The Blood Bargain

When I opened my eyes, I was back on my way to donate blood. The wife of the citys wealthiest man was in a difficult childbirth and desperately needed a transfusionand my blood type matched her rare one.

In my first life, I gave my blood without hesitation. As thanks, the billionaire gifted me a chic townhouse and three million dollars. My roommate Hannah, who always acted above material things, was furious. She accused me of selling my blood, said I was dirty, and spread rumors I was a homewrecker. Her words ate at me. I ended up refusing the gifts and cut off all contact with men, even skipping classes taught by male professors. By graduation, Id failed so many courses I couldnt graduate on time.

Desperate, I begged Hannah for tutoring help. Instead, she filmed me pleading, called me an idiot, and posted it online. The video went viralmy tear-streaked face became a meme, and Hannah became an influencer overnight.

That same night, overwhelmed, I ended my life with a bottle of pills.

Two men in casual clothes stopped me at the hospital entrance.

You must be Miss Cassie Miller?

When I nodded, the man I recognized as the citys most prominent billionaire became so emotional his words stumbled over each other.

Miss Miller, my wife shes an older mother, and there were complications during the surgery. She needs blood, urgently! He swallowed hard. You you were informed of the situation, right?

When he spoke of his wife, this seasoned man who had weathered countless storms in the business world had tears welling in his eyes.

His eldest son, Noah, who stood beside him, looked at me with immense gratitude. Miss Miller, thank you so much for coming. My mother were counting on you.

Of course, I said, extending my arm without a second thought. Where do I go? Take me there now.

But just as we were about to head inside, a sharp voice cut through the air behind us.

Stop right there! None of you are going anywhere!

Hannah stormed over, planting herself directly in front of me. She stared at me, her eyes burning with a look of profound disappointment. Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea what youre doing? Donating blood for money? Youre basically selling your body! Have you no shame?

The familiar words sent a shiver down my spine. It was only then that the reality hit me with full force. I was back. I had been reborn.

In my last life, she had stopped me just like this. But back then, all I could think about was that a life was on the line. Besides, I had come fully prepared to donate for free. I didnt agree with her twisted logic, so I ignored her and followed the doctor to the donation room.

I never expected that after the transfusion, the billionaire would offer me three million dollars and a house as a reward. Hannah found out and called me trash, a sellout who was a disgrace to modern women. Under her relentless psychological pressure, I ended up refusing the kind offer.

That one simple act of refusal ultimately led to my death.

Thinking of it now, a hot anger simmered in my chest. Hannah, what are you talking about? Im here to save someones life!

Hannah looked genuinely shocked, probably because the meek and quiet me had never dared to talk back to her. Seeing that all eyes were on her, she lifted her chin, her gaze drifting into the distance as if addressing a crowd. Save a life? Dont make it sound so noble. This is all just a trap set by these rich people!

She sighed dramatically and lowered her voice, leaning in as if sharing a secret. Cassie, Im only saying this for your own good. Dont you know? Your blood type is rare. If youre not careful, these wealthy vultures will turn you into their personal blood bag!

The billionaire panicked at her words, holding up four fingers in a solemn oath. Never! Absolutely not! Miss Miller is saving my wife; shes a benefactor to our entire family. How could we possibly do anything to harm her?

Noah chimed in, If you dont trust our word, we can sign a formal agreement. If this situation ever arises again, we will never force Miss Miller to donate if she is unwilling.

Hannah let out a derisive snort. You think wed believe that? Let me tell you something. We may be poor students, but we have principles! We would never sell our bodies for you! Impossible!

With that, she grabbed my arm and tried to drag me away.

This time, I was ready. I yanked my arm free. Mr. Davison, this is my body and my decision! Where is the donation room? Please, take me there now!

Noah understood immediately and motioned for a nearby doctor to lead me inside.

Hannah, unwilling to give up, screamed after me, Cassie, youre a lost cause! If your parents knew you were selling your body, they would die of shame!

When I ignored her, she planted her hands on her hips and looked at Noah with utter contempt. Let me make one thing clear to you people! Cassie might be spineless enough to sell herself to you, but Im not! I, Hannah Davis, live my life with integrity. I would never stoop to something so vulgar!

But the Davisons couldn't have cared less about her performance. Their attention was already back on the operating room doors.

A few minutes later, I walked out, pressing a cotton ball to the small puncture wound on my arm.

Hannahs sharp eyes immediately spotted my pale face. She covered her mouth, a flicker of malicious glee in her eyes. See, Cassie? Didnt I tell you? These rich people are already treating you like their personal blood bank! As long as youre alive, theyll just keep draining you!

Hearing this, Noah bowed his head in apology. Im so sorry, Miss Miller. It was an emergency, so they had to draw 150ml. How are you feeling right now?

Before he could finish, his father rushed over, shoving a bag full of expensive nutritional supplements into my hands. Cassie, please, see if theres anything you like in here. You need to eat something right away!

I waved my hand dismissively. Im fine. I just felt a little dizzy when I stood up too quickly. Its passed now.

Hannah clicked her tongue. Cassie, dont try to be tough. This is serious. She sneered. They only took 150ml? Do you actually believe that? I certainly dont. Theyre definitely lying to you!

Her voice was grating. I subtly shifted away from her. I know exactly how much they took. The scale on the bag was perfectly clear. Hannah, not everything is a conspiracy.

I wasnt naive. I knew situations like that could exist, but I knew of the Davisons reputation. Mr. Davison was a self-made man who had built his empire from the ground up. He was wealthy but never wasteful. Noah was a rising star in his industry, known for his integrity. People were desperate to work for his company.

Just as I finished speaking, an apologetic Mr. Davison approached with a bank card and a set of keys. Cassie, I truly, truly cannot thank you enough for helping my wife. I know you came to donate altruistically. This isnt payment; its just a small token of our familys immense gratitude.

Noah nodded sincerely. Miss Miller, please, you must accept it.

Watching this, Hannahs eyes turned red with fury, just like they had in my past life.

Dont you dare take it! she shrieked.

She slapped my outstretched hand away and threw the keys and card directly at Mr. Davisons face. Dont you dare shame us with your dirty money! Do you think this will make us submit to you rich snobs? Im telling you, never!

Panting, Hannah spun around to glare at me. Cassie, have you no self-respect? Taking this money is the same as selling your body! Selling yourself to an old man like him doesnt it make you sick?

She took a few dramatic steps back. I cant even imagine how filthy you are right now. What you did is no different from being a homewrecker! And you know what happens to them, dont you? They get beaten in the streets!

A cruel smile touched her lips. The moment you take his money, youve sealed your fate as the other woman. Youll be a rat that everyone wants to stomp on! Your parents will die of shame because of what youve done!

Her words just fueled my rage. In my last life, after I died, she made a fortune turning my tragic story into content and memes, launching her career as an influencer. She signed with an agency and did live streams every night, begging her followers for gifts so loudly the neighbors couldn't sleep.

If I didnt know her true nature, I might still be fooled into thinking she genuinely despised money.

I took a deep breath, bent down, and picked up the bank card and keys from the floor. In that case, thank you for your generosity, sir.

Why would I be shy about accepting a gift like this?

Seeing me take them, Mr. Davison smiled in relief. Excellent, excellent! Im so glad.

Noah also smiled. Miss Miller, are you feeling unwell at all?

I shook my head, but in the next second, my vision went black, and I collapsed.

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in a hospital bed.

I looked up and met Noahs worried gaze. His voice was soft. Miss Miller, are you alright? The doctor said youre suffering from malnutrition.

Im so sorry, he continued, his face filled with guilt. If I had known about your condition beforehand, I never would have let you donate blood.

I shook my head. Its my own fault, it has nothing to do with you. The malnutrition is because

Hahaha! I was right!

Before I could finish, Hannahs triumphant voice cut me off. Cassie, this is what you get for not listening to me! I warned you, these rich people see you as nothing more than a walking blood bag!

She laughed coldly. Its not too late to regret it!

As she spoke, she lunged toward me, reaching for the IV needle in my arm.

Thankfully, Noahs reflexes were quick. He grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

That small action was all it took for Hannah to completely lose it.

What do you think youre doing? Why are you touching me? Did you really think Im as pathetic as Cassie, fawning all over you rich people?

Watching her get lost in her own little drama, I couldnt help but laugh. If I remembered correctly, this was her attempt at playing hard to get. It was a tactic shed learned from some trashy romance novel, one where the heroine wins over a billionaire by acting like a cold, aloof flower. Hannah was trying to follow that script.

Noahs brow furrowed in annoyance. Miss Davis, if Im not mistaken, this is a private room. Cassie needs to rest. Please leave immediately.

Her ego bruised, Hannah crossed her arms. Did you hear that, Cassie?