. Dazed. It wasn't until Faye tugged on his arm that he blinked back into focus. "Seth? What's wrong?" He quickly composed himself, his voice smoothing into one of calm reassurance. "Nothing. Don't think too much about what just happened. Bella's not a bad person, just a little spoiled after all these years. That's on me." Faye froze for a moment, surprised he was defending Bella. She managed a sweet nod, but her eyes flickered with something darker—something jealous and sharp. Seeking comfort, she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against him as she said softly, "Seth, once the surgery's done… let's get married, okay? I can't wait to start our life together." A trace of warmth appeared in Seth's gaze. He tapped her nose with his finger. "Alright. Whatever you want." "Really?" she beamed. "Then I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world." ... For days, Bella buried herself in paperwork for the Caledon Volunteer Program. Morning to night, she ran between offices and lecture halls, doing what needed to be done. Though they still lived under the same roof, she hadn't seen Seth even once. One evening, she carried a large box of old letters—those densely written love letters she'd once poured her heart into—and headed toward the fireplace. One by one, the pages curled and blackened in the flames. By the time she reached the last letter, Seth's voice snapped behind her. "What are you doing?" Bella didn't reply. He stepped closer, catching sight of the letter still burning, not yet turned to ash. His face darkened. He grabbed her wrist, holding it in an unyielding grip. His voice was low and hoarse, heavy with accusation. "Bella, what the hell is this? Another stunt to get my attention? Is this supposed to mean something?" She lowered her head and pulled her hand free. "You're overthinking it." But to him, it only confirmed his suspicion. He stepped back, his voice sharp and flat. "Ten days from now, I'm marrying Faye. You're welcome to attend." Her face drained of color. Still, she forced a brittle smile. "Congratulations." In ten days, she'd be gone to Caledon, beginning a life entirely separate from his. She didn't say it. There was no point. She turned to leave, but just as she reached the door, he called out again. "Faye said a wedding only happens once in a lifetime. She doesn't trust anyone else to handle it." Bella paused, uncertain what he meant. "So?" she asked quietly. "So," he said, "I want you to plan the wedding. I raised you. You should know better than anyone what I'd want." Chapter 4 Bella lowered her gaze and gave a quiet smile, masking the scorn and bitterness in her eyes. "Uncle, I really don't love you anymore. You don't have to humiliate me like this." With that, she turned and walked out of the villa, leaving Seth frozen where he stood. She took a cab to campus—there were still documents left to fill out for the Caledon Volunteer Program. After submitting the last form, she stepped out of the office and suddenly felt countless eyes turning in her direction. There were murmurs, snickers, and unmistakable ridicule in the air. "Oh my god, is that real? Rich people are wild." "The more proper they look, the freakier they are in private." "I've already got the novel title in mind—The Tycoon's Kept Canary." Still clueless, Bella was pulled aside by a panicked dormmate. "Bella, check the trending list—now!" She took out her phone. Right at the top, a headline jumped out at her: [Rogen Heir's Forbidden Love Exposed!] Her fingers trembled as she tapped the link. It opened to a blurred-out, suggestive video. The faces had been pixelated, but anyone who knew them could still tell. It was her. And Seth. She was pinned beneath him, moaning shamelessly, begging him for more. Her eyes went bloodshot. Her fists clenched tightly. "This video is fake. I never did anything like this." "I believe you, Bella! That trending post—it's obviously bought. You have to find out who did this. They can't get away with it." Without another word, Bella jumped in a cab and rushed back to the villa. She needed to talk to Seth to clear this up. But just as she reached the stairs, she saw him standing there, blocking her path. Before she could speak, his eyes—cold and sharp—cut through her. "This is what you meant by 'you don't love me anymore'? You're a girl. Just to ruin my wedding with Faye, you'd throw away your own reputation? Have you no shame?" Bella bit down hard on her lip. She wanted to respond, but no words came out. She hadn't expected him to think of her this way. Her heart dropped. Whatever strength she'd held onto vanished completely. Seth mistook her silence for guilt. His lips curled into a cold smirk. "If you think public pressure will force me to marry you, you're dreaming. I will marry no one but Faye." The words had barely left his mouth when Faye, who had overheard everything, stepped forward. Her voice was laced with disdain. "Bella, a woman should know how to respect herself, not degrade herself like this." Bella opened her mouth to explain, but Faye suddenly gave her a hard shove. Behind Bella, a staircase loomed—fifty steps tall. In that same moment, Faye feigned a twist of her ankle and fell forward toward the stairs. Seth didn't hesitate. He lunged and caught Faye's hand. It wasn't until he heard the loud, thudding crash of a body falling down the stairs that he turned and saw Bella. She lay crumpled on the steps, curled into herself in pain, hugging her knees. Silent, heavy tears streamed down her cheeks—as if crying could dull the agony burning through her. Seth's eyes darkened. His chest tightened. He dashed down the stairs. "Bella! Are you okay? Talk to me. Are you hurt?" Chapter 5 When Bella opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Seth's worn, haggard face. Seeing her awake, his voice softened—just slightly. "I didn't save you... because Faye is sick." Her voice was calm, almost distant. "I understand." Seth let out a barely audible sigh before continuing, "You still have the kidney donation in a few days. You need to take care of yourself." A bitter smile flickered across her lips. So that's why he'd stayed to look after her—he was afraid an injury would delay the operation for Faye. After a moment of silence, he added, "No matter what happens, I won't forget my promise. Even after I marry, I'll protect you. Always." Bella raised her eyes slightly at that. In her heart, she quietly answered, 'Too bad. I don't need that anymore.' The rest of the day, Seth never came back. Bella sat alone, waiting for the IV drip to finish. She checked herself out of the hospital by herself. Just as she completed the discharge papers, a stretcher rushed past her toward the emergency room. She caught a glimpse of Seth running beside it—his face tight with panic. And on that stretcher… was Faye. Her mind suddenly blanked. In her previous life, she hadn't donated the kidney, and Faye had died. But now—she was willing to donate. So why was Faye still being wheeled into the ER? She didn't have time to search for answers. She just ran. At the emergency room doors, Seth sat with his head bowed, fingers tapping anxiously on the bench, his whole frame radiating tension. Bella asked what had happened. Only then did she learn that Faye had a clotting disorder. She'd gotten dizzy while showering, fallen, and hit her head on the tub. The impact had caused internal bleeding. Not long after, a doctor emerged from the emergency room. "She's lost a lot of blood. Is there any family who can donate?" Seth stood up instantly. "I will!" "What's your blood type?" the doctor asked. "The patient is Rh-negative." At that, Seth's face turned ghostly pale. His voice came out trembling. "I'm type B." Rh-negative blood was rare, like a red wolf's. And of everyone there, only Bella had it. Without hesitation, she stepped forward. "I'm Rh-negative. I'll do it." The memories of her last life were still vivid. She had come so far—she couldn't let things play out the same way again. Led by the nurse, she gave a full thousand milliliters of blood. As the last drop drained, her vision went black. She collapsed in the donation room. When she came to, she was alone. The room was silent. She tore the IV from her hand and got out of bed, barefoot, hurrying toward Faye's ward. Just as she reached the door, a tender scene met her eyes. Seth held Faye tightly, his voice choked with emotion. "You're okay… you're okay…" Faye, pale and weak, managed a faint smile. "Seth, if I had died, at least it would've freed you to be with Bella. Why are you doing all this?" Seth shook his head, solemnly pulling her hand to his chest. "Faye, don't say things like that. Do you hear this? My heart only beats for you. Don't bring up people who have nothing to do with us to hurt what we have. This life and every life after… I'll only love you." Hearing that, Bella's heart jerked violently in her chest. It was real—sharp, physical pain. She leaned against the wall, sorrow washing over her eyes. Softly, as if only for herself, she murmured, "This time… the tragedy won't repeat." Chapter 6 Not long after they returned from the hospital, Seth received a call from the auction house. When he told Faye, she lit up with excitement and ran back to her room to pick out clothes. After a moment, he looked over at Bella, sitting quietly on the couch. He said, "You can come too. Consider it a favor, since you donated blood to Faye." Bella opened her mouth to refuse, but he was already walking back to his room. He hadn't left her space to answer. … At the auction, Seth didn't hesitate. Anything that caught Faye's interest, he raised his paddle and bought. Bella sat still beside them the entire time, her expression vacant and disinterested. She didn't raise her paddle once. Then, a hush swept through the room as a new item was brought out—an exquisite jewelry set of rare value. Gasps rippled through the audience. Faye leaned in, her voice soft and coaxing, "Seth, I want to wear that on our wedding day. It'll be the perfect moment." Without a second thought, Seth raised his paddle again. The bidding escalated rapidly before he secured it for 17 million dollars. People around them murmured in awe—calling him a man hopelessly devoted to his fiancée. Bella didn't so much as glance up, not until the next item was introduced. "And now, this next piece is of significant historical value—a bullet casing left behind by Captain Cordon Ramsey during a battle ten years ago." Cordon Ramsey. Her father's name. Bella's head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief. Her gaze shimmered, the corners tinged red. She didn't hesitate—her hand shot up with the paddle. Seth didn't bid this time. He only looked at her with a complicated expression. "Forty thousand going once… "Forty thousand going twice… "And sold to Bella—" "Wait!" Faye, who had shown no interest in the item until then, tugged Seth's arm. "Seth, I want the bullet casing too. Let me have it?" Maybe he knew what it meant to Bella. Maybe that's why he hesitated. But when he saw the pleading look in Faye's eyes, he turned to Bella, his tone laced with compromise. "Bella, let it go. I'll buy you anything else you want. But this—this one's for Faye." A slow sorrow washed over Bella's face. She said nothing. Just lifted her paddle again, stubborn and silent. Seth's eyes darkened, like something in him had made up its mind. He raised his hand, and gestured toward the auctioneer—three fingers. "30 million!" someone gasped. "God… he's serious. Truly a simp for his girl." The buzz around the room grew louder, but Bella's face grew even paler. He knew what that casing meant to her. And still— Her eyes dimmed completely. She nodded with tears in her eyes. "Alright." She let go of the paddle. And with it, she let go of all the years she had held onto Seth. Without another glance, she bent down, picked up her bag, and walked out of the hall. Seth stared after her, stunned. A message popped up on her phone—it was a flight confirmation for tomorrow at 6 p.m. It was also the day of her kidney donation. Bella checked the time and exhaled, a quiet, private relief. Just one more day, and she'd be gone. Back at the villa, she packed quickly. Strangely, even though she had lived there for more than ten years, her belongings didn't take up much space. Less, even, than Faye's. She had just zipped up her suitcase when the door flew open with a violent kick. Seth stood there, his expression thunderous. The air around him was heavy and suffocating. His eyes were sharp, cold as a blade. "Bella," he snapped, "what the hell have you become? Just to get what you want, you'd stoop so low as to steal?" She froze, utterly bewildered. Before she could speak, he cut her off. "I know that bullet casing was your father's. I was going to give it to you after Faye got bored with it. But now? You've let me down." His fury consumed him. His voice trembled from rage. "You turned out like this because I failed to teach you right. But I owe your parents. I owe them the truth of raising you properly." His anger overtook him. He raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. Her head turned from the force, the sting blooming across her cheek in the shape of his palm. She stared ahead, dazed, lips parted in disbelief. All these years, this was the first time he had ever struck her—and it was for something she hadn't done. As soon as he lowered his hand, his phone rang. "Hello, is this Faye Walter's family member? She's in the ER right now. Please come immediately." Chapter 7 Seth's face paled in an instant. Without a word, he dashed out of the villa. By the time Bella arrived at the hospital, the doctor had just stepped out of the emergency room. He looked at Seth, his expression grave. "The patient's condition is critical. The kidney transplant has been moved up—surgery will begin in thirty minutes. Can you reach the donor? See if they're available now?" Before Seth could respond, Bella's voice rose behind him, "I'm available, doctor. I'm ready." Bella stepped forward, clutching the side of her face where she'd been struck. There was no lingering attachment left in her heart. All she wanted now was to get away from Seth. From the Rogen family. To sever everything, completely. Seth's expression shifted, just barely, before he finally said, "Thank you." Bella didn't reply. She simply opened her phone and rescheduled her flight for that afternoon. Thirty minutes later, she lay on the operating table. There was no fear in her—only a quiet sense of release. Relief. Just as she settled into place, a nurse burst into the room, flustered. "We're out of anesthesia. There's only enough for one patient." The doctor took off his gloves and stepped outside to speak with Seth. Through the open door, Bella heard his voice. "Faye is too frail. She needs the anesthesia." … After a pause, the doctor returned, his gaze filled with sympathy. "Bella, you'll have to undergo the operation without anesthetic. If you don't think you can bear it, we can cancel now." "No need," she said. "I can handle it." It was the answer she'd expected, yet still, it chilled her to the bone. Her dear uncle. Her only family. And yet, as always, he chose Faye over her, even though she had never once hurt anyone. The doctor said no more. He stayed by her side, offering quiet comfort as the procedure began. The pain was unimaginable. Without anesthesia, the sensation tore through her like glass under the skin—deep and cold and merciless. Her veins bulged, her forehead drenched in sweat. Though she gritted her teeth, the scream still tore from her throat. By the time the transplant was complete, Bella had long since passed out. When she woke again, the room was empty. A nurse came in to change her dressing and gave her a concerned look. "You're awake, Bella. That uncle of yours... he's really something. Let his girlfriend get the anesthesia, and made you go through it like that." Bella didn't reply. She offered a pale smile. Once the nurse left, she checked the time on her phone. Two hours. That was just enough to get her things and make it to the airport. She let out a breath and tried to get up—but pain, sharp and tearing, hit her like a wave. It was the kind of agony that lived in the marrow, the kind that pulled screams from the soul. Every heartbeat felt like a knife's stabbing. But still, the thought of leaving Seth pushed her forward. She gritted her teeth, braced herself against the bed, and stood. She changed, slowly, into her own clothes. She picked up the letter she'd carried with her for so long—the formal statement to sever all ties—and began her slow walk toward Faye's room. Inside, Seth sat beside Faye, watching her sleep. He didn't notice Bella until she stood before him, the letter held out in silence. Only then did he look up. When he saw what she was handing him, his face darkened. "What is this supposed to mean?" he asked quietly. "You really want to cut ties with me? I've told you before, there's no future between us. Why are you still holding onto this?" Bella was trembling, sweat forming at her brow. But she looked him in the eye. "This is what you promised me." His gaze lingered on her pale, exhausted face. A flicker of irritation passed through him. Then, after a beat, he took the paper and pen, and signed his name. She finally allowed herself to exhale. Holding the signed paper close, she turned to leave—limping with every step. Seth frowned. "You just had surgery. You're still weak. Why aren't you resting in your hospital gown? Why change clothes? Where are you going?" Her throat was dry. Her thin frame looked as if a breeze could knock her down. "The hospital feels suffocating," she said. "I'm going for a walk." He watched her go, and for once, there was a hint of concern in his voice. "The wind's strong today. Don't stay out too long." Bella gave a soft, vague reply. But in her heart, she whispered, 'Seth, I'm not coming back.' She retrieved her suitcase and boarded the flight to Caledon. As the plane lifted off, sunlight poured over her frail silhouette. She turned her head, taking one last long look at the city. "Goodbye," she murmured. "Goodbye to the place I lived for twelve years. Goodbye, Seth." Chapter 8 The wind howled outside the window, its force enough to make Faye shrink deeper under the covers. Seth noticed and immediately got up to shut the window. As the wind swirled outside, wild and untamed, a sudden image flashed through his mind—Bella. She had looked so fragile today, like a wisp of smoke that the wind could carry away without effort. Just looking at her, he could almost feel her pain. If he had chosen to give her the anesthesia back then, would she have been spared that agony? The thought made Seth lift a hand to his forehead, trying to silence it. No—if he had chosen Bella, then the one enduring the pain would've been Faye. She had feared pain since she was a child. Bella would understand. She had to understand. With that conclusion settling in his chest, Seth turned toward Faye and looked at her with a softness in his eyes. Then he leaned down and pressed a long, silent kiss to her forehead. … Five days later, Faye was discharged from the hospital. It wasn't until Seth had gently carried her into the car that it occurred to him—Bella was still at the hospital. He tapped his temple lightly, scolding himself. After a moment's hesitation, he turned the car around and drove back. She had just donated a kidney to Faye. No matter what, he shouldn't have left her alone in the hospital. But when he stepped off the elevator and looked around, a strange realization hit him—he didn't even know which room she had stayed in. For the past five days, he had been with Faye constantly. Not once had he spared a thought for Bella. He frowned and flagged down a passing nurse. "Excuse me, do you know which room Bella Ramsey is in?" "Bella Ramsey?" The nurse looked puzzled. "We don't have a patient by that name." Seth's expression hardened. "That's impossible. Please think carefully. She had surgery the same day as my girlfriend." "Oh—wait!" The nurse clapped her forehead. "I remember now. She was discharged five days ago." "Discharged?" Seth's voice grew tense. "That can't be. She just had surgery. How could she be discharged already?" "I'm sure," the nurse said. "The doctor even recommended she stay a few more days to recover, but she insisted on leaving. Maybe she had something urgent to take care of." With that, the nurse walked off, leaving Seth standing there, frozen. Five days ago, she hadn't gone out for a walk that day. She had left the hospital. The thought struck him like cold water. Bella had left. No—no, that wasn't possible. She loved him. He knew that. She'd given up part of her body for him, hadn't she? She couldn't just walk away. She must have just hated the hospital. That was all. She probably went back to the villa. Yes. That had to be it. Reassured by the thought, Seth turned and headed quickly downstairs. He slid into the back seat of the car. Faye looked at him, puzzled. "Seth, it's just you? Where's Bella?" Seth's face darkened. "Forget her. We'll go back on our own." When they got back to the villa, Seth stormed in, calling out Bella's name. There was no answer. He took the stairs two at a time and pushed open her bedroom door—only to see a figure bending down, tidying up. A smirk curled at the corner of his mouth. He knew it. Bella could never really leave him. "Bella," he said sharply, "getting bold, aren't you? Discharging yourself without a word? Do you have any idea how long everyone's been waiting on you?" But the figure turned around, flinching—and it wasn't Bella. It was one of the maids, her face pale and nervous. "M-Mr. Rogen," she stammered, "Bella… left the villa five days ago. I'm just here cleaning up."