Burn Me Once, Burn With Me novel Chapter 343

If it weren’t for her, would Gennifer have ever lived such a comfortable, privileged life?

So what if she had to give way to Gennifer now—Gennifer was her sister, after all.

He tried to ignore the strange, uneasy feeling gnawing at him, even as his heart still pounded in his chest.

Ruby was all but dragged to the waiting area beside the operating room, barely given a chance to protest.

Her sudden absence brought a breath of fresh air to the hospital room, breaking the thick, oppressive tension that had settled over everyone.

Hanley snapped back to himself and scoffed, “She’s getting more and more out of line, that ungrateful child! She’s not even half as considerate as Gennifer.”

Gennifer let out a sigh of relief, her smile this time more genuine than any before. “Dad, please don’t say that about her. If Ruby hears, she’ll be upset.”

Frieda chimed in immediately, “Gennifer, you’ve always been too kind for your own good. Just look at how Ruby treats you. If not for her, would you be lying in that hospital bed? That blood was supposed to be for you in the first place, and yet she dares negotiate with your father. If you ask me, she should be on her knees begging for your forgiveness!”

Gennifer managed a weak, frail smile, the corners of her lips barely twitching upward.

“Miss Gennifer, we need to get you ready for surgery,” a nurse called out.

She’d already forced Ruby into a sterile gown, and now she returned to wheel Gennifer toward the operating room.

“Don’t worry, Gennifer. Everything will be fine, I promise,” Frieda whispered anxiously, clutching her daughter’s hand as she lay on the bed.

Gennifer smiled and shook her head, gently signaling them not to fret.

After all, this so-called surgery was really just...

She smiled to herself, calm and in complete control.

The nurse put on a show of urgency, and soon two staff members were bustling Gennifer through the doors of the operating room.

Cassian rubbed his aching temples, exhaustion written plainly on his face.

“How is Gennifer?” His voice was hoarse, thick with worry.

Hanley, catching sight of Cassian’s drawn expression, immediately assumed it was all for Gennifer’s sake. His heart leapt with hope, and he nervously rubbed his hands together. “Mr. Veyne, we’ve found a blood match. We just need to proceed with the surgery as soon as possible.”

Cassian frowned. “But I thought the hospital was short on compatible blood? And didn’t you say you have a heart condition, so you can’t donate?”

Hanley waved him off. “No need to worry. We’ve found someone—it’s all been arranged. She’s waiting in the operating room now.”

Cassian glanced toward the half-open door. From where he stood, he could see the glint of cold silver instruments and, on a bed, the barely discernible outline of a person.

A strange sense of unease prickled at him. He stepped closer, trying to see who was lying there…