Chapter 6 1288 Vouchers Staring at the scattered documents on the floor , I finally realized - this heart belonged to Dorothy . She was the one whose tissue matched mine . But what was Patrick to her ? Why did he handle her funeral arrangements ? And why did he collect so much information about me ? Leaning against the cabinet , my chest tightened abruptly . Breathing grew ragged as Patrick's voice echoed in my ears . " Your heart hasn't fully recovered . Wait until it's healed before returning to work ... " " Is your heart bothering you ? Tell me ... " Then his words while listening to my heartbeat . " Listen to what your heart says . Listen to whether you truly love me ... " I clenched my fists , sinking to the floor with hands pressed against my chest . So ... was Patrick listening to my heartbeat ? Or Dorothy's ? Was he concerned about me ? Or Dorothy's heart ? The answer clawed its way out . A sharp pain stabbed my chest , vision whitening as memories of Patrick flashed before me- The accidental bump at the hospital ... him moving next door to borrow things ... " chance " meetings where he'd drive me to appointments ... his constant visits during my hospitalization ... colluding with my doctor to 19 47 Chapter 6 keep secrets ... I'd never questioned it . Such coincidences don't just happen . My chest tightened further , vision blurring as my body locked up . 293 Vouchers The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was the door bursting open and Patrick's voice . " Ruth !" I glimpsed him sprinting toward me , face frantic . But darkness swallowed me before he reached me . Dazed , I felt arms lift me . Tubes and monitors invaded my body . Patrick's voice cut through the fog . " Drive faster ! " My eyelids refused to open . Chaos erupted . A nurse who'd done my IV cried , " Dr. Patrick , what's wrong with Miss Smith ? " Then my primary doctor , " Why is Ruth hemorrhaging ? She was fine this morning ! Page Dr. Thomas - emergency surgery ! " . Patrick's voice , trembling yet firm . " I'll lead this surgery . " " Patrick , are you sure you're fit to operate ? You shouldn't- " " I'm sure . " Harsh lights flooded over me . Cold instruments clanged . I knew they were wheeling me back to the OR . 39.01 % 18-477 Chapter 6 128 Woochers The sting of IV fluids pricked my arm . Frowning , I forced my eyes open- And met Patrick's bloodshot gaze . Though masked and gowned , I recognized him instantly . Seeing my lips move , he rushed closer , bending to hear me . Anesthesia crept through my veins . I managed a bitter smile , whispering , " Patrick ... are you thinking of me ? ..Or this heart ?" Darkness reclaimed me . Pinching my fingertips , I felt nothing . Even the voices faded . But at that moment , I heard Patrick's reply . " It's always been you , Ruth . Only you , from the very beginning . " His voice was unusually clear , each word reaching my ears crystal clear . I repeated his words under my breath , " Only me from the very beginning ... " My mind was racing . Why did that sound so familiar ? Where had I heard those words before ? I wanted to ask more , but no words came out as I fell soundly asleep . 70.94 %