The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

3 | A Heart for a Heart

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

"Miss Marsh, your heart condition has progressed to end-stage heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Your heart is severely weakened and enlarged. It can no longer pump blood effectively to meet your body's needs."

A lump formed in my throat, making it difficult to breathe. The words felt surreal, like a bad dream I couldn't wake up from.

I sat on the edge of the examination table, my fingers nervously twisting the hem of my shirt.

Dr. Lee, my cardiologist, looked at me with a grave expression, his brow furrowing deeply.

"You need a heart transplant." His tone was steady as he continued, checking the papers in his hand to make sure. "But given the shortage of donor hearts, we might have to explore alternative options, including experimental procedures that involve partial heart transplants. These are advanced techniques and come with their own risks, but they could offer you a new lease on life."

I nodded numbly. Each of his words sank in slowly, making my chest feel tighter and hurt more.

How could I find a heart transplant for me? My mother was battling with a heart disease too, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. While my dad's blood wasn't a match for me.

No, not even the transplant. What about the cost? I could barely pay for my mother's treatment, and now I had to think of myself.

I didn't want to be selfish.

I should save my mom first.

"Danielle! Earth to Danielle!" A girl's voice keeps on calling me, jolting me back to the present.

Just then, I realize I'm standing behind the counter at the café, a cloth in my hand poised to wipe down the espresso machine.

I turn and see my best friend's concerned face come into focus. She's looking at me weirdly with a 'what the heck is wrong with you' face.

"Really sorry, Han." I shake my head to clear the lingering memories of the doctor's office last week. "Just got lost in thought."

Hanni squints her eyes suspiciously. "Lost in thought, huh? Does that have anything to do with where you were last night?"

"Last night? What last night? What do you mean?" I ask, acting innocent as I resume cleaning.

Hanni huffs and folds her arms, leaning against the counter. "You can't play dumb with me, Dani. I know you damn well ever since high school. You weren't answering your phone, and you didn't come home last night. What happened?"

"I was just... going out," I say evasively, avoiding her piercing gaze. "Having some fun. You know, shopping and all. Our favorite thing."

Hanni raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Out? All night? Come on, Dani, spill."

Before I can come up with another excuse, the bell above the café door chimes.

A familiar face walks in—Kim Minji, one of our regulars, strolls up to the counter. At nearly six feet tall with a strong, athletic build, she always turns heads. She's a billionaire working at the big company near this café, and I really have no idea why she comes here every time to get her stupid latte. Does her coffee machine at her office break or something?

Hanni's eyes widen as she sees her crush for the nth time this week. She squeals softly, quickly turning her attention to her favorite customer.

"I've got this one!" she exclaims, practically bouncing with excitement as she takes her place at the cashier. "Welcome, Miss Kim! May I take your order? Oh, let me guess, the usual?"