Zack’s mother used to be a gentle and quiet woman, always speaking with a smile, just like Zack. But the day she came to claim his body, she looked like a madwoman, clutching my hand and demanding, “Why wasn’t it you who died?!” Yes, it should have been me. After losing Zack, my family quickly went bankrupt, my parents both passed away, and now I’ve 

been diagnosed with leukemia. Perhaps this is karmic retribution. 

When I opened my eyes again, the tears on my face had already dried. Zachary was sitting by my hospital bed, tightly holding my hand. The hospital’s fluorescent lights flickered, casting a pale light on his face, which seemed unusually ashen. Even though I knew he wasn’t Zack, I couldn’t help but be captivated every time I looked at his face, which bore such a close resemblance. But Zachary wasn’t him, and it was time to wake from this prolonged, bittersweet dream. 

When he noticed I was awake, Zachary opened his eyes and tightened his grip on my hand, 

his voice low and hoarse. “You’re finally awake.” 

I slowly pulled my hand away. Zachary froze, a flash of irritation in his eyes, and reflexively adopted his usual harsh demeanor. “What are you putting on an act for? It was just a little water. You’re acting like you have some terminal illness.” 

I closed my eyes, unwilling to respond. He didn’t know that I really did have a terminal illness and that my time was running out 

After two days in the hospital, I returned to my apartment and handed my printed resignation letter to Zachary. When he saw the content, his face darkened, and he asked, almost word by word, “You’re resigning? 

I nodded slightly, speaking calmly. “Not just resigning. I don’t want to continue our transactional relationship anymore.” 

“I don’t agree!” Zachary’s hand crushed the resignation letter, his face dark with anger. He strode forward, grabbed my hand, and demanded coldly, “Don’t forget how much money you took from me. Now you want to sever all ties? That’s overly naïve!“ 

Tve never forgotten. Over these three years, I’ve repaid you with my work and my body. From the beginning, we were just a transaction, weren’t we?” 

Chapter 6 

“A transaction?” Zachary’s eyes narrowed, his grip on my wrist so tight it almost broke, “In these three years, did you not feel even a bit-” He trailed off, seemingly unable to articulate his feelings, perhaps unsure himself of what he truly felt for me. 

I looked at his face, so similar to Zack’s, and softly said, “In truth, I had my own selfish reasons. You resemble someone I once knew… so much.” 

Zachary’s body trembled, his gaze filled with fury, as if he was ready to tear me apart. Through gritted teeth, he asked, “Camila, have you been treating me as a stand–in?” 

I calmly accepted his anger and asked, “Didn’t you treat me as Gianna’s stand–in? Our 

contract was for three years, and it’s been three and a half now. I have the right to leave.” 

“Fine. Very well.” Zachary suddenly laughed, his eyes cold, his tone mocking. “Just something I bought with money. Did you think I’d genuinely have feelings for you? If you 

want to leave, so be it!” 

“Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for letting me go.” I bowed deeply to him, then turned to pack my 

things. Zachary had bought me many things over the years, but few truly belonged to me. In the end, I had just a single backpack. 

As I reached the door, Zachary suddenly grabbed my wrist. I looked at him, puzzled. His 

lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but then his phone rang–it was a call from 

Gianna. 

14:31