Knowing I had three months to live, I decided to divorce him.

“You have blood cancer, leukemia. This is your diagnosis.” The glaring, stark words on the paper were numbingly surreal. I calmly took the diagnosis. I heard my own voice ask, “How much time do I have?” The doctor sighed. “Six months at most.” “Okay.” Without another word, I immediately stood up to leave. That’s how it is when your heart dies. You lose all will to fight. The doctor quickly called out to me. “Ms. Hamilton, don’t give up. There’s still a chance if you find a matching bone marrow donor.” It wasn’t that I didn’t know a bone marrow transplant could save my life. But my family might not even want to get tested for me. Thinking this, I chuckled self-deprecatingly. “No need, thank you.” “Oh, you’re so young, only 29.” The doctor couldn’t bear it and tried to persuade me a few more times. But seeing my silence, he said no more. I put the diagnosis away and called a cab. Outside the window, snow fell heavily, blurring my vision little by little. Back home, it was still cold and empty. Liam was probably “working overtime” again. He used to send a message, just to let me know. But ever since his first love, Aria Vance, returned to the country. He couldn't even bother to send a single message. I didn’t turn on the lights, sitting quietly on the sofa, gazing at the myriad of lights outside the window. For two thousand days, I had waited for Liam to come home. Today was my wedding anniversary with Liam. And today, I received the notice of late-stage cancer. I clenched my hands, crying silently, wondering if it was me who was pathetic, or this hollow marriage. I had waited for Liam for five years. I couldn't wait any longer. I dug out the divorce papers I had drafted two months ago and sent a message to my lawyer. “Mr. Davies, I’ve decided to go through with the divorce. Please draft a new agreement for me.” Soon, a reply came. “Okay, same terms as before?” “Yes, but I want it done quickly.” “The fastest it can be is a month. Let me draft the agreement and we can set a time to meet.” “Okay.” “By the way, are you really sure?” My finger hovered over the screen for a long time before I typed one word. “Yes.” In that instant, I felt as if all my strength had drained away. I put down my phone, staring blankly out the window. As long as Liam agreed to the divorce, I would be free of this marriage in a month. A month… That would also be enough time for me to handle all my affairs. My marriage to Liam was an accident. Liam was the one who proposed to me. Back then, his first love, Aria Vance, left him to study abroad. I knew his heart belonged to someone else, but I still said yes. After all, he was the only one who had been kind to me after my grandmother passed away. Even after we got married, he was like ice, impossible to approach. But I told myself, again and again. Liam was different. If I was good enough to him, even the hardest ice could melt. For so long, our life together wasn't passionate, but it was normal. But less than a year after Aria Vance returned, his ice turned into a sharp blade. Carving into me, leaving me battered and bleeding, again and again. I was truly tired. I didn't want to fight with him anymore. As I was lost in thought, the sound of the door opening echoed through the silent house. The lights flickered on. I shielded my eyes from the sudden glare and heard the familiar sound of his shoes being taken off. “Why are you sitting in the dark?” Hearing Liam’s question, devoid of any real concern. I simply replied with two words. “Didn’t want to.” Liam paused in the act of taking off his jacket. He sensed I seemed… different today. He dismissed the thought in an instant and continued changing. I watched him, then spoke his name seriously. “Liam.” Liam replied without looking up: “Hmm.” His response didn’t sound like a familiar husband, but rather a distant stranger. “Let’s get a divorce.” 2. Liam finally looked at me. “Don’t be silly.” Those two simple words dismissed my statement as a joke. “I’m serious.” “I had four surgeries today, I’m exhausted.” Before, whenever he brought up work, it was his signal for me to shut up. Liam unbuttoned his cuffs and walked into the living room as if nothing had happened. I caught the scent of Aria’s favorite plum blossom perfume. A wave of nausea washed over me. I closed my eyes and continued. “I’ll draft the divorce papers. You can look them over then. If you don’t…” My words were interrupted by a ringing phone. “My Sunshine, answer the phone! My Sunshine, answer the phone!” Aria’s voice chirped from Liam’s jacket. “My Sunshine” was the nickname Aria had given Liam. An exclusive nickname since middle school. Only Aria ever used that intimate name for him. Liam glanced at me: “I didn’t know the ringtone had changed.” Even his explanation sounded utterly perfunctory. When he answered the phone, his voice was incredibly gentle, a complete contrast to just moments ago. “Aria, what’s wrong?” It was always like this. Sometimes I couldn’t tell who was Liam’s actual wife. After hanging up, Liam looked down at me. “Aria has a low fever today. She said she wants your pumpkin soup.” I clutched my pants tightly, looking at him in disbelief. “Liam, do you know what time it is?” The clock on the wall had long since passed midnight. Liam said blandly. “You’re a freelancer. It’s different for you. It doesn’t matter if you wake up late tomorrow.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh. I was an illustrator, so my time was indeed flexible. But that wasn’t Liam’s reason to order me around. Apparently, my own well-being was insignificant in his eyes. I took a deep breath, staring at him intently. “Liam, let’s put everything else aside for a moment. Can you at least respect me? I’m talking about divorce right now.” Liam’s cold expression finally shifted. He frowned. “Aria is sick, Skylar. Be reasonable.” Liam’s gaze was like he was looking at an unreasonable child. I struggled to breathe. What I had once loved most were his eyes. I could still recall the first time I saw Liam, sitting on our garden wall, turning his head with a cat in his arms. Those clear yet cold eyes. One look and he had captivated my heart. One look, and I spinelessly fell for him, and stayed that way for thirteen long years. Only now did I realize I loved the Liam I had glorified countless times in my mind. “You don’t come home for five days, and then you return and demand I cook for Aria. Liam, am I the unreasonable one?” Liam’s reply to my accusation was distant and lighthearted. “It’s just a meal. You’re being too petty. Aria is your sister.” How laughable. Every argument we had ever had. It always ended with that sentence. She’s your sister. That sentence was like a curse. It had overshadowed my five years of marriage. I scoffed, my gaze at Liam growing increasingly estranged. The “different” I had imagined was, in the end, just the same. Liam was no different from the Hamiltons. “Liam, remember this. Her last name is Vance. My last name is Hamilton.” I spoke each word clearly. “I don’t have any messed-up sisters, and I don’t need anyone to arrange one for me!” Liam’s eyes flashed with disbelief. “Skylar, why are you acting like a screaming shrew?” 3. Five years. I thought five years of marriage, if it couldn't earn his love, would at least earn his respect. But I had overestimated myself. I really wanted to ask him. To ask him how he could say such hurtful things. To ask him what I had done wrong to deserve such torment. I opened my mouth, but my throat felt glued shut. I lowered my eyes, my voice hoarse. “I’ll have the divorce papers drafted.” Liam walked past me towards the kitchen. “I’m really tired today, I don’t want to argue with you.” Watching Liam in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, I turned and went back to the bedroom. Listening to the sounds from the kitchen outside. A bitter ache rose in my heart. Liam was a germaphobe; he never cooked. Only now did I realize that germaphobia could be selective. I wiped away the tears from my eyes. I didn't have time for sorrow now. Besides the divorce, there were many things to do this month. I picked up a pen and paper, contemplating the tasks I needed to complete. Once these things were done… I wanted to see the ocean. Maui in winter must be so warm. Leaving while embracing the sunshine there wouldn't be painful. Thinking this, a rare smile touched my lips. As I closed my notebook, Liam’s voice reached me. “I won’t be back tonight.” Only then did I remember my medical report was still outside. I rushed out in a panic, colliding directly with Liam. Liam scrutinized my face. “What’s the rush?” I forced a calm demeanor, grabbing my bag. “Nothing, just getting my bag.” Liam pressed on: “Really nothing?” He felt I was acting very strange today. I glanced at him: “Aren’t you going to deliver soup to your mistress?” Stung by my words, Liam turned, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door. “I told you, there’s nothing going on between Aria and me.” After he left, I finally exhaled. Liam was a proud man. If he knew I was sick, he would definitely refuse to divorce for appearance’s sake. Liam and I lived near City General Hospital. But I hadn’t gone there for my check-up. Because Liam was a surgeon at City General, and Aria, introduced by him, had been working in pediatrics there this past year. Liam didn’t like me visiting him at City General. To avoid bothering Liam, I chose to go to Westwood Medical Center, ten miles away. But now that I thought about it. Even if I had gotten my check-up at City General. Liam probably wouldn’t have noticed. Very few people at the hospital knew about their relationship. I carefully hid the report. I couldn’t let anything become a stumbling block to the divorce. It was very late, and I curled up on the bed, exhausted. Tomorrow, I still had to go back to the Hamilton estate. The Hamilton estate wasn’t far. Only an hour’s drive from where Liam and I lived. After marriage, I rarely went home, except for the holidays. I gazed at the neatly trimmed yard in front of me and pressed the doorbell. I was here today to retrieve my grandmother’s jade pendant. 4. A few minutes later, someone came out from inside. It was my brother, Justin Hamilton. Upon seeing me, his expression was surprised and strange. “What are you doing here?” It wasn’t how one spoke to a sister they hadn’t seen in a long time. It was more like seeing someone annoying. I was used to it. “I need to see Mom about something.” Justin hesitated before opening the door. “Come in, Mom’s in the living room.” Walking into the yard, I immediately noticed the newly planted flowers. Winter jasmines, occupying almost half the yard. They were Aria’s favorite flowers. That spot used to be where I had planted red camellias to please my father. Now, all traces of them were gone. Noticing my gaze, Justin said. “Aria likes winter jasmines. Dad had them planted.” It sounded like an explanation, but it was really just an announcement. After all, nothing of mine ever mattered at the Hamiltons’. I averted my gaze. “Oh.” Justin looked at me strangely. Before, I would have been heartbroken to hear such a thing. Why was I so calm today? Justin tried to discern any sadness on my face, but found none. Before I even stepped into the living room, laughter reached my ears. My mother, Eleanor, held a finished designer gown, measuring it against Aria. “Richard, look, how do you like the gown I embroidered for Aria?” My father, Richard Hamilton, nodded admiringly. “Beautiful. The yellow winter jasmines are exquisitely embroidered.” Aria smiled, linking her arm through Eleanor’s. “Mom’s clothes are the prettiest. I love all of them!” Eleanor looked at Aria with loving tenderness. “You’re such a sweet talker.” Aria loved to wear handmade designer gowns. Eleanor felt the store-bought ones weren’t good enough, so she had personally made them for her for years. Aria, in her thirties, still acted like a child, playfully clinging. She held the dress and twirled. “Liam, does this dress look good on me for the New Year?” Only then did I see Liam, hidden by the wall. Liam sat on the sofa, looking up at Aria with a smile. His misty blue sweater made him appear especially gentle. Not a trace of the man he was in front of me. “It looks beautiful.” Listening to Liam’s warm, spring-like voice. My heart throbbed faintly. He had never told me I was beautiful. Not once. The scene before me was warm and touching. Like a real family. Justin cleared his throat. “Dad, Mom, Skylar’s here.” Everyone’s smiles froze. Eleanor turned her head and met my gaze. Eleanor’s eyes darted away, then she spoke awkwardly. “Skylar’s back.” Her tone was distant and polite, completely lacking the intimacy she showed Aria. Richard sat up straight, not even glancing at me. “What are you doing here?” His tone made it sound like I was the outsider. Well, it was true. Aside from the last name Hamilton, I was nothing like them. Aria twirled the gown and smiled at me. “Skylar, my godmother made this for me. Don’t overthink it.” Richard snorted at her words. “Your mom can make whatever she wants for whoever she wants. It’s not up to you to approve.” Aria’s eyes flashed with triumph. It was always like this. Aria’s few words always managed to make my family despise me. Before, I would have argued, but now I had no strength left to say more. Liam looked at my silence, a flicker of doubt in his heart. I used to never be this cold. What was wrong with me today? Suppressing the ache in my heart, I stepped forward. “Dad, Mom, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” “What nonsense, how could Mom think you’re an interruption?” Eleanor reached out to take my hand, but I avoided her. Eleanor’s smile froze on her face; she awkwardly withdrew her hand. I didn’t want to be polite and went straight to the point. “I came today to retrieve the white jade pendant my grandmother left me.” 5. Aria was my honorary sister. She was the orphaned child of my father, Richard Hamilton’s, deceased fellow officer. When Aria was three, my father’s fellow officer died saving Richard from an accident on duty involving explosives. His mother followed suit, taking her own life. Richard felt immense guilt and took it upon himself to raise Aria. He brought Aria into the Hamilton home. The Hamiltons weren't exceptionally wealthy, but they had more than enough to raise another child. However, Aria found it difficult to get along with me. So, they sent me to my Grandma Rose’s farm out in the countryside. The white jade pendant my grandmother left was specifically for me. At the time, my mother was heartbroken over her mother’s passing, crying as she clutched the pendant. I felt sorry for my mother and gave the pendant to her. But Eleanor had also said that I could have it back whenever I wanted. Eleanor nervously smoothed her hair. “Skylar, why are you asking about the pendant as soon as you arrive? Why not spend some time with everyone?” Before, every time I came back, I would ask about them. But did they ever appreciate it? Once Aria returned, their attention never even flickered my way. They were the ones who squandered my concern, not me who withheld it. Eleanor’s expression made me feel uneasy. “Mom, where is the pendant?” Eleanor wouldn't meet my eyes. Aria’s clear voice cut through the air. “Skylar, are you talking about this pendant?” Aria pulled out a pendant from around her neck. “I didn’t know it was your grandmother’s. I thought my godmother bought it for me.” My body trembled as I looked at Eleanor. “Mom, that’s Grandma’s pendant for me!” Eleanor tried to explain. But before she could speak, Richard cut her off. “What’s yours or mine? Skylar, are you being unreasonable? It’s just a pendant. If Aria wants it, are you going to fight her for it too?” I felt a tightening in my chest, making it hard to breathe. I could give up everything else. But this was Grandma’s pendant! Grandma and I had lived together, depending on each other, for over a decade. The pendant was the only thing she left me! Richard remained aggressive. “Just a pendant makes you yell at your parents like this? Where’s your filial piety?” “Exactly,” Justin, standing nearby, chimed in, “It’s just a pendant, what’s the big deal, Skylar, you’re too petty.” “Justin, stop it.” Eleanor tugged at Justin, then turned to me, “Your sister likes it, so just let her have it.” I looked at Liam, who had remained silent. Liam looked slightly uncomfortable under my gaze. His eyes shifted to the pendant in Aria’s hand. He had some recollection of that pendant. The first time he met me, I was holding that very pendant. But he owed Aria too much. Liam spoke indifferently: “It’s just a pendant. If Aria likes it, let her have it.” I looked at these people before me, feeling an extreme sense of alienation. “Just a pendant?” I suddenly laughed. My grandmother and I had depended on each other until I was sixteen; she was the only family I had in this life. “That was given to me by my grandmother! What right does Aria Vance have to take it?!” “I’m your sister!” I yelled with all my might: “No, you’re not!” Hearing this, Richard’s eyes widened. I didn’t give him a chance to speak. “Dad, for Aria Vance, you sent me away and ruined my future. Are you now going to take my pendant too? You owe your fellow officer, but I owe no one!” Back then, Aria wanted to study medicine abroad, and I wanted to go to college. There was enough money for both of us to attend school. But Richard, wanting Aria to have a good life, gave her double the living expenses. At that time, I had just passed my art entrance exam. But Richard told me to stop studying art. I begged him many times to let me continue painting. Richard remained unmoved. Stung by my words, Richard stood up from the sofa and slapped me hard across the face. “What are you doing!” Eleanor pulled Richard back, then walked over to me. “Skylar, your father didn’t mean it. Be generous, apologize to Dad, and this will all blow over.” Eleanor always tried to appease everyone like this. Her actions always left me feeling utterly helpless. “You knew that was from Grandma, why did you give it to Aria?!” I grabbed Eleanor’s hand, forcing her to look at me, “Mom, that was the only thing Grandma left me! I’ve given up everything else, why do you have to take the last thing from me too?” Eleanor was at a loss for words. Aria spoke up from the side. “Skylar, don’t blame Mom, it’s all my fault. I’ll give it back to you.” 6. “You brat!” Richard glared at me, “If you dare to take back that pendant today, I’ll pretend I never had a daughter like you!” “Skylar, you’re making things very difficult for Mom.” “Please don’t be angry.” Aria comforted Eleanor. “Skylar, don’t let Mom and Dad argue anymore. It’s rare for a family to get together; harmony in the home brings prosperity.” Aria came up to me, blocking the view of the others in the room. She dangled the pendant in front of me, her voice so low only I could hear it. “If I had known this was your grandmother’s relic, I never would have wanted it.” “What bad luck.” Aria’s finger twitched, and the pendant fell to the floor. The sound of the pendant shattering echoed in my ears. I was momentarily speechless. Aria feigned surprise, covering her mouth. “Oh dear, Skylar, I didn’t mean it. Why did you push me?” I knelt down, trembling, to pick up the fragments. As I stood up, I saw my family staring intently at me. As if afraid I would do something drastic. Liam even stood in front of Aria, shielding her. I had originally wanted to make a scene. But now, I was just so tired. Silently gathering the pendant fragments, I stared at Liam, speaking each word clearly. “Meet me at the registry office on Monday. We’re getting divorced. I’ll give you your freedom. And I wish you both, a reunion.” Liam’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. Could I… have found out? Without waiting for anyone to speak, I turned and rushed out into the rain. “Skylar, take an umbrella.” Eleanor stood in the living room with an umbrella, but Richard snatched it from her hand. “Take what? Is a little rain going to kill her?” “Because of a broken pendant, she even dared to lay hands on her sister. Look, this is your well-taught daughter.” Eleanor stood by the door, sighing repeatedly. Liam paused for a moment, then finally noticed a small amount of blood on the spot where the pendant had shattered. Just as he was about to chase after me, Aria suddenly grabbed his sleeve. “Liam, did I do something wrong? Skylar hates me so much.” Liam comforted her: “Aria, it’s not your fault.” By the time Liam turned back, I was gone. It was just a small injury. I should be fine. Thinking this, Liam helped Aria back into the living room. It took me over ten minutes after leaving the house to hail a cab. Once inside, the driver handed me a dry towel. “Miss, wipe yourself off. Don’t catch a cold.” I took the towel. “Thank you.” The driver drove, gently advising me. “In this day and age, there’s nothing you can’t get through. Just hold on a little longer.” The driver’s words brought a few tears to my eyes. I used to believe that too. But now, I couldn't hold on any longer. Just then, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Mr. Davies. “Ms. Hamilton, your agreement has been drafted. Do you have time to meet tomorrow?” “Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Davies. We’ll meet tomorrow.” A location message popped up on my phone. It was a coffee shop near my home. Mr. Davies’s law firm wasn’t in this area. And tomorrow was Sunday. It seemed he had worked overtime for me. I had first asked Mr. Davies to draft divorce papers about six months after Aria returned. During that time, I had gone back and forth, hesitant many times. Mr. Davies understood my reluctance the most. But he was also the one who often advised me that what needed to be let go should be. Liam’s indifference to me was so obvious even strangers couldn't bear to see it. I used to be too foolish, too naive. Always believing that the boy who had helped me countless times when I was in distress would eventually fall for me. 7. The next day, I received the divorce agreement. Looking at the prominent words at the top. I felt a little dazed. “Ms. Hamilton, as you know, divorces now require a thirty-day waiting period. After that, as long as both parties agree, the divorce can be finalized.” I nodded, placing the agreement on the table. “Thank you for taking time out of your weekend to help me.” Mr. Davies sighed, smiling helplessly. “It’s nothing. If you can escape this misery, I consider it a good deed.” Just then, an abrupt accusing voice sounded behind me. “Skylar, what are you doing here?” I turned and saw Liam and Aria. Aria’s gaze swept between Mr. Davies and me. “Skylar, are you on a date?” Her words seemed to strike a nerve in Liam. He walked over and grabbed my wrist. “You’re not home on the weekend because you’re out seeing him?” No wonder I wanted to divorce him. I pulled my wrist free from Liam’s grasp, then turned to Mr. Davies to apologize. “I’m sorry, Mr. Davies. Please leave first; I need to handle some family matters.” “Skylar, sigh.” Mr. Davies looked at Liam, “Mr. Sterling, I am merely Ms. Hamilton’s lawyer.” With that, Mr. Davies stood up and left the coffee shop. People around us kept staring, so I whispered to Liam. “Let’s go. We’ll talk at home. Don’t make a scene here.” Liam was about to say something else, but my words cut him off. “I don’t care about my reputation, but does Dr. Sterling care about his?” His family lived not far from City General Hospital. This coffee shop was also frequented by hospital staff. Liam was very image-conscious. Hearing what I said, he remained silent. Back home, I took out the divorce agreement. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to the registry office to get a number and apply for divorce. In a month, you’ll be free.” My words didn’t make Liam happy; instead, they made Aria happy. However, Liam spoke, first asking me to leave. “Aria, please go back for now. This is a matter between my wife and me.” Aria’s face stiffened, then she quickly resumed her gentle demeanor. “Okay. Just talk it over with him properly, Skylar. Don’t let him misunderstand us. Divorce isn’t a small matter; don’t be impulsive.” I scoffed. Even as she left, she had to cast judgment on me. After Aria left, Liam sat on the sofa, picking up the divorce agreement and reading it. For a long, long time, he didn’t speak. His gaze lifted from the agreement to me. “Do you really want to divorce me?” Liam noticed the pendant on the table, taped together again and again. “Is it just for a pendant? Aria didn’t mean it. I can buy you a new one to replace it.” I looked at him calmly and asked, “Under what name would you replace it? My husband, or Aria’s ex-boyfriend?” “Aria’s right, you’re still too impulsive.” Liam tossed the divorce agreement onto the table. “Skylar, you secretly forced Aria to leave us back then.” I froze. When had I ever forced Aria to leave? “You made Aria leave and told her to give me up to you. Aria told me everything the day she returned.” “Do you know how much Aria suffered abroad all these years? You owe Aria.” Liam’s words were like a knife, once again carving into my already scarred heart. I looked at Liam with difficulty. In his heart, I was apparently so despicable. “I don’t blame you for Aria going abroad, and I won’t blame you anymore.” He said it as if he was granting immense mercy. “I didn’t…” The explanation died on my lips. What was the point of explaining now? He firmly believed in this “old grievance.” In his eyes, I was a sinner. And no one believes a sinner. I paused, then suddenly looked up and asked him. “Liam, do you know what happened the day Aria returned?” Liam frowned in confusion: “What happened?” That day was our fourth wedding anniversary. Liam had promised to come home after work to be with me. I had planned to tell him we were having a baby. But Liam broke his promise. I waited in the heavy snow for four hours. I was holding that pregnancy test report when I slipped and fell on my way to find him. The baby was gone. My baby, whom I had waited for four years. Gone. 8. I suppressed my grief, trying to calm down. “Nothing. I wanted to say, since you already think I stole Aria’s boyfriend, then why won’t you agree to divorce me?” Hearing this, Liam’s frown deepened. “I said I forgive you. So—” “I just want a divorce.” I looked at him, repeating, “I just want a divorce.” His eyes now held only disappointment in our marriage. “Fine, divorce.” Liam said through gritted teeth, “Skylar, don’t you dare regret this.” With that, Liam slammed the door and left. I curled up on the sofa, my fingers tracing my abdomen. That child had only been there for three months. I had already picked out a nickname for the baby, “Little Blessing.” I hoped the child would be safe and sound every year. The baby was so good, never causing any trouble, and I never experienced morning sickness. Even the doctor said it was a good baby who sympathized with its mother. Such a good baby. Left me on the coldest winter night. “It’s okay.” I murmured, “Baby, just wait a little longer. Mommy will be with you soon.” The next morning, Liam and I went to the registry office. It was the first time he hadn’t stood me up. After coming out, I felt much more at ease. Thirty-one more days. They would pass quickly. Seeing my happiness, Liam wasn’t pleased. He was about to speak when his phone rang. I glanced at him: “Don’t forget to come back in thirty-one days to finalize the divorce.” With that, I walked away. During the waiting period for the divorce, Liam hardly came home. And I finished all my remaining tasks. With twenty-seven days left, I stopped updating my comic. It was a comic documenting my life with Liam. Reality was never as beautiful as in the comic. Now I was leaving; there was no need to draw these hollow things anymore. I closed my laptop, looked at the sunshine outside, and smiled. With seventeen days left, I bought summer clothes. I bought many colors I never used to wear, planning to change into a different one every day in Maui. And with only seven days left, I did one last thing. I packed up all traces of myself in this house. Afterward, I realized how few traces of me there actually were. I found our wedding photos, which I had carefully protected. In the photos, I smiled brightly, while the woman in the mirror was skeletal. Liam didn’t like me hanging wedding photos, so I never had. I threw them all into the trash. Then I burned my favorite things. I burned them for my deceased self. I knew no one would burn these for me. I also worried that after I was gone, my grandmother wouldn’t have any pocket money. So I bought a pile of paper money and burned it for my grandmother first. Watching the flickering flames, I softly said: “Grandma, save it up. We’ll need it together down there.” After burning, I looked at the vast ashes, feeling much more at ease. Now, nothing was holding me back. Just then, the front door lock clicked open. Liam was back. He walked into the house, frowning, and waved away the flying paper ash. “Skylar, what are you burning?” I calmly replied as I cleaned up the brazier. “Burning some paper money for Grandma.” “Don’t burn these things in the house again.” Liam said, opening the window. “Okay, I won’t.” Anyway, this was the last time. Hearing my voice, Liam noticed I was in a good mood. After a moment of hesitation, Liam still spoke. “I want Aria to move in.” I paused, then sneered: “There are only seven days until the divorce, Dr. Sterling. Can’t you even wait that long?” “There are so many empty rooms in the house. It’s not like there’s no place for her to stay.” Liam continued, “It’s close to the hospital, so it’s convenient for me to commute too.” I didn’t look up. “You’ve already decided, so why are you asking me?” Liam pursed his lips, his voice becoming very, very soft. “Aria is pregnant.” The basin in my hand clattered to the floor, spilling black ash everywhere. I patted my soiled white dress, only to leave several handprints on it. “Liam,” my voice trembled uncontrollably, “Is it yours?” He avoided my gaze, his explanations growing paler with each word. “That night was a misunderstanding. I never thought there would be a child.” “The baby is only twenty-six days old. The pregnancy isn’t stable.” Twenty-six days. I knew. It had been exactly twenty-six days since I was diagnosed with cancer. 9. I remembered the scent of that perfume. I was so foolish, so naive that I had forgotten. What kind of intimacy would leave such a strong, lingering perfume scent? I think I also understood why Liam didn’t want to divorce me. Did he think not divorcing was his way of compensating me? Seeing my silence, Liam continued, “I want Aria to move in. Can you help take care of her? After all, you’re just… idle.” I walked over, unable to control myself, and slapped him across the face. A sharp crack echoed through the living room. Liam’s glasses flew off his face, landing far away. Unable to control the surging tears, I cried as I grabbed Liam’s collar. “Liam, are you even human?!” “Are you even human!!!” “You can not love me, but how can you humiliate me like this?!” Liam let me grab him, silently turning his head away. He knew he was in the wrong. But his silence at that moment was like a surging tide, suffocating me. Liam and Aria were childhood sweethearts. Their bond went from middle school all the way through college. I never expected Liam to love me deeply, nor had I thought about how intimate Liam and Aria might be. I thought I would be indifferent to it. But when the truth was laid bare before me, I realized. Watching the person I once loved so much admit to cheating, my heart still ached. I released Liam, leaning against the glass, struggling to breathe. “It’s my fault.” Liam admitted his fault for the first time. “But Aria’s not in good health. If she gets rid of this baby, she might never be able to have children in the future.” “Don’t worry, I won’t divorce you. Aria never intended to ruin our marriage either.” “Aria and I talked it over. This child will be registered under my household. You can raise it.” Liam’s words came one after another. More than he had spoken to me in a month. And my heart gradually calmed. “I agree to Aria moving in.” Liam’s eyes brightened. “But, in seven days, I must have the divorce certificate.” His earlier words made me suspect Liam wanted to back out. Since things had come to this. I had to make Liam agree to the divorce. I didn’t have time to wait another month. Liam froze, a hint of urgency in his voice. “I won’t divorce you, don’t worry—” “I’m not negotiating with you.” My voice grew colder, “I’m informing you. Otherwise, I’ll make sure everyone knows about Dr. Sterling’s… unprofessional conduct.” I wasn’t very good at threatening people; my words weren’t that forceful. But it was enough for Liam to feel my resolve. Liam was speechless. He looked down at me. “Skylar, do you really have to be so ruthless?” I smiled: “Liam, did Aria’s child come from me?” Liam clenched his hands: “I told you, it was a misunderstanding—” “What kind of misunderstanding leads to sleeping together?!” I suppressed the turmoil in my stomach and glanced at Liam. “Liam, you truly disgust me.” Liam was silent. After a long pause, he bent down and picked up his glasses. “Fine.” Liam agreed. After he left, I ran to the restroom and threw up. However much I had liked him before, that’s how much I was disgusted now. I had thought we wouldn’t reach the point of utter loathing. But now Aria was pregnant. All pretense of decency turned into filth. And Liam acted quickly enough. Fearing I might change my mind, he brought Aria in the very next day. I felt sick to my stomach, but I didn’t argue. I endured it silently. Five more days. Five more days and I could leave this bastard. After Aria moved in, she became even more brazen. She touched her still-unshowing belly and ordered me: “Skylar, I’d like some pumpkin soup.” I disliked arguments, so I said nothing and ordered takeout for Aria. But Aria cried to Liam. “Liam, I’m pregnant. How can I eat takeout?” Liam, however, looking at my silent form, for the first time didn’t side with Aria. “Aria, it’s fine. Eating it once won’t hurt.” I paid no attention to them. I didn’t want to argue anymore. And I certainly wouldn't cook. But I never imagined that the day before the divorce. Aria would fall in the bathroom. I stood there, my clothes soaked, clutching my stomach, and tearfully complained to Liam when he rushed back. “Liam, why did Skylar spill shower gel on the floor? My stomach hurts so much.” “Skylar, I never meant to break you and Liam up. Please don’t hurt Liam’s baby and mine, okay?” Aria was skilled at making false accusations. I felt a profound sense of exasperation. Liam believed her without a second thought. “Skylar, apologize to Aria!” 10. My brow furrowed: “Liam, we’re going to get our divorce certificate tomorrow. Do I look like I’d bother to harm her?” Whenever it concerned Aria, Liam turned into an idiot. Liam also just remembered that tomorrow was the last day of the divorce cooling-off period. Before he could even process his thoughts, the words spilled from his mouth. “If you want a smooth divorce, apologize to Aria.” I froze. I never imagined such a threatening statement would come from Liam’s mouth. How sickening, how ugly. I scrutinized this man, whom I had once loved to my core, once more.