I DRUGGED the Ruthless Billionaire for One Night of Passion Chapter 08

I DRUGGED the Ruthless Billionaire for One Night of Passion Chapter 08

I rented a short-term place in Mill Creek, a quiet town down south. People come from ordinary life, and I wanted to leave the same way.

But the little house felt too empty. All I wanted was to be around people.

I stayed in a shared courtyard. Each room had a different tenant: a writer, a painter, a doctor on leave, and a freelance photographer.

Julian Reed was the photographer. I’d seen his work. It was hard to describe. Looking at his photos felt like stepping into another world.

After we got to know each other, he offered to take pictures of me. I was flattered, but I said no.

“Thanks, I appreciate it. But I don’t want any more photos taken.”

“Why not?”

I stuck my tongue out. “Because I look terrible right now.”

He tried to convince me a few more times. Then he found my pill bottle in the second-floor common area. He read the label and saw my diagnosis, so he didn’t call it out to everyone. He just came to me.

“Is this yours?”

I smiled and took the bottle. “Thanks.”

He never mentioned taking photos again.

I didn’t expect Ethan to show up. He came with a scowl on his face.

“Zoe. Look what you’ve become.”

Julian stepped in front of me. “Can’t you talk to a woman nicely?”

Ethan looked him up and down, then let out a cold laugh.

“Zoe, your taste has really changed. So this is the new type you’re going for?”

Julian threw a punch. Ethan tensed, ready to swing back.

I stepped between them. This had nothing to do with Julian—I wasn’t about to let an innocent person get hurt because of me.

Ethan lowered his fist, his eyes red. I looked away. I couldn’t face him.

“Just go. Stay out of my life.”

I put my arm through Julian’s. “Truth is, artists have always been my type.”

Ethan left.

Julian seemed to understand.

“You shouldn’t push him away like that. The truth will break his heart.”

“If he stayed with you, things would be easier.”

“No matter what happens, you’ll both regret it if you end like this.”

I shook my head. “I’ve been selfish enough. I don’t need anything else.”

My health kept getting worse. I left Mill Creek and went back to Maple Creek Estate. The agony of my illness was relentless.

After I was admitted to hospital again, I called Lena. I had so much to tell her.

She came right away. The second she saw me, she burst into tears.

I must have looked awful. Sunken cheeks and eyes. Tubes and monitors everywhere.

I lifted my oxygen mask and tried to smile. “Don’t cry. You look a mess.”

I talked to Lena for a long time. My house, my savings, my end-of-life arrangements. My mind was growing fuzzy. I knew there was more, but I couldn’t remember.

“That’s it for now. If I think of anything else, I’ll text you.”

Lena was crying so hard her face was swollen. She reached out to hug me, then hesitated, afraid. Finally she gave up and cried even harder.

“Zoe! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

I barely had any strength left, but I patted her hand.

“Telling you earlier would’ve just worried you. I didn’t have a choice but to tell you now.”

She stayed with me all night. The next morning, as she was getting ready to leave for work, I called out to her.

“Don’t tell Ethan anything.”

I didn’t want him to forgive me or feel sorry for me just because I was dying.

I touched her cheek gently. “I’m transferring to another hospital. Don’t come see me again.”

I knew how much it hurt to watch someone you love slip away. I couldn’t put her through that. This was goodbye.

“Zoe, don’t do anything reckless.”

“I won’t. I’ll stay in the hospital. If we ever run into each other outside a hospital someday, I’ll give you a huge hug.”

I didn’t finish the sentence. But she understood. If we never saw each other again, I didn’t want her to be sad.

I transferred to Westside Care Center. They took out all the tubes. I wanted to be comfortable. I told the doctors not to perform resuscitation if my condition took a turn for the worse.

A few days later, my mother called. She got straight to the point.

“I know about your illness. Why didn’t you tell me?”