You Owe Me Forever

Chapter 2 I Gave You My Eyes-You'll Never Know

　　The woman finally stopped crying. She forced what she thought was a pretty smile, trying not to let her friend worry.

　　"I've never regretted loving him. Call me stupid or naive, whatever-once you fall, you fall. Nothing to regret. Some people go their whole lives never knowing what love feels like... I guess I'm lucky in that way."

　　"Scarlett, wake up! Ethan's heart is as hard as a stone. Even if you gave your life for him, he wouldn't shed a single tear for you!" Elizabeth grabbed Scarlett's shoulders and shook her fiercely, like she was trying to shake sense into her.

　　She felt utterly helpless-tiny, even-in the face of love. Her best friend was choosing to throw herself into a fire for love, while she could do nothing to stop it.

　　"Whether it's worth it or not... I'm still going to save him."

　　"Let's just stick to the original plan. I don't have much time left anyway. Why should he suffer in darkness one second longer than he has to? I can't stand seeing him in so much pain."

　　"And what about you? Do you ever think about what it means? Giving him your eyes means spending the rest of your life in darkness!"

　　At the hospital, Ethan sat on the bed, gauze covering his eyes. Ever since he got that woman's call, something inside him felt off-heavy and unsettled.

　　"Mr. Johnson, good news! The director just called-the perfect donor match has been found. Your surgery can go ahead!"

　　Lying on the operating table, Scarlett stared up at the bright surgical light, eyes wide open. This was the last bit of light she'd ever see, and she couldn't bear to close her eyes.

　　A single tear slipped down her cheek. She'd heard that once you go blind, you can't cry anymore. So maybe this was her last tear too.

　　In the time she had left, she promised herself she'd smile every day. Smile until the end.

　　When Scarlett woke up, everything was pitch black. The strong scent of antiseptic told her she was still in the hospital.

　　"You're awake? How are you feeling? Want me to get a doctor?"

　　"No need... Aside from not being able to see anything... I'm okay."Elizabeth looked at her trembling fingertips, trying hard to act like everything was fine. Her nose tingled-she knew better. Scarlett was far from okay.

　　Anyone who suddenly lost their sight would be crushed.

　　From now on, her world was nothing but endless darkness. Unlike others who could hope for daylight after a long night, she had nothing to look forward to-only despair.

　　Scarlett's hand twitched slightly. She was clearly still not used to living like this. Elizabeth instinctively reached over and held her hand, hoping it gave her at least a little comfort.

　　"What are you trying to do?"

　　"Did his eyes recover?" Scarlett asked softly.

　　"They did. Really well, actually. Better than ever. I heard he's already planning some kind of celebration after he gets discharged!"

　　Scarlett smiled, faint but sincere, as she listened to Elizabeth's annoyed answer. As long as he could see again, it was all worth it.

　　"So, what now? Got any plans?"

　　"I want to go home."

　　"Home? You're really gonna go back to that guy, Ethan?"

　　"Plus, how are you planning to explain your eyes? Didn't you say you didn't want him to know the truth?"

　　"I'll just make something up."

　　"You think everyone's that gullible? His vision magically comes back and the same day, bam, you go blind. He's not stupid-he'll definitely put two and two together."

　　"He won't," she said, tone firm and without hesitation.

　　In his mind, she was the cruelest woman alive. Someone like her-sacrificing herself for someone else? No way he'd ever believe that.

　　Just then, Ethan's call came in.

　　He didn't bother with a hello, just launched into yelling: "Scarlett, where the hell are you? Get your ass back home! Can't go a day without messing around with some random guy, huh?"

　　Elizabeth's jaw clenched. "Ugh, what kind of trash even says stuff like that? Dude should drop dead!"

　　Scarlett's face didn't twitch. She'd clearly heard worse.

　　"Used to it," she said flatly.

　　"Take me home, will you?"

　　When they arrived, Ethan stared at the gauze covering her eyes for a long moment, clearly not expecting it. His brows furrowed.

　　"What happened to your eyes?" he asked.