Love That Vanished with the Dream

On the seventh year since Winter Lidell's father was diagnosed with a deadly heart disease, he's finally eligible for a suitable heart meant for the transplant procedure.

On the night before the surgery, Winter's husband of seven years, Liam Jager, requests that she give the heart to his mistress, Regina Baile.

Liam still looks tall and handsome as ever, but the cold and aloof expression on his face is something that Winter has never seen before.

"Winnie." His voice is emotionless. "Regina's condition is deteriorating rapidly."

Winter feels her heart sinking the moment she hears her nickname being uttered coldly. She takes half a step backward instinctively, feeling a premonition looming over her.

"She needs a heart transplant."

Liam's gaze is fixed on Winnie, his tone carrying a hint of absolute decisiveness. "Right. Now."

Every word feels like a blade made of ice cutting into Winnie's heart, where hope is starting to flare.

Winnie's voice quivers violently, her words coming out fragmented and broken.

"What… are you talking about, Liam? My dad… My dad has been waiting for this heart for seven years!"

Winter Liddell was ecstatic. "Have you forgotten how much we went through just to get this heart donor source?"

"No," Liam Jager said calmly.

His composed tone was almost suffocating. "But things have changed. Regina is much younger than your father. Her chances of recovery are higher. She has more long-term value to society.

"Rationally speaking, the heart should go to her."

"Rationally speaking? Liam, that's my dad's life! He's being kept alive by machines while he waits for a donor!" Winter screamed, enraged. "Regina had a full physical two days ago! She has mild angina! She doesn't need surgery at all!"

Winter pulled a crumpled sheet of paper from her pocket and hurled it at him.

"Have a look at that! You've kept her wrapped in bubble wrap her whole life. One stubbed toe and she's screaming in pain. 'Critical condition'? Do you even have a conscience, Liam?"

Liam lowered his gaze and skimmed the thin medical report. His expression didn't change.

Winter's heart sank. He had known all along.

Liam unhurriedly reached into the inner pocket of his expensive coat and took out several neatly folded sheets of paper.

"Sign this. It's a voluntary organ transfer agreement. You'll give Regina priority use of the heart."

The room spun. Winter held onto the wall tightly to keep herself from collapsing.

"I—Never!" she said through clenched teeth.

Liam lowered his voice. Each word was cold like ice. "Be realistic, Winter. What's keeping your father alive right now? Extremely expensive ICU machines.

"Sign it, and let Regina have the heart. I'll make sure the equipment keeps running until we find another one for him," he said, pausing before adding, "If you refuse, I'll have every machine shut down in ten minutes."

Strength drained from her body. She slid down the wall, feeling powerless.

Just before her knees hit the floor, Liam reached out. He wasn't trying to help