Chapter 1 A year after their breakup, Isabella Gibson called Marcus Harlan for the first time. She only said two things. The first was, "Happy wedding." The second was, "You promised you'd be my pallbearer when I die." *** "The call about your euthanasia approval was forwarded to my phone." Marcus's voice was chillingly cold on the other end. "Why did you make me find you like this?" In the solitary room, Isabella pressed her nose as blood seeped through her fingers, smearing red across the phone screen. Her fingers shook as she wiped the blood away, staring at Marcus's name, then whispered hoarsely, "I'm sorry." Marcus was silent for a moment. "Isabella, we ended things a year ago," Her vision suddenly blurred. He was reminding her, but how could it ever slip her mind? One year ago, during a stormy evening, Marcus unexpectedly told her they were over. 0.00% 13.22 Chapter 1 288 Voucher She spent the entire night standing outside his door in the rain, hoping to see him. Finally, a neighbor informed her that Marcus had left the country immediately after the call. Ultimately, he didn't even leave her an explanation or a farewell. If it weren't for this phone call, she figured he wouldn't have contacted her again. Isabella stared at the chilly rain beyond the window, as if reliving that moment. Her voice caught in her throat. After a lengthy silence, she finally responded, "I know." "If you're planning to end your life, do it far away. There's no need to inform me," Marcus said icily before hanging up, showing no compassion. The phone's dial tone echoed like a drumbeat, pounding in Isabella's chest. She crouched there for a long time, then got up and washed the blood from her face. As cold water splashed against her skin, the phone rang once more. This time from a Swiss euthanasia clinic. "We're sorry for reaching out to your emergency contact earlier. We couldn't reach you at midday." "It's okay," Isabella answered tiredly. 15.32% 13:22 Chapter 1 17 288 Wouchers She had been on a flight to Switzerland at noon. "You'll need the latest medical documentation for euthanasia to proceed. Local examinations in Switzerland are required." Staring at her pale reflection in the mirror, Isabella murmured, "Got it." Once she ended the call, she flagged down a taxi to the hospital. While the car drove down the streets, the majestic Alps stood tall in the distance. This wintry city, once a destination she and Marcus had often fantasized about visiting, had surprisingly become the final stop of her journey. The test results came back fast, blood cancer with bone metastasis. There was nothing left to do. Under the sympathetic looks from the doctors, Isabella instinctively tucked the diagnosis into her bag. Just as she was about to leave, her footsteps abruptly stopped, and her breath hitched. She never thought she'd see Marcus again! He stood at the end of the hallway, wearing the coat she'd bought him. A year later, he looked even more self-assured. His face was as striking as ever, but his gaze was cold and detached. Each feature had haunted her dreams for a year, waking her with tears. 22.00% 13:22 Chapter 1 1288 (Vouchers Now, seeing him again, her vision blurred-memories crashing over her like a tide. She recalled the 1,530 origami stars Marcus folded for her, the seven years of unbroken morning and evening greetings, and the time he drove 400 kilometers through a snowstorm just because she said she missed him. She believed their love was eternal until the moment he turned his back on her for the first and final time, dismissing her pleas as he departed. Isabella had once believed that if she tried hard enough, she could eventually erase these memories. However, the moment Marcus appeared, the pain she'd tried so hard to bury resurfaced, almost overwhelming her. She bit her lip. The whole country suddenly felt so small. Marcus noticed her as well. A brief hesitation, then he was coming toward her, brow furrowed. Her heart tightened. Before she could say anything, Marcus cut in coldly, "I told you to stay away from me." His face was icy, his sharp brows making him seem distant. Isabella gradually clenched her fists. "I'm only here for a physical exam." "A physical exam?" Marcus replied, clearly unconvinced. "Stop kidding yourself. I told you a year ago. It's all over. Stop holding on. 54.01% 13:22 Chapter 1 1288 (Vouchers That's just pathetic." Her face grew pale. A year ago, she couldn't accept the way things ended. She tried many ways to track him down. But now, things had changed. She gazed at Marcus, her throat tightening. Before she could utter a word, a voice interrupted. "Marcus." Isabella froze as a woman walked up and slipped her arm through Marcus's. The woman looked at her briefly and then turned to Marcus with a smile. "Marcus, who is this?" She didn't recognize Isabella, although Isabella was familiar with her. She was Laura Meane, Marcus's girlfriend. Marcus's lips twitched slightly. "She's..." "Neighbor," Isabella interrupted softly, saying, "We used to be neighbors." Marcus hesitated, his eyes growing darker. But he remained silent. Laura smiled and stepped closer, extending her hand. "Hi, I'm Marcus's fiancée." 74.91% 13:22 Chapter 1 1288 (Voucher! She emphasized the word "fiancée". Isabella dropped her gaze and spotted a ring adorning Laura's finger. The pink diamond sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight, piercing Isabella's eyes with its radiance. She exclaimed, "You're engaged?" Laura beamed. "Yes, Marcus proposed to me last month." "Oh... congrats." Isabella glanced at Marcus, trying to sound casual. "When's the big day?" Marcus observed her briefly before stating, "July 1st." Isabella was paralyzed, as if a sharp blade had pierced her heart. Her smile vanished completely. July 1st. That was the date of her euthanasia. 89.52% 13:22