The Price of His Love is My Kidney

My husband, Liam, took me to the hospital for a check-up. The results showed a cyst on my kidney.

His old college flame, now a celebrated surgeon, told me there was a high probability it would become cancerous. The only way to save my life, she said, was to remove the kidney immediately.

After she took it, I learned the truth. She had deliberately exaggerated my condition. Her younger brother was dying of kidney failure, and my kidney was a perfect match. She used my body to save his life.

When I confronted them in a rage, Liam simply handed me a stack of divorce papers.

If Id known you couldnt get pregnant, I never would have married you in the first place.

Youre the one who signed the organ donation consent form. The police cant help you.

Just get out. Im sick of looking at you.

Staring at their triumphant, smiling faces, I was consumed by a grief so absolute it felt like a physical force. The world went black as I choked on my own blood, my heart giving out from the sheer shock of their betrayal.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back in the passenger seat of Liams car, on the way to the hospital for the surgery.

1

Chloe, come on, hurry up. Im pulling the car around.

Liams voice echoed from the entryway as he slipped on his loafers. Dr. Reed cleared her whole morning for you, he called toward the bathroom. We cant keep her waiting.

The front door clicked shut. I braced my hands on the cool marble of the vanity, taking a long, deep breath, my own reflection a ghostly figure in the steam-filmed mirror.

I couldnt believe it. I had been reborn. I was back on the very day my life had shattered. This was the day I learned the true meaning of betrayal, the day the mask of the man Id shared my bed with was finally ripped away to reveal the monster beneath.

It was just a simple renal cyst. Benign. No pain, no symptoms, no real danger.

But Liam had insisted I get a second opinion. Hed sworn up and down that Evelyn Reed was the best urological surgeon in the state, that he wouldnt be able to rest until she gave me a full workup. He needed peace of mind, hed said.

Id actually been touched. I thought he was worried about me.

Looking back, my naivete was breathtaking.

In my first life, Id arrived at the hospital and Evelyn had greeted me with a warm, professional smile. She ran her tests, her mannerisms efficient and reassuring.

Then, shed called us into her office, her expression shifting to one of solemn gravity. Chloe, you need to prepare yourself.

Her voice was low, serious. Your situation is more precarious than we thought. Theres a significant chance of malignancy.

The words struck me deaf and dumb. I just sat there, frozen.

Liam, ever the actor, jumped in with a performance of frantic concern. What do we do? Whats the treatment?

Evelyns voice was firm. A nephrectomy. We remove the left kidney, and the threat is gone.

Paralyzed by fear, I was putty in their hands. Between Evelyns dire warnings and Liams frantic, seemingly loving pleas, I signed whatever they put in front of me. I assumed it was standard pre-op paperwork, the endless waivers and consent forms you always have to sign. How could I have known that tucked inside that sheaf of papers was a consent form for organ donation?

The truth didnt come out until after the surgery, when Liam stood over my hospital bed and coldly tossed the divorce papers onto my blanket.

It was too late then. Everything was already lost.

Remembering the raw, helpless agony of that moment, I clenched my jaw, my voice a harsh whisper in the quiet bathroom. This time, I vowed, if I dont drag you both down to hell, Ill be wasting the second chance God gave me.

2

At the hospital, Liam led me straight to Evelyns pristine office.

After another round of scans, Evelyn sat across from us at her large mahogany desk, my chart open before her. Her face was a mask of professional concern.

Chloe, you need to be ready for this, she began, her tone grave. You need to have this surgery as soon as possible. If we wait, the risk of it turning malignant is very high.

I put on a performance of my own, my eyes wide with manufactured panic. But this time, my phone was in my pocket, silently recording every word.

Liam played his part perfectly. Just a cyst? How can it be cancerous? Are you sure there isnt a mistake?

Evelyn sighed, a picture of weary expertise. While the chances of a renal cyst becoming cancerous are low, low doesnt mean never, she said. Of course, if youre not comfortable, youre free to seek a second opinion at another hospital.

Before I could even speak, Liam cut in. No, no, of course we trust you! Its just its a lot to take in. He ran a hand through his hair. Isnt there medication? Something to manage it?

Evelyn shook her head, her expression resolute. In your wifes case, the situation is already too advanced. Surgery is the safest, quickest way to eliminate the root of the problem. Medication would be a shot in the dark.

A cold smile played on my lips as I watched them weave their web. They had really thought this through, all to get their hands on my kidney.

Fortunately, before wed left the house, Id made a call.

My parents died when I was young, and my uncle was the one who raised me. Hes not a man you trifle with. Hes got connections all over the city, and as it happens, the president of this very hospital is one of his oldest friendsthey practically grew up together.

Last time, I was so disoriented by Liam and Evelyns manipulation that Id forgotten to call him. By the time I did, the surgery was over and it was too late.

This time, my uncle was already on his way. All I had to do was stall, give them enough rope to hang themselves, and let their ugly truth come out into the light. By the time my uncle was done with them, their careers would be ruined, their lives in tatters.

I picked up the chart from her desk. I think I think Id like to go to another hospital. Just to be sure.

Evelyns brow tightened almost imperceptibly. She shot a quick glance at Liam.

Liam immediately grabbed my hand. Chloe, honey, we dont have time to waste, he pleaded. Any other hospital is just going to tell you the same thing. Dr. Reed is the best. With her operating, you know youll be in safe hands.

I shook my head, pulling my hand away. I just need to process this. Im not mentally prepared. I need to think.

Evelyns voice took on a sharper edge. Your condition is critical. Every day you delay increases the risk, she said, her professional patience wearing thin. Frankly, Im only making time for this diagnosis as a favor to Liam.

Liam jumped back in, his voice thick with emotion. Honey, shes so busy. We need to do this now so we can put it behind us and move on with our lives. If you wait if something terrible happens what would I do without you?

Before I could answer, he turned to Evelyn, his voice decisive. Lets just do it. Lets get her into surgery now.

3

Evelyn nodded and summoned two of her residents, both young men who looked barely out of medical school. They moved to my sides, their hands gently but firmly taking my arms to lead me toward the operating room.

I began to struggle, my voice rising in panic. No! I havent agreed to this! My shouting drew the attention of people in the hallwaypatients and their families turned to stare.

My uncle wasnt here yet. If they got me into that OR, it was over.

Seeing the curious glances, Liam wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into a hug and covering my mouth with his hand. His face was a mask of sorrow. Chloe, please, he whispered, loud enough for the onlookers to hear. If you wont do this for yourself, do it for me. For our family.

He turned his tear-filled eyes to the small crowd. This disease we cant wait. Dr. Reed is personally performing the surgery. What are you so afraid of? He looked back at me, his voice cracking. I promise you, if anything happens to you on that table, I wont live a day without you.

It was a masterful performance. He had successfully cast himself as the desperate, loving husband, and me as the irrational, terrified wife.

The onlookers, strangers who knew nothing, began to murmur their support.

Dr. Reed is the best. She did my mothers surgery last year, and my mom is doing great now.

You cant be afraid of the doctors. You have to get treatment early with these things.

My dad was like that. Always too proud. A small problem turned into a big one, and he refused treatment. We lost him last year. If hed just listened to the doctors, he might have had a few more years.

Everyone was on their side. To them, I was just a stubborn woman in denial, too foolish to accept the help being offered by a brilliant doctor and a devoted husband.

They had no idea that the brilliant Dr. Reed just wanted to harvest my kidney for her brother.

They couldnt imagine that the devoted Liam would serve me with divorce papers before my anesthesia had even fully worn off.

4

I was pushed into the sterile, cold operating room. Evelyn produced a clipboard with a stack of forms.

Shed fooled me once. It wasnt going to happen again.

As she tried to hand me the pen, I thrashed, knocking it to the floor. My refusal to sign made her frown, her jaw tightening with irritation.

Thats when Liam stepped forward. He picked up the pen and took the clipboard. Ill sign for her, he said calmly. I know her signature. I can forge it perfectly.

One of the residents, a younger man with nervous eyes, spoke up hesitantly. Sir, thats thats against protocol.

Evelyn shot the young man a look that could freeze fire. What protocol is that, Dr. Miller? she asked, her voice dangerously quiet. You are my residents. You should understand how I work by now.

Her voice dropped even lower. Protocols are for guidance. People are what matter. Her husband has consented. Are you questioning my judgment? She let the threat hang in the air. If you feel this is improper, you are welcome to go report me to the deans office right now. Well see who they escort out of this hospitalyou or me.

The young residents face paled. He looked down at his shoes, silent. The other residents wouldnt even meet my eyes. Their futures were in her hands; none of them dared to cross her.

Seizing the moment of distraction, I wrenched myself free and made a break for the door.

Liam was faster. He caught me in an instant, his arms clamping around me like steel bands. His handsome face was twisted into an ugly snarl. Chloe, stop it! he hissed. Dont make this any harder! Were doing this for your own good!

Evelyns voice was like ice. If it werent for Liam, I wouldnt be wasting my time on this circus, she snapped. Youre only hurting yourself with this melodrama.

They were still playing their parts, even now. The righteousness of their expressions made me sick with fury.

With a surge of adrenaline, I swung my arm free. The sound of the slap echoed through the room. I had hit her, hard, right across her perfect face. Shed been too close, too arrogant.

The blow stunned her into silence.

Chloe, are you insane? Liam roared.

Evelyns face was a blotchy red, her eyes burning with hatred. She touched her cheek, then gritted her teeth. No more games, she said to the residents. Get the anesthetic. Were starting now.

This is illegal! I screamed. This is assault! Ill sue you! Ill ruin both of you!

This whole procedure was a sham, a conspiracy between the two of them. There were too many broken rules, too many cut corners. If any of it got out, theyd be finished.

Last time, Id been a fool. I signed the papers, leaving no evidence of their coercion, and paid the ultimate price.

But this time was different. The recording was on my phone. And my uncle was coming.

If I could just hold on a little longer, their world would come crashing down.

5

What are you all standing there for? Evelyn barked at her residents, seeing me continue to fight. Hold her down!

They hesitated for a second, then rushed forward, their combined weight pinning me to the operating table. Liam helped, his knee digging into my thigh.

Evelyns face was dark with rage as she approached with a syringe.

Youre a despicable, cheating bitch, Evelyn! I spat, my voice raw. You sleep with a married man and conspire with him to murder his wife! You two belong together in hell!

Liam and Evelyns faces went black.

The residents stared, their eyes wide with shock.

Shes delirious. She doesnt know what shes saying, Liam said through clenched teeth, his voice a low growl. Ignore her.

Evelyns expression was murderous as she poised the needle over my arm.

A wave of despair washed over me. Had I come all this way, only to suffer the same fate?

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