Boyfriend was cuddled up with his long-lost love, who had recently returned from abroad. Everyone at the table looked at me with disdain as they laughed at my expense. In a sudden burst of emotion, I overturned the table. Later, Gideon stood by my hospital bed, eyes red from crying, pleading for me to take him back. When I received Gideon’s call, I was in the middle of packing my bags. “Phoebe, come over and apologize to Cora. The glass you broke cut her.” His voice was simmering with controlled anger. Cora, the woman he’d always yearned for but could never have—his long-lost love. I let out a derisive laugh. “Gideon, have you lost your mind? You can’t win her over, so you want me to do it for you? I made it clear tonight, we’re done. Don’t bother me again.” There was a brief silence on the other end. He probably didn’t expect me, who always tolerated everything, to defy him. Then I faintly heard Cora’s gentle, pitiful voice. “Gideon, it’s okay. I can go to the hospital myself.” “You and Phoebe shouldn’t fight because of me…” Then Gideon’s voice turned cold and commanding: “Phoebe, stop being childish.” “Come over and apologize to Cora properly, and I’ll pretend today never happened. We can move on with our lives.” Hearing this, I was so angry I laughed. Laughed until my stomach hurt. I cursed him: “Who in their right mind would want to go on with you? Even if I die, I’ll curse you from the afterlife to never find happiness!” No choice, a person nearing death speaks harsh truths.
That’s right, I’m dying soon. I’ve had stomach pains and nausea for days. It wasn’t until I vomited blood that I realized something was seriously wrong. Went to the hospital for a check-up, and it was late-stage cancer. I asked the doctor how much time I have left. The doctor advised me to watch my diet, get out more, and not leave any regrets. So, not much time left. After returning from the hospital, I messaged Gideon. [Come home for dinner tonight, I have something to tell you.] Not long after, he replied with a single word: okay. I prepared a whole table of dishes and waited quietly. I didn’t know how long I waited and then messaged him to check what’s up. No reply. The food went cold, the sky turned dark. My stomach started to hurt again. Ever since Gideon’s long-lost love, Cora, went abroad, he’s been frequenting bars every day. I was always there to clean up his mess, helping him down drink after drink of strong liquor. Maybe the irregular eating and excessive alcohol over time led to stomach cancer. I was on the couch, drenched in cold sweat from the pain, my whole body weak. I called Gideon. The call connected, but a woman’s gentle voice came through. “Phoebe? Are you looking for Gideon? He just finished some hangover soup and is sleeping now.” The voice was unfamiliar yet familiar. A voice I could never forget in this lifetime. “Cora? You’re back?” The woman chuckled softly. “Yeah, suddenly remembered someone here was waiting for me, so I came back.” “Got to thank you, Phoebe, for taking care of Gideon these past four years.” At that moment, the calmness I had maintained since my late-stage cancer diagnosis crumbled like sand. My face was pale, and my voice hoarse: “No need to thank me.” I hung up the phone. The taste of blood rose in my throat. I spat out a mouthful of blood. Wiped it away carelessly. Took out the doctor-prescribed meds and swallowed a few pills. The stomach pain eased a bit. I dumped all the food. Threw the late-stage cancer diagnosis report in the trash. Looked at this lifeless house. I felt as calm as a dead sea inside. Suddenly, it all felt meaningless. Time to end it.
I moved back to the apartment I previously rented. Woke up to find dozens of messages from Daphne. Someone had posted about me flipping the table and splashing drinks at last night’s gathering on the college online forum. Even though I graduated three years ago. During college, my reputation for chasing after Gideon and being a doormat was known all over campus. I clicked on the link Daphne sent. The post was popular, pinned to the top. Basically said Phoebe played the doormat for years and finally got promoted, but once the real one, Cora, returned, Phoebe, the impostor, had to step aside. It included two pictures: one of me sitting alone at the table looking a bit lonely, and the other of Gideon sweetly comforting Cora. His face showed a tenderness and care I had never seen in the past four years. I suppressed my nausea and scrolled quickly. The comments below were naturally unbearable. I logged into my main account to leave a comment. But as soon as I posted it, the thread was deleted by the admin. I looked through the forum, didn’t know the admin. Confused, Daphne called. “What’s really going on with you and Gideon?” I got up, went to the bathroom to freshen up. “We’re exes now.” Daphne: “Don’t believe it.” I kept brushing my teeth and washing my face. After a while, she suspiciously asked, “Are you serious?” “Gideon wanted to break up with you a few times before, yet you still clung to him, this time…” I don’t blame Daphne for thinking that way. Because I was indeed a complete doormat before. Gideon dated others. I bought the bubble tea and movie tickets for him. Gideon slept with others. I booked the hotel rooms for him. Gideon’s long-lost love went abroad, he drank day and night. I took care of him day and night. For four years. Call me a doormat, I admit it. But say I loved him deeply, I don’t. It was just a debt I had to repay. But now I’m about to die. Who cares if he’s happy or not. “Daphne, this time it’s real.” I packed up my things, chatted with her for a bit, and hung up. Got ready to go to work. Just opened the door, and there was Gideon at the door.
His face was cold, a low-pressure vibe all over him. His tone held a deliberately suppressed anger: “Phoebe, how long are you going to keep causing trouble?” I looked at him, finding it amusing. “We don’t have any relationship now, where do you get the nerve to say that?” Gideon was momentarily at a loss for words. He frowned, “What do you mean?” “I mean don’t show up in front of me again.” I closed the door, walked towards the elevator. From behind came his furious shout: “Phoebe, you better never regret this!” I turned and rolled my eyes at him. Walked into the elevator with big strides. What a crappy way to start the day. At the office, I headed straight for the CEO’s office. The receptionist girl saw me, sweetly called out “Secretary Phoebe,” I nodded. Took a deep breath before knocking and entering. The man behind the desk didn’t even look up, busy with documents. “Mr. Asher, I want to resign.” My heart was pounding. Asher looked up at those words. His sharp, deep gaze was piercing. He frowned, “Resign? Phoebe, are you serious?” I was silent for a moment. “I… I was diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer not long ago, time is running out.” The office was silent for a while. I sneaked a glance at him. His expression didn’t look quite right. Afraid I might leave suddenly without finding someone to take over my work? I quickly explained: “Mr. Asher, don’t worry about no one handling my job after I leave, the admin department has someone more capable—” Bang— Asher slammed the file shut. I immediately went silent. His voice was a bit hoarse, “We’ll talk about resignation later.” “You, go to the hospital for a check-up right now.” I shrugged, “I don’t want to treat it, honestly, I feel fine now.” Asher: “Phoebe, listen.” His volume suddenly increased. The veins on the back of his hand bulged. I looked up to see his face slightly darkened, his deep eyes filled with unfathomable emotions. I was a bit surprised. Didn’t expect Mr. Asher to react so strongly to my resignation. Shouldn’t be like this. Even more unexpected, Asher came with me to the hospital for the check-up. Maybe because we were classmates and desk mates in high school. Mr. Asher had been looking out for me, an old classmate. Makes sense. On the way, my stomach started to ache. In the hospital lobby, the pain made me break out in cold sweat. My legs gave way, nearly collapsing. The expected fall didn’t happen. A large hand caught my waist in time. I was pulled into an embrace. The fresh, woody scent of cedar filled my nose. The stomach cramps seemed to ease a bit. “Phoebe, are you okay?” Asher’s brows furrowed, worry in his eyes I’d never seen before. My heart stirred slightly. An indescribable feeling spread in my chest. I shook my head, about to say I’m fine. But then a mocking voice came from behind: “Oh Phoebe, so you’ve found another man to be a doormat for.”
“Thought you were so devoted, turns out you’re just a fickle woman.” I looked over, it was Hugo. One of Gideon’s bad company from the bars. He was the one who started the bet at last night’s gathering. Bet that I’d be a doormat for Gideon for life. Too bad, it was his quickest loss. Because right after the bet, I flipped the table, splashed the drinks, and dumped him. I glanced at him with disgust, about to speak. Asher placed me behind him, shielding me completely. He coldly warned: “Sir, watch your mouth.” Hugo saw his face and was shocked. “Why is Mr. Asher here?” I remembered the Hugo family had a project hoping to collaborate with Asher’s company. Hugo extended his hand to shake. Asher didn’t even spare a glance. “Tell Mr. Hugo, there’s no need to seek collaboration with Asher’s group anymore.” He said, leading me inside. I turned back, seeing Hugo’s face turn from green to white. It felt amazing. I looked at him with disgust, just about to say something. Asher stepped in front of me, completely shielding me. He warned coldly, “Sir, watch your words.” Hugo was taken aback upon seeing Asher’s face. “Why is Mr. Gu here?” I remembered the Xue family was seeking a collaboration with Gu Corporation. Hugo extended a hand for a handshake, but Asher didn’t even look at him. “Go back and tell Mr. Xue there’s no need to pursue a partnership with Gu Corporation anymore.” With that, Asher put his arm around my waist and led me inside. I turned my head to see Hugo’s face turn pale, then flush with anger. It was immensely satisfying. After a blood test and gastroscopy, I sat on a bench in the corridor. Asher was discussing the details with the doctor. As the sunlight streamed in, I felt drowsy. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he came out of the office. “How is it? How many more days do I have left?” I asked. Asher frowned, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. “Let’s go eat.” Still a bit dazed, I was led to a restaurant. It only felt real once I sat at the table. Asher casually ordered the food and even arranged the utensils for me. I had always done such things for Gideon. No one had ever treated me like this before. And Asher didn’t owe me anything. It was then I realized that kindness and goodwill don’t require debts. After eating, he drove me back to my apartment complex. “Thank you, Mr. Gu.” He sat in the car, turning to look at me with those deep, mesmerizing dark eyes. His lips curved slightly as he nodded, “Message me every day after you take your medicine.” Startled for a moment, I nodded with a smile. “As long as Mr. Gu doesn’t find me troublesome.” He watched me silently, emotions deep in his eyes. “I won’t.” A slight warmth filled my heart. Suddenly, the idea of continuing to live didn’t seem so bad. After saying goodbye to Asher, I turned to walk toward my building. A figure emerged from behind the wall, grabbing my wrist and slamming me against the wall. The familiar smell of alcohol overwhelmed me, making me nauseous. I pushed hard, but he wouldn’t budge. I kicked him. “Gideon, are you out of your mind?!” His face was cold, eyes bloodshot. He spoke through clenched teeth, “Phoebe, how can you get involved with other men?” “Are you that desperate and shameless? Am I not enough for you? Huh?!” As he said this, he gripped my jaw, trying to lower his head to kiss me. A wave of revulsion and nausea hit me. I kicked him hard, then slapped him across the face.
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