Million Dollar 9 Chapter 9 "I'm fine," Vivian said softly, shaking her head. "That's good." Charles visibly relaxed, though he still hadn't let go of her hand. "Evan's acute leukemia means he needs a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Right now, the only match… is you." He spoke gently. "Vivian, go pack your things. Get ready for the marrow extraction." Her blood ran cold. So- Charles had risked his life to save her. Our son doesn't have that luxury!" "Charles Foster!" Vivian tried to pull away, but his strong fingers gripped her wrist like a vice. His voice softened again-tender, familiar. The same tone he once used when whispering I love you in her ear. "There's no time for anesthesia. Just bear with it, Vivian. I'll be right here with you." Five bodyguards pinned her to the hospital bed. She didn't even have the strength to struggle. Like a lamb to the slaughter, she felt the long needle pierce through her skin, penetrate the bone cortex, and bore deep into her marrow cavity. Her entire body convulsed violently. She curled inward, drenched in cold sweat, pain crashing over her like thousands of searing needles. Her consciousness blurred. But she still heard it. Chapter 9 6.47% Outside the ward, Diana's saccharine voice rang out. "Charles, do you think… Evan's going to be okay?" "Of course," he replied as he pulled her into his arms. "He's our son. I'd trade a hundred lives if it meant keeping him alive." He really was a good father. A good ex-husband. But never a good husband. Vivian gently pressed a hand to her chest. Funny… it didn't hurt anymore. The moment the needle was pulled from her spine, the doctors and Diana rushed to prep for Evan's surgery. Charles followed right after them- Not even sparing her a glance. Vivian slowly pushed herself upright, her frail body trembling. She stared blankly at the three messages on her phone screen. A single tear slid down her cheek. "Hello, your divorce from Mr. Charles Foster has been finalized. Your divorce certificate will be delivered within seven days." "Ms. Vivian Bennett, your previous identity has been officially erased. All documentation related to your new identity has been delivered to the airport." "Your flight to New York departs in two hours. Please prepare accordingly." And one more message- From Charles. "Vivian, thank you. Get some rest. Once Evan's surgery is done, Diana will take him abroad. We'll be back to how we were soon. I promise I'll make it up to you. Love you." What a shame. There was no going back. No "how we were." No "us" left. Goodbye, Charles Foster. Vivian wiped away the last of her tears. She slipped the wedding ring from her finger and set it on the bedside table-along with her SIM card. Chapter 9 6.47% Then she turned and walked out of the hospital without looking back. Meanwhile, back at the Foster estate- Over a hundred hidden cameras blinked to life on at once, their pinprick lights unnoticed by the naked eye… In "CEO's Substitute Wife" by CrushReel, a gripping tale unfolds as a woman steps into her deceased twin's shoes to uncover the truth behind her sister's mysterious demise after marrying a billionaire. Pretending to be the billionaire's wife, she delves into a web of secrets, deception, and revenge in the high-stakes world of CEOs and office politics. Themes of love, betrayal, and family loyalty intertwine as the protagonist navigates the delicate balance between maintaining her charade and pursuing justice for her sister. The modern setting adds a layer of intrigue to this sweet romance, where hidden motives and unexpected revelations keep readers on the edge of their seats. This unique blend of romance, mystery, and suspense sets "CEO's Substitute Wife" apart, offering a fresh take on the classic billionaire trope with a compelling twist. Discover the secrets waiting to be unraveled in this ongoing saga that promises to captivate readers until the very end. Available to read online at CrushReel for those craving a captivating tale of love and intrigue.