"Mom, Dad left when I was a baby. You raised me alone. How could you ever be a burden?" A sob tore through me. "I have to save you. I will save you."
She shook her head slowly, tears leaking from her eyes. "My lamp is out of oil, son. Don't do anything foolish for me."
She squeezed my hand weakly. "Back then... it was because I pushed you that you married Olivia. I made you give up your career to stay home and care for her. It's my fault. I ruined your life."
"I only ask one thing..." She gasped for air. "For the rest of your life... live for yourself."
Her hand went slack.
Her eyes slid shut.
"Mom? Mom!"
I screamed her name, shaking her shoulders. No response.
Doctors and nurses rushed in, dragging me away from the bed as the monitors flatlined.
*Live well.* That was her last wish.
But as I watched them work on her, a desperate thought flashed through my mind.
A heart transplant.
It was the only way. But a new heart required money—an astronomical amount of money I didn't have.
My only option was to sell the house. It was my premarital property—legally, Olivia Swanson didn't need to know.