The Last Gift novel

---- after the bond was broken.

Howironic.

Before, I had hoped for something.

Maybe even expected it.

But now, as I headed upstairs, I felt nothing but numbness.

It didn't matter anymore.

I was dying anyway.

I tried to hurry up the stairs, but before I could reach the top, everything went black.

I woke up to the shock of cold water splashing across my face.

I shivered, gasping as I blinked up at the ceiling.

Leo and Mark were standing over me, their faces tight with frustration.

They didn't seem worried.

Just...

disappointed.

"Mommy, are you pretending again?" Mark asked, his voice flat.

You've used this fainting trick so many times.

Can you try something new? Daddy and I are supposed to deliver Aunt Jane her mushroom soup.

You've wasted our time, and now the soup's cold!" ---- Mark was clearly angry.

Leo looked disappointed, and he was holding a glass of ice water in his hand.

"Viola, stop it.

Even though we've dissolved our mate bond, I still love you.

Don't try to test my feelings for you with tricks like pretending to faint." I slowly came to my senses, realizing what had just happened.

Thad passed out.

But instead of rushing me to the hospital or getting me medical help, they had thrown a glass of ice water in my face to wake me up.

It was laughable.

They will know I was really dying, rather than pretending, if they had just unblocked their link to me.

No one cared enough to check.

"Mommy, you look fine.

You're all rosy and healthy.

You don't look sick at all.

Next time, try a new trick if you're going to pretend." Mark's words cut through me like a knife.

---- I forced myself to stand up, ignoring the weakness that nearly made my legs buckle beneath me.

The doctor's potent painkiller was working, making me look healthier than I was.

But I knew, deep down, my body was already fading.

"T'm not pretending.

I might have skipped a meal, that's all.

If you want to go to the hospital, I'll go with you.

The transfer agreement still needs a few more signatures." Leo clearly wanted to say more, but when he saw me pick up the agreement, he simply nodded and followed me to the hospital.

Sohe already knew about the agreement.