Reborn From Oblivion (Nellie and Cameron)

"What did I gain from being that way?" she shot back with a sarcastic smile. "The title of Mrs. Dawson," Cameron replied, like he was doing her a favor. Nellie chuckled. "What's good about that?"

Cameron was speechless. He seemed to realize that being Mrs. Dawson hadn't brought Nellie any perks. He also noticed that the once naive Nellie now carried herself like a savvy businesswoman, questioning the fairness of their arrangement. "Once you save your sister, I'll give you anything you want," Cameron said without hesitation.

"I want a divorce. Is that on the table?"

Cameron went rigid. He looked deep into Nellie's eyes to confirm she wasn't kidding. For some reason, a spark of anger flared within him. "Don't say things you don't mean. Anything but that, and I'll make it happen."

But Nellie stood her ground. "I only want a divorce. Otherwise, there's no point in continuing this conversation. Find someone else to save your precious girl."

Cameron stared at her, noticing for the first time the pride in her raised eyebrows.

He squeezed her wrist tightly, frustration boiling over. "Nellie, who do you think you are? You don't get to call the shots in our marriage."

Ignoring her protests, he dragged her to the basement and roughly shoved her into his luxury car.

"Like it or not, you're going to the hospital to donate blood to your sister. Nellie, that's what you're here for. Know your place."

And just like that, Cameron took Nellie to the hospital with an iron will.

Despair surged through her. In Cameron's eyes, was she truly so insignificant? His words crushed her spirit, leaving her as helpless as a puppet being led to the hospital's transfusion room. "Doctor, test her blood immediately. She's Greta's sister, and they match. Just take her blood for Greta."

The doctor, bewildered, watched as Cameron rolled up Nellie's sleeve, exposing her pale arm and placing it on the transfusion table.

The doctor glanced at Nellie, feeling uneasy.

Nellie's expression of utter hopelessness made the transfusion feel almost criminal.

Cameron snapped, "What are you waiting for? Greta needs her blood to live."

As if in a trance, the doctor inserted the needle into Nellie's vein.

Nellie shut her eyes. The sting of the needle spreading through her body was heartbreakingly intense.

"Cameron, I hate you," she whispered.

Cameron stared at her blankly, a slight tremor passing through him when he saw the hatred in her eyes.

"Nel, I'll treat you better from now on," he said.

In the past, Nellie might have felt thrilled at his rare attempts to placate her, even if she knew he was lying. But now, even if he promised her the world, it wouldn't sway her.

She felt nothing but revulsion.

When the blood draw was done, the doctor handed her a cotton swab to press against the needle mark. Cameron offered to help, but Nellie sharply pushed his hand away, letting the blood drip freely. She did not even spare him a glance as she stood and left. Cameron stood there, stunned. He trailed after her, his expression dark. "Nel, I get that you're upset, but saving a life matters more. You'll understand, won't you?"