Yvette sobbed dramatically, her voice laced with fake innocence. "Uncle, I tried to bring Aunt some food and drink because I saw she hadn't eaten. But she accused me of causing her mother's death, knocked over the food, and poured wine on me. If you had come any later, she would've killed me."

"The noodles and wine were my idea," she continued, playing the martyr. "I know it's not much, but it's the thought that counts, right? I even burned my hand with the hot water..."

Gabriel's face turned as dark as a storm cloud. He glared at me. "Olivia, your mother's heart attack was due to her own weak body. She should've minded her own business. It's normal for people to change their minds before marriage. Yvette was just trying to help, and now you're blaming her for everything? You're being completely ungrateful!"

I stared at him in shock, unable to process his words. Was this really the man I'd loved for seven years?

"Gabriel, tell me, how did my mother really die? Did you really transplant my heart to her?" My voice was shaky, but I had to know the truth.

Gabriel frowned, his expression cold. "Of course I did. Didn't I tell you? Your mom developed rejection symptoms after the surgery. Heart transplants are risky, Olivia. How can you not know that? And you dare spurn Yvette's kindness? Apologize to her right now!"

I laughed through my tears, the sound hollow and bitter.

This was the man I loved, who wouldn't even tell me the truth.

I reached down and grabbed the fallen wine bottle, ignoring the broken rim as I poured the rest of the alcohol into my mouth, letting the glass cut into my lips.

As the burning alcohol hit my throat, a sharp pain exploded in my chest.

Gabriel's eyes widened in panic as he rushed toward me. "Olivia, your body can't handle alcohol! Stop, please!"

I tossed the bottle aside and forced a smile at him. "You're right, Gabriel. How could I spurn someone's kindness? So I drank your precious darling's gift. Satisfied now?"

Without another word, I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there in stunned silence.

Gabriel reached out to grab me, but Yvette quickly held him back. "Uncle, my chest hurts again. I don't know if it's from the shock earlier..."

Gabriel hesitated, staring at me as I walked away. He didn't follow.

That night, Gabriel didn't come home.

I packed up everything I owned and set it all on fire, watching as the flames devoured it.

The next morning, my phone rang. It was Gabriel.

"Olivia, I was wrong yesterday. I know your mom's death is a wound in your heart. I shouldn't have said those things. But Yvette's heart isn't good. I'm worried something might happen to her. I can't face her mother and in-laws. As her uncle, I have to take care of her."

His words were cold and calculated, like a rehearsed apology. "It's fine. I was impulsive yesterday. Take good care of her," I said, my voice flat.

"You drank alcohol yesterday. Your chest must be in pain. I'll replace your artificial heart tomorrow. Rest tonight, I'll pick you up in the morning."

"Okay," I replied, barely holding it together.

The next morning, Gabriel didn't show up.

I wasn't surprised. Some goodbyes don't need to be said face-to-face.

I left the divorce papers on the table, walked out the door, and headed straight for the hospital.

As I was entering, my phone buzzed. It was Gabriel again.

"Olivia, I'm sorry, but there's an emergency patient that needs surgery. I have to finish up with him first. We'll replace your heart tonight instead. I'll send my assistant to pick you up."

He went on, as if reading from a script. "Tomorrow is our 7th wedding anniversary. After the heart replacement, I'll take you out for a nice dinner."

It was the perfect excuse. It fit his lies to a tee.

But I already knew the truth. Yvette had texted me.

Apparently, because I "ruined" one of her dresses with wine the night before, Gabriel was taking her to a jewelry auction to make up for it. He planned to bid on the headline item, a one-of-a-kind pink diamond necklace.

This was the first time he remembered our wedding anniversary, but it was to accompany another woman.

"Alright," I said, my voice cold. "I actually want to give you a gift too."

"Really? I'm looking forward to it~"

I hung up and took one last look at the clear blue sky. Then, without a second thought, I walked into the hospital without looking back.

Goodbye, Gabriel.