A Debt of Life

After I, Mindy Brown, confessed my feelings to my family friend and honorary uncle, Adrian Thorne, he introduced me to a young woman in a wheelchair. Her name was Linda Williams, and she was to be his future partner. Adrian explained that Linda had lost the use of her legs and her dreams saving him, and he had to take responsibility for her.

I didn't understand. Did saving someone's life necessitate marrying them? He didn't answer my question.

In my previous life, I refused to believe Adrian didnt love me. I constantly tested his limits, pushing him further and further. It wasnt until he watched his rival family break each of my ten fingers, listening to my agonizing screams, without even a flicker of emotion, that my heart truly died. Severely injured, I could no longer perform surgery. Eventually, I succumbed to melancholy and took my own life.

When I woke up again, I didn't hesitate. I submitted my application to Doctors Without Borders. I stepped back into the role of the devoted niece.

1.

A sigh of relief escaped me when the approval came through. My fingertips trembled uncontrollably, and my eyes welled up, though I barely noticed. No one knew I had been reborn. Twenty-one. The precise moment before I was to confess to Adrian Thorne.

That day, I wore the custom gown hed lavishly gifted me, and Id booked the most luxurious hotel in Northwood. Id invited numerous friends to witness the beginning of our love story. From my earliest memories, Adrian had always been there. My parents, Doctors Without Borders, were constantly on the move, and I saw them only a handful of times a year. Adrian had practically been my constant companion for the first half of my lifethrough joys and sorrows. Everyone in our circle tacitly assumed I was Adrians intended.

In my previous life, a few close friends, knowing my intentions, had offered countless suggestions, making my cheeks burn with blush. I secretly harbored so much hope. But no one, not even I, had expected Adrian to reject me. Just like in the past.

Adrian seemed to have anticipated my move. His brow furrowed slightly, his fingers absently tracing the words he was about to use to decline me. His eyes held an unreadable emotion. At the time, I thought he was simply worried about our age difference, that I might confuse affection with true love. So Id smiled and said, Adrian, I love you. When I see you, my heart instinctively races. When youre gone, I miss you terribly, an emotion I cant suppress. Im certain, my feelings for you are love.

Others chimed in, but the attempt ended abruptly. And that day, I was still smiling, though the mirth never reached my eyes.

Just as he was about to speak, I beat him to it: Adrian, the research project Ive been working on for a year wrapped up last week. Im incredibly happy, so I wanted to celebrate.

Adrian froze, startled. My friends exchanged glances. As they prepared to speak, I swept my gaze over them. They offered awkward smiles and discreetly tucked away the banner they had been holding, which read, Say yes to her, say yes to her.

A confession that never truly began, faded into nothing.

Afterward, Adrian and his friends were out in the hallway, smoking. He leaned against the wall, his strong, articulate fingers playing with a gold-embossed lighter. The flame flickered, bright and dim. His friend teased, Todays spectacle, I thought Mindy was going to propose to you.

Never thought it would be a feint.

Adrians eyes were lightly closed, a faint smile playing on his lips. A young ladys sentiments, dont go overthinking them. I have no ulterior motives toward Mindy; caring for her is purely out of our families long-standing friendship.

His friend didnt believe it. Youre just too close to see. Look at how you stare at your little girl, do you think were blind? He laughed. If you were truly innocent, why did you warn that boy who confessed to her years ago? You even claimed to be her boyfriend.

Adrian fell silent. I stopped listening too, retreating into the shadows. That was exactly how Adrian had been in my previous lifehis kindness toward me had long crossed the line, yet he stubbornly refused to acknowledge it.

Back home, I submitted my application to Doctors Without Borders. After my parents died in a war zone, I wanted to inherit their legacy. But in my previous life, I hadn't even had the chance to begin before it all ended.

Thankfully, fate took pity on me, granting me a second chance.

2.

I looked at the date for my deployment and then at the calendar beside it. I took out a pen and quietly marked the deployment date; coincidentally, it was Adrians birthday. Suddenly, there was a knock on my door. It was Adrian. He had a habit of knocking twice before entering, but this time, a girl followed him in.

She sat in a wheelchair, dressed in a white gown. Her face was devoid of color, and her eyes held a faint melancholy. She looked fragile and delicate.

Mindy, come here, he said to me.

I didnt move, merely glancing at the girl. This was Linda Williams. I had thought that without my confession, Adrian wouldnt bring her to me. But it seemed some things were destined to happen regardless.

Mindy, Adrian frowned, calling me again.

Linda, seeing my detached expression, lowered her eyes and said softly, Adrian, its alright. Its normal for Miss Brown not to like me on our first meeting.

If she minds my presence, I can just return to the countryside villa. Ive lost my legs; I cant go anywhere, so anywhere is fine. She paused, her eyes brimming with tears, though none fell. She looked like a delicate flower, feigning strength.

Adrians frown deepened, and his gaze toward me held a hint of disappointment.

Mindy

Adrian, you can arrange for anyone you want to stay at the villa; you dont actually need to tell me. I met his gaze. You are the master of this house. My voice was level, betraying nothing. But to Adrians ears, it was laden with thorns. He thought I was throwing a tantrum.

Mindy, dont use that tone with me. He stepped closer. I brought Linda to meet you today because I want you to meet your new aunt-in-law. He paused, his voice firm. Three years ago, during the earthquake, she lost her legs saving me. I need to take responsibility for her. If you want to remain in this house.

Then youll put away your spoiled princess attitude and dont make trouble for Linda.

His warning gaze swept over me. I wanted to speak, but ultimately, I remained silent. It wasnt his fault, really. I had an extreme possessiveness over Adrian. From childhood, I wanted his eyes only on me, his female companion only me. Thats why, all these years, hed had no rumors of other women; even if a woman dared to try to latch onto him, I would deal with her. All his favoritism and exceptions were for me.

So, in my previous life, when he was about to marry Linda, I shattered.

Did saving a life truly necessitate marrying the savior? I pondered it for a very, very long time. It cost me a life. Still, I couldnt understand. Now I do. Some things are simply beyond understanding.

3.

Linda Williams was moving in. Into the room next to Adrianswhich used to be mine. Before Adrian had me move in, he had secretly sought advice from his friends, then personally drawn blueprints and renovated the entire room. He transformed it into a beautiful pink princess room. He even bought many limited-edition dolls and placed them by my bedside.

He raised me like a princess. From childhood.

He always said: As long as it makes Mindy happy, Ill do it.

I hope our Mindy grows up healthy and happy, a joyful little princess.

At that time, his eyes were full of tender, lingering love. It made me fall for him completely. But he, from beginning to end, remained aloof.

In the room, Adrian leaned against the doorframe, his gaze sweeping over me with a coldness before he spoke: Ive had Maria prepare the guest room downstairs. You can stay on the first floor for now.

I said nothing, merely folded my clothes and placed them in my suitcase. Then, as I habitually reached for the doll by the bed, my hand stopped. Adrians gaze followed to the doll. Seeing me remain still for a long time, he said, Ill bring the doll down for you later.

I took a deep breath, pulled my gaze away, and managed a strained smile: No need. Give it to my aunt-in-law.

I didnt even want Adrian anymore. What were a few dolls? Before, they held genuine sentiment; now, they were nothing.

Mindy, are you still mad at me? Adrian asked, his voice cold.

Why would I be mad at you, Adrian? I countered. You have your own life now, someone you love, someone you want to protect. I should be happy for you, shouldnt I?

Adrians eyes darkened, his thin lips parting, but no sound emerged. As I pulled my suitcase to leave, Linda was standing not far outside the door, her gaze at me carrying a hint of mockery. Just like in my previous life, she would act like an innocent lamb on the surface but covertly target me, bursting into tears at the slightest disagreement. A weak persons tears always easily garner sympathy.

Miss Brown, Im so sorry to put you out. Her voice was soft. If I wasnt so incapacitated, Adrian wouldnt do this.

My grip on the luggage handle tightened. As I tried to walk past her, she suddenly grabbed my wrist. I instinctively shook her off.

Ah!!

Lindas wheelchair careened out of control toward the stairs, and a scream ripped through the air. The villas staff rushed over.

Adrian, save me, save me!

Hearing her, Adrian bolted out of the room in a panic, pushing me aside as he lunged and grabbed the handrail, preventing the wheelchair from tumbling further down. I stood there, stunned, my throat tight: It wasnt me.

The wheelchair was wedged on the stairs, and a few staff members blocked the way. Adrian quickly scooped Linda into his arms and walked over to me. The staff also moved the wheelchair aside.

Adrian, you scared me to death. She clung to him. I thought I was going to die Her eyes were red-rimmed, and the fear in them seemed genuine.

After comforting Linda, Adrian glared at me, furious.

Mindy Brown, have you lost your mind?

If anything had actually happened to Linda, youd be implicated in murder, do you know that?!

4.

I bit my lower lip, brimming with injustice, my nose stinging. I didnt. I insisted. It wasnt me. She suddenly grabbed my hand; I just shook her off.

Linda, hearing this, said with a sob, Its my fault, Adrian. Dont blame Miss Brown. Her voice was barely a whisper. Its my fault for not locking the wheelchair earlier. Thats why this happened.

Linda, you dont need to defend Mindy anymore, Adrian said coldly. I know her temperament. All these years, every woman who came close to me was driven away by her petty tricks.

I couldnt help but laugh, tears welling in my eyes: So, Adrian, you dont believe me, do you?

Do you deserve my trust? he countered.

Yes, I dont.

Only Linda does. Whatever she says, you believe. With that, I grabbed my suitcase to leave. But Adrian had a staff member block me. He said, Apologize.

I turned back to Adrian, incredulous. He repeated, Linda was unfairly upset for no reason. You should apologize.

What if I dont? I asked, tears in my eyes. I thought that facing such a scene again, I would be able to handle it with detached calmness. But I had overestimated myself. When all the favoritism I once knew turned into sharp swords piercing me, it truly hurt.

You know what Im capable of, Adrian said coldly. He looked at the staff behind me. They exchanged glances, then moved forward to grab my shoulders.

I let out a self-deprecating scoff. I let go of my suitcase, bowed to Linda, and apologized: I was wrong today. I shouldnt have shaken your hand when you grabbed mine. Im sorry I almost caused you to fall.

Linda was stunned for two seconds, and Adrians expression also grew grave. After standing upright, I looked at Adrian: Adrian, is that enough?

If not, I can kneel too, I said.

Adrians eyes were filled with complex emotions. In the end, he said nothing. I pulled my suitcase and walked downstairs.

As soon as I reached the first floor, Maria said, Sir might just be in a bad mood today, Miss. She took my suitcase. Dont mind him. For all these years, how much he cherished you, we all saw it with our own eyes. She defended Adrian while trying to help me with my suitcase. I just smiled. In the past, when Adrian and I argued, Maria would always play peacemaker. After all these years, Maria was still the same. But Adrian and I could never go back to how we were.

Miss, arent you going to the guest room? she asked, surprised.

I shook my head: No.

But Sir

Tell Adrian that I appreciate his care all these years. From now on, I wont bother him anymore.

In this life, this was enough. I didnt want to endure the pain of the previous life again.