01
I finally wrapped up my work and had the divorce papers ready.
When Thomas came home, I was packing my things.
“What are you doing? Running away? Arya, can’t you just understand me for once? The mess at work is suffocating me, and then I come home to see you making drama?”
Thomas frowned deeply, looking like he couldn’t stand me anymore.
He thought I was still jealous of Ruby, like the first time I caught them meeting secretly, using
our seven years of history to try and push him away from her.
But honestly, I didn’t care anymore.
“Once I leave, I won’t bother you again.”
I continued packing, my voice calm, without any emotion.
Thomas‘ patience was wearing thin. “Arya, just stop! I’ve already told you, buying Ruby a gift was business. How long are you going to keep up this cold war over such a small thing? It’s been seven days; you don’t do laundry and don’t cook. What do you want from me?”
He grabbed my suitcase and threw it roughly on the floor.
The faded clothes scattered around, and the broken makeup items couldn’t have been worth
more than a hundred dollars.
It hit me that in the seven years I’d spent in this house, everything I left behind combined wasn’t even worth one of Ruby’s gifts.
I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.
“So, Thomas, to you, am I just a maid who cooks and does laundry for you?”
Thomas paused, a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
“What maid? You’re my wife. Arya, I didn’t mean to snap at you; it’s just that there have
been problems at work, and I’m really exhausted. Plus, you keep getting jealous of Ruby for no
reason…”
A bitter pain twisted in my chest, and I couldn’t find the words.
Knowing it was the last day, I didn’t want to argue anymore. I smiled. “I’ll go make dinner.”
Thomas finally sighed in relief and gave me a patronizing kiss on the cheek. “That’s better!
You’re getting older; you should be more practical, not like those young girls fighting over jealousy.”
His casual tone was like a knife stabbing into my chest.
I really wasn’t young anymore.
Thomas had injured his stomach when he was younger. For the past seven years, no matter how busy my work was, I had to take care of his meals, my face always covered in the smell of
cooking oil.
Naturally, I couldn’t compare to Ruby, who he pampered, young and beautiful.
But at least this would be the last meal.
“Thanks, Thomas, for giving me a birthday I’ll never forget. You’ve already shown me so much
care. Don’t forget to give some to Ruby too, and cheer her up. okay?”
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14.05 Mon, 27 Janu
Lover.
The sound of Ruby’s voice suddenly came from the living room, and I instinctively looked
over.
Thomas hurriedly turned off his phone and glanced at me, his face filled with guilt.
“Arya, don’t overthink it. Even though today is Ruby’s birthday, I really gave her the gift because of the project…”
I interrupted him nonchalantly. “That necklace was pretty; it really suits her.”
“Aren’t you angry?”
Thomas looked at me, wide–eyed in surprise.
What right do I have to be angry?
The first time I caught him and Ruby together, I rushed over madly, smashing all the gifts Ruby was holding. I used our years of marriage to force Thomas to leave her.
In return, he was disgusted with me and didn’t come home for days.
I couldn’t sleep at night, tears soaking my pillow, and I got so sick I ended up with cancer. He, on the other hand, would rather buy Ruby a villa than spend a penny on my medicine.
“Thomas, let’s get a divorce.”
I had planned to wait until after dinner to bring it up, but every second with him felt suffocating. I couldn’t take it any longer.
“The debt I owe you is paid off by now. Please, just let me go.”
“Divorce?”
Thomas froze, a flash of panic in his eyes before he sneered, his expression one of seeing through me.
“Running away from home wasn’t enough; now you want a divorce? Arya, do you know that acting like this not only makes no sense, but it also makes me hate you even more?”
I froze.
I thought my heart would never hurt for him again, but at that moment, it felt like it was being torn apart.
How humble and worthless I must have been back then to make him think that when I brought up divorce, I was just trying to manipulate him, that I couldn’t bear to leave him?
“Do whatever you want, just sign the papers!”
I gritted my teeth, barely holding back from breaking down, and took out the divorce agreement. “Once you sign, I’ll never bother you again. Do whatever you want with Ruby from
now on…”
Before I could finish, Thomas rushed over and snatched the papers from my hands. “Arya, are you serious? Just because I bought Ruby a necklace?”
I thought he’d agree immediately and then marry Ruby, the woman he’d secretly loved for seven years.
But to my surprise, he looked panicked, his voice trembling and a little hoarse. “Alright, I’ll agree. Tomorrow, I’ll sell some of the company’s assets and buy you a more expensive gift, okay? Just don’t bring up divorce again. I was with Ruby when we were younger, but that’s all in the
14:05 Mon, 27 Jan.
past. You’re the one I’m married to…”
ས . 62%
I looked up slightly, staring at the reluctance in his eyes, and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Am I?”
“If you really considered me your wife, would you buy Ruby a house behind my back? I can’t
afford medicine with my salary, but you won’t even give me a penny for my medication, and yet
you’re buying her a necklace worth tens of thousands?”
My hands clenched into fists, my whole body trembling uncontrollably.
The pain from my illness flared up, and I gritted my teeth, feeling like death would be better
than this.
“Arya, what’s wrong? Is your old illness acting up again?”
He looked at me with pity, trying to comfort me by holding me, but didn’t know how.
“Medicine, give me painkillers…”
I pointed weakly in the direction of the bedroom, unable to say another word because of the
pain.
Thomas quickly ran to the bedroom.
But after a long wait, he came back empty–handed, guilt written all over his face.
“Arya, it looks like the painkillers are all gone.”
Gone? I clearly bought a new box just yesterday. No!
Suddenly, I remembered Ruby’s post this morning.
[Pain isn’t cured by medicine but by a warm–hearted man’s care.]
The brand of painkillers she mentioned was exactly the same as the one I had bought.
At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but now I realized that Thomas had taken my
medication and given it to her!
I couldn’t take it anymore and nearly shouted out in frustration.
“Thomas! You remember that Ruby’s on her period today, but you don’t remember that today-
is our anniversary? You don’t remember that years ago, I fell into the water in winter and got sick
again, and that we always have to keep a box of painkillers at home?”
“Sorry, Arya, I… I just didn’t…”
He rushed to apologize, quickly walking toward me. “Hold on, I’ll take you to the hospital right
now…”
But before he could finish, his phone rang.
It was Ruby’s exclusive romantic piano ringtone.
His steps stopped immediately, and he picked up the phone right away.
“Thomas, I’m really scared. There are two shady men outside, and they won’t leave…”
Once he hung up, Thomas was already rushing to the entrance to change his shoes.
“Arya, you heard that, right? Ruby might be in danger. As her boss, I have to go save her! You call an ambulance and get yourself to the hospital.”
But I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even manage to get my phone out.
D
In despair, I looked at Thomas, and through a raspy voice, I managed to say, “Thomas, can
voutake me to the hospital? Ureally. Thave cancer
10
F
14:05 Mon, 27 Janu·
、 6Z%
In despair, I looked at Thomas, and through a raspy voice, I managed to say, Thomas, can you take me to the hospital? I really… I have cancer…”
“Enough!”
Before I could finish, Thomas‘ face darkened. “Her situation is serious. This is no time for
jealousy! You’re not a kid anymore; stop acting like one!”
He still didn’t believe me.
In his heart, there was only Ruby. He slammed the door and ran off toward her.
This was the second time he had left me behind, waiting to die.
Ten days ago, I had a severe flu, and when I finally made it to the hospital, I was already delirious from the fever. But with so many patients in the flu season, I couldn’t handle it alone, so I
called Thomas.
On the other end, I could hear the sound of people playing drinking games, but Thomas just
aid, “I’m busy,” and hung up in a hurry.
Using the last bit of strength I had, I dragged myself to the emergency room and saw
Thomas, drunk on his feet, holding Ruby and trying to push his way in.
“I’m the CEO. I’ve donated medical equipment to your hospital! Whoever delays Ruby’s treatment will regret it!”
His voice was shaking with urgency, full of worry for Ruby.
But I couldn’t think about anything else. I walked up to him and begged him to get me a
doctor as soon as possible.
“You’re like a ghost that won’t leave! Get out of here! Ruby hurt her stomach drinking with
clients; I don’t have time for your drama!”
Before I could say a word, he shoved me to the ground.
My head slammed hard against the wall, and a dizzying wave of vertigo washed over me. My
consciousness started slipping away.
I desperately prayed that he would look back at me.
But by the time he disappeared with Ruby, he never once thought of me again.
I sat alone in the hallway until the early hours of the morning, and only then did a doctor take
me for an exam.
I was diagnosed with cancer.
By then, the thought of leaving Thomas had become so much clearer.
“Ms. Bowen, are you sure you want to give up treatment? Although it’s past the best time for
treatment, continuing would at least prolong your life…”
With the last of my strength, I arrived at the hospital in an ambulance.
The doctor who greeted me was the same one who had confirmed my cancer diagnosis.
He advised me to be hospitalized but said without chemotherapy, I only had three months
left to live.
“No need, just give me some painkillers.”
D
I glanced at my phone balance, embarrassed, and looked down, biting my lip to keep from
oying. “Don’t give me the imported ones. Just give me the cheapest.”
14:05 Mon, 27 Jan.
crying. “Don’t give me the imported ones. Just give me the cheapest.”
3
I couldn’t afford to stay in the hospital, so after my condition stabilized, I left with my
medication.
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As soon as I stepped outside, I saw Thomas covered in blood, holding Ruby in his arms. A few police officers were nearby taking statements. Only then did I learn that the suspicious man Ruby had mentioned was actually just drunk and disoriented on his way home? By the time Thomas got there, the two had already left. But when he saw Ruby in tears, he got angry and
chased them down without a second thought and started fighting.
He was bruised and bloodied, but he didn’t care at all. He just kept looking at Ruby’s scraped
arm with concern, rushing to get her treatment, afraid of infection or inflammation.
When he saw me, his teeth clenched in anger. “Why are you following me again? Can you just give me a break for once?”
I clenched my fist, then quickly let go. Without saying a word, I walked around him.
“I’m not here to find you. It’s only been a few hours, and you already forgot I was sick at
home and I needed an ambulance?”
Thomas paused, his face slightly pale. “I… I was just too anxious, I forgot.”
“Arya, don’t leave so quickly. Let me arrange for the best doctor to check you over!”
He was still holding Ruby’s hand. When he saw me look over, he hurriedly let go and came to
grab mine instead.
I took a step back, feeling disgusted, and shook him off.
“No, I don’t need your charity.”
“Why are you talking like that? You’re my wife. Isn’t it natural for me to care about you?”
Maybe because he remembered how I had treated him over the years, a hint of guilt showed
on his face. He even insisted on dragging me back to the hospital, where he made sure the head
doctor, Benjamin Johns, treated us personally.
I had no strength left to resist, so I let him pull me along.
“Arya, Thomas only bought me a villa because he felt sorry for me, since I had just returned
to the country and had no place to stay. He doesn’t mean anything by it. Please don’t overthink
it.” Ruby’s voice, sweet but mocking, dripped with sarcasm.
But Thomas didn’t pick up on it. “Look how thoughtful she is. If you could just learn a bit from
her, maybe we wouldn’t be fighting so much.”
I sneered.
“Fine, I won’t get angry with you again.”
The train ticket for tomorrow morning at 8:00 was still 10 hours away. Since I hadn’t finished
packing, I wanted to save time, so I asked Benjamin to treat me first.
But before Benjamin could respond, Thomas yanked me aside. “Didn’t you just get checked? Plus, you have an old injury and need various tests. It’s too much trouble. Let Benjamin just
bandage you up for now. If it gets infected later, it could be problematic.”
He said, giving orders as though it was the most obvious thing.
Watching him gently help Ruby sit down, I couldn’t stay any longer. I turned to leave.
14:35. Mon, 27 Jan
དདཕ‘n–nཕུ“… ཕས། ‘u’P “ཕལ༑ པ་
ITLUNNY arry vinjui.
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Thomas‘ smile toward Ruby instantly turned cold. “You’ve seen Ruby’s injury too. Does it really matter if
you wait a little longer? Please, if you’re going to make a scene, at least do it in the right place. It’s one thing to act up at home, but you want to make us the laughing stock of Benjamin
too?”
His cold words sent a surge of emotion through me.
“I’m not making a scene. I’m in a hurry!”
“Heh… in a hurry? In a hurry to die?”
“Yeah, I’m in a hurry to die!”
I glared at him, and the emotions I’d held in for so long finally exploded. “I’ve wasted seven
years of my life with you, and now I won’t waste another second! I was stupid and pathetic
before, watching you cheat on me with Ruby, seeing the two of you flirt and lie again and again.
I kept compromising, kept begging for your attention. But now, I don’t care about you at all
mymore!”
I gritted my teeth and nearly screamed in hysteria.
Thomas‘ face turned red, both embarrassed and angry. “What are you talking about? When did I cheat? Don’t drag us into your madness and shame!”
He grabbed my hand roughly and yanked me in front of Ruby. “Apologize to Ruby right now. My patience has limits!”
Seeing him stand up for Ruby so fiercely, unwilling to back down, I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Thomas, do you still have patience for me? You just watched me die! Why should I listen to you and apologize to her?”
Thomas‘ voice grew colder. “Die? Are you seriously bringing up that childish cancer act again? Arya, even if you’re really dying, at least apologize to Ruby while you still have a breath
left!”
At that moment, it felt like I was falling into an ice cave, the cold piercing to the bone.
Seven years of marriage, of sharing a bed for so long, how could he be so heartless?
To a dying person, was he really going to stab me in the heart one more time?
“Fine. I’ll apologize. But I have one condition. Thomas, I want a divorce.”
Our eyes locked. My gaze was calm and resolute.
For so long, I thought I couldn’t live without him, that Thomas could control me however he wanted. But now, he saw my determination.
He released my arm and stepped back, stunned.
“No… didn’t we agree never to bring up divorce again? If you don’t want to apologize, fine. Just don’t act jealous in the future…”
Before he could finish, my doctor suddenly entered the room to report on Benjamin’s work.
He was surprised to see me, then smiled with excitement. “Ms. Bowen, do you know Benjamin? Then you should continue treatment. Benjamin can help you get the best discour And cancer is Benjamin’s area of expertise.”
At that moment, Thomas shuddered.
His anary voice turned hoarse and shaky
D
14:05 Mon, 27 Jan.
At that moment, Thomas shuddered.
His angry voice turned hoarse and shaky.
、 ཛཱ 62%=
“Arya, do you… do you really have cancer? I… I was wrong. I thought you were upset because I
bought Ruby a house and got jealous. I shouldn’t have doubted you. I promise, I’ll do everything I
can to cure you and make up for my mistakes…”
