Three years into our marriage, I was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. All I wanted was one final, proper meal with Julian. Instead, he abandoned me at the restaurant, left me to drown in the pouring rain, and served me divorce papers, all to be with Chloe, the woman who haunted his heart. He called me greedy, accused me of scheming, and forced me to leave with nothing. I simply smiled, signed the papers, wished them happiness, and then vanished from his world. After I left, he went completely insane. He smashed open my art studio, a place I never let him enter, only to find the walls covered with his portraits. He found the hidden transfer records of how I’d secretly filled the financial gaps when his company faced ruin. And tucked away in a corner he never bothered to look, there was a crumpled medical report. Only then did he realize I wasn’t after his money; I was just clinging to the last shred of love left in my dying life. Later, all of Manhattan saw the once arrogant and untouchable Julian Sterling kneeling at my tombstone, reduced to a sobbing wreck as he begged for a final glance. The wind might have heard his pleas, but I was long gone.
Audrey’s POV Today marked our third wedding anniversary. It was also the day I was handed my death sentence: late-stage gastric cancer. Three months, the doctor said. I clutched the thin report in my pocket, its sharp edges digging painfully into my palm. My stomach twisted in a familiar spasm, so intense that cold sweat beaded on my forehead. It was 9:30 PM. Two and a half hours had passed since our seven o’clock reservation. I’d sent him dozens of texts and called him five times. No answer. I told myself he was probably just busy. Julian was the CEO of Sterling Corp, constantly swamped with work. Being busy was his default. Over the past three years, I’d grown used to waiting. But a voice deep inside mocked me: Audrey, stop deluding yourself. Today, Chloe was back. The woman Julian held precious in his heart, the one he’d loved for ten whole years – his precious first love. And me? I was just a mere stand-in, a convenient pawn he used to appease his grandfather when he was at his lowest. My stomach clenched, harder this time. With trembling hands, I fumbled out two painkillers and dry-swallowed them. The bitterness did nothing to calm the storm raging inside. Just then, my phone screen finally lit up. It was Julian. I almost instantly hit “accept.” “Julian, are you done with work? I’m still at the restaurant.” “Who told you to wait?” His voice on the other end was devoid of warmth, impatiently cutting me off. “Audrey, can you stop being so childish? I have something extremely important going on today.” Extremely important… I heard a soft, fragile voice in the background, laced with tears: “Darling, I’m so sorry, did I interrupt something? I just got back, and I’m a little scared.” It was Chloe. So, his “extremely important” business was comforting his precious Chloe. “It’s fine.” Julian’s voice instantly softened, a tenderness I’d never heard from him, a warmth that had always been denied to me. “Don’t be scared. I’m right here.” It was a tenderness that felt like a knife, plunging straight into my heart and twisting brutally. I asked, “Julian, are you… coming back tonight?” It was our wedding anniversary. Even for just a second, I wanted to see him. The phone line went silent for a few seconds, then came an even deeper impatience. “Audrey, are you done making a scene?” “Chloe just got back to the country; she’s not feeling well. I need to be with her.” “Just take a cab home yourself. Don’t make a spectacle of yourself here.” A spectacle. My hopeful waiting, in his eyes, was nothing but an embarrassment. The rain outside intensified. The restaurant played soothing music, but I heard nothing but Julian’s cold words, a spectacle. The pain in my stomach surged again, like countless needles piercing me. My vision blurred from the agony, and breathing became a struggle. “Julian…” I gasped, using my last ounce of strength. “My stomach hurts.” I hoped he’d hear the vulnerability in my voice, hoped for even a second of concern. However, all I got was a cold scoff. “Audrey, what new game are you playing? Playing the victim won’t work on me.” “If you love acting so much, why don’t you go win an Oscar?” Beep… beep… The call was ruthlessly disconnected. I stood frozen. The rain outside blurred the entire world. Five years of loving him, three years married. In his heart, I was nothing more than a manipulative, insatiably greedy woman. Yet, I couldn’t shed a single tear. I paid the bill and walked out of the restaurant. The cold rain instantly drenched me, chilling me to the bone. I shivered uncontrollably. I didn’t call a cab. I walked step by painful step down the deserted street. By the time I reached the villa, I was soaked through. The living room lights were blazing. I pushed open the door. Julian sat on the sofa, his face grim. On the coffee table in front of him lay a stack of documents. Seeing me enter, he didn’t even lift his eyelids, just commanded in his usual tone, “Come here.” I stiffly moved my feet, each step like walking on razor blades. He finally deigned to look up. His deep eyes held nothing but raw, unconcealed disgust. “You’re tracking water everywhere. It’s filthy.” I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. He seemed too lazy to hear my explanation, directly tossing the documents in front of me. Divorce Settlement. “Chloe’s back,” Julian’s voice was flat, as if stating something entirely unrelated to him. “We’re getting a divorce.” I lowered my head, staring at those bold words. The sharp pain in my stomach strangely vanished. So, this was his three-year anniversary gift to me. Divorce papers.
Audrey’s POV I didn’t bother to read the specific terms of the agreement, just stared at those few words. Three years ago, Sterling Corp faced a crisis, and his grandfather was gravely ill. Julian was trapped, besieged from all sides. But Chloe, when he needed her most, chose to leave the country to pursue her music dreams, walking away without a second glance. It was I who used all my mother’s savings to plug the company’s financial hole. It was I who stayed by his side, sleepless nights, when he was blackout drunk. It was I who painstakingly prepared the perfect strategy to counter the board’s attacks. It was also I who learned to cook all sorts of stomach-soothing soups when he suffered from gastritis. I thought even the coldest heart would eventually warm to me, that my love could melt stone. But I forgot that Julian’s heart wasn’t stone; it was ice. Ice that only melted for Chloe. He married me because I bore a slight resemblance to her, and because his grandfather had practically blackmailed him with an ultimatum. For three years of marriage, he was utterly cold to me, grudging me even a civil glance. He never took me to any public events. In all of Manhattan, hardly anyone knew who I was, Mrs. Julian Sterling. He hadn’t even touched me once. We were husband and wife, yet we lived more like strangers under the same roof. Every effort, every attempt to win his favor, was twisted into ulterior motives and insatiable greed in his eyes. “What? Not enough for you?” Julian saw my continued silence and sneered, a cruel twist to his lips. “Audrey, don’t be so greedy.” “This villa, plus ten million in the account, is more than enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life.” “Don’t forget, you married me for money, didn’t you? Wasn’t that your whole game?” I slowly lifted my head, looking at his handsome yet cruel face. All I ever wanted was him. But what was the point of saying that now? I forced a faint smile. “Mr. Sterling is truly generous.” He frowned, then the contempt in his eyes deepened. “Good, glad you see sense.” I ignored him, turned, and went upstairs. I took a hot shower and changed into clean clothes. The pain in my stomach seemed to ease a little, but the hollowness in my heart grew wider. The next morning, I went for a follow-up at the hospital. The scent of antiseptic in the hallway was thick and suffocating. I sat on a cold bench, waiting for my number to be called. “Audrey?” A warm male voice spoke above me. I looked up, seeing a familiar face. The man, in a white coat and gold-rimmed glasses, had kind eyes and was looking at me with a hint of uncertainty. “Daniel Harrison?” I was surprised. Daniel, my college classmate and the president of our art club back then. He’d always looked out for me, like an older brother. We’d lost touch after graduation; I never expected to see him here. “It really is you.” Daniel sat beside me, his voice gentle. “What are you doing here? You look terrible. Are you not feeling well?” My eyes burned, and I choked back a sob. It had been so long since anyone had shown me such genuine concern. I shook my head. “It’s nothing, just a bit of stomach trouble. Here for a check-up.” I couldn’t tell him the truth. I didn’t want anyone to see my weakness or my mess. Daniel, a gastroenterologist, clearly didn’t buy my flimsy excuse. But seeing that I didn’t want to elaborate, he didn’t press, just sighed. “Audrey, you’ve lost so much weight. Have you been well these past few years?” Have I been well? I married the man I loved most, yet I lived the most miserable life. I lowered my eyes. “I’m doing great.” Daniel looked at me, his gaze complex, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, it just turned into another sigh. He pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to me. “This is my number. If you ever feel unwell, you can always come to me.” “Thank you.” Leaving the hospital, Daniel insisted on driving me home. I couldn’t refuse him, so I got into his car. The car drove smoothly; we chatted about college memories, and the atmosphere lightened considerably. The gloom that had pressed on my heart for years seemed to lift a little. The car stopped at the villa gate. Just as I was about to get out, my phone buzzed. It was a text message from Julian. I opened it. A photo glared from the screen. In the picture, Daniel was gallantly opening the car door for me, a gentle smile on his face. The angle made it look incredibly suggestive, as if I was desperate to throw myself into his arms. Immediately, a second text popped up. “Already found a new fling? Audrey, you wasted no time, did you? Then hurry up and sign the papers. Don’t hold me back.” He’d had me followed. In his mind, I was that kind of disgusting woman. I looked out the car window. Daniel’s car was already a distant, blurry shadow. I returned to the villa. Julian wasn’t there. Good. I took out the divorce agreement and flipped to the last page. I picked up a pen and slowly signed my name where required. From this moment on, Audrey Harrison and Julian Sterling were completely severed.
Audrey’s POV After signing, I collapsed onto the sofa. The dull ache in my stomach returned, but I was too tired to reach for the pills. Compared to the pain in my heart, this physical discomfort was nothing. Julian didn’t come home for three days, probably enjoying his little world with Chloe. Good. That gave me quiet time to pack my things. There wasn’t much that truly belonged to me in this villa. Aside from a few clothes, it was just my art supplies and paintings in the small studio on the second floor. That studio was my sanctuary, my only forbidden zone. I never let Julian in. Because inside, it held all my love and all my deepest vulnerabilities. I was packing my art supplies when an unfamiliar number called. I hesitated but answered. “Audrey, it’s me, Chloe.” On the other end, Chloe’s voice was sweet and delicate, laced with a carefully crafted fragility. My hand tightened around the phone. I stayed silent. “Audrey, please don’t misunderstand. I don’t mean anything by it.” “I just wanted to meet you in person. There are some things I think we should clarify face-to-face.” “I’m busy.” I refused her outright. “Audrey, I know you’re still angry with Julian.” “But matters of the heart truly can’t be forced.” “Julian’s heart has always belonged to me. I’m truly sorry for your wasted three years.” Her voice sounded full of apology, but I could picture the triumphant smile on her face. “Just one meeting, okay? Downtown café. I’ll be there.” She hung up before I could speak. I didn’t want to go. But it was time to end this. I changed and took a cab to the café. Chloe was already there, wearing a white dress, her long hair draped over her shoulders. She looked pure and innocent, the picture of delicate vulnerability. No wonder Julian was so obsessed with her. She saw me and immediately stood up, offering a sweet smile. “Audrey, you came.” I ignored her familiarity, sitting across from her. “What do you want? Just say it.” Chloe stirred her coffee, head bowed, an expression of hesitation on her face. “Audrey, I know you’ve sacrificed a lot for Julian.” “But Julian recently mentioned to me that your spending has been very high, and he’s a bit worried…” Just a while ago, one of Sterling Corp.’s subsidiaries hit a major financial crisis. It was I who, anonymously, injected the last of my mother’s inheritance into the company, helping him through the tough spot. That was fifty million dollars. I hadn’t told anyone about it. “Julian said he knows you hold resentment, but he thinks it’s low for a wife to resort to this.” “He’s worried you might be siphoning off assets, so he’s temporarily frozen your bank cards.” Chloe looked up, eyes wide with feigned concern. I felt a wave of nausea. So, he not only thought I was cheating but also stealing his money. That’s why he’d frozen my cards. How utterly pathetic. I used my own money to save his company, and he thought I was robbing him. What a joke. I forced a cynical smile. “Are you finished?” Chloe was momentarily stunned by my reaction, then quickly reverted to her fragile demeanor. “I’m not here to accuse you.” “I just hope we can part ways amicably. Julian… he truly loves me.” As she spoke, she lifted her hand and casually brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. A massive pink diamond ring on her slender finger sparkled, an obnoxious flash. “Julian gave this to me yesterday. He said he designed it himself. He called it ‘My Only One.’” “He said, I’m his only one.” She looked at me, her smile full of blissful pride and blatant showing off. I recognized that ring. It was from my design sketch. A year ago, I spent an entire month designing it, naming it “Audrey’s Embrace,” a silent plea for a love I thought was finally mine. I’d left the design in his study, hoping to surprise him. But he hadn’t even glanced at it, tossing it straight into the trash. He’d said, “Audrey, keep your trash away from me. Don’t soil my sight.” Turns out, he didn’t dislike it; he just disliked it because it came from me. He had picked up my discarded design, had it made into a ring, and given it to his only one. And I was the pathetic joke. A sudden, violent spasm tore through my stomach, more intense than any before. I bit down hard on my lower lip, refusing to make a sound. I wouldn’t show any weakness in front of this woman. Chloe watched my agony, a flicker of triumph, cold and sharp, darted in her eyes, but her voice was laced with false concern: “What’s wrong? You look so pale. Are you feeling unwell?” Julian had seen me like this before. When my stomach pains flared, he’d just watched coldly, calling it a cheap trick to gain sympathy. They truly were a match made in hell. I took a deep breath, looked up at her, and said, “Chloe, don’t touch what isn’t yours.” Then, I looked at the ring on her hand and smiled. “And by the way, that ring is called ‘Audrey’s Embrace,’ not ‘My Only One.’” “I wish you both eternal happiness.” I stood up, no longer looking at her stunned face, and walked away. The moment I stepped out of the café, I could no longer hold myself upright, leaning against the wall, coughing violently. I slowly opened my palm. Blood. Dark and coppery.
Audrey’s POV Back at the villa, I immediately collapsed into bed. The physical pain and mental exhaustion intertwined, suffocating me. Chloe’s words, that ring, felt like poisoned thorns, tearing me apart. I thought my heart had turned to ash, but it still hurt. The next day, Julian’s assistant called, asking me to come to the office. I guessed it was about the divorce papers. This was only my second time stepping foot in Sterling Corp in three years. The first was three years ago, when I delivered the anonymous investment contract. The receptionist didn’t recognize me and stopped me. I gave my name and said I had an appointment with Mr. Sterling. After an internal call, she reluctantly let me through. I took the CEO’s private elevator to the top floor. The moment the doors opened, Mark, Julian’s assistant, was waiting anxiously. “Mrs. Sterling, you’re finally here.” Mark whispered, carefully. “Mr. Sterling is waiting for you in his office. He’s not in a good mood.” I nodded and walked towards the CEO’s office. I pushed open the door, and a wave of oppressive silence, thick with anger, hit me. Julian sat behind his enormous desk, his face stormy. Across from him, Chloe was weeping, her shoulders shaking, looking utterly pathetic. Seeing me enter, Julian’s gaze shot towards me like a sharp blade, full of icy rage. “Audrey, how dare you show your face here?” What did I do? “Julian, don’t blame her, it’s all my fault… all my fault…” Chloe sobbed harder, wiping away tears and choking out words. “I shouldn’t have left such important design drafts on the desk. I never thought… my sister… would…” Design drafts? A cold dread settled in my stomach. I had a terrible feeling. Sure enough, Julian snatched a stack of files from his desk and hurled them at my feet. “Tell me! Why did you do it?” Julian stood up, striding towards me, his tall figure radiating an intense pressure. “You leaked the company’s latest design drafts to our competitors to get back at me, didn’t you?” I froze. “I didn’t.” “Didn’t?” Julian scoffed, pointing at the crying Chloe. “Chloe saw you with her own eyes, sneaking around, rummaging through her things in her office.” “And then, this morning, our rival company released designs identical to ours! You still dare to deny it?” I looked at Chloe. She hid behind Julian, but a flicker of triumph was visible in her supposedly innocent eyes. I understood instantly. This was another one of her setups. Such a flimsy excuse, yet Julian bought it hook, line, and sinker. “I didn’t go into her office.” I tried to keep my voice steady. “I came to the company today because your assistant…” “Enough!” Julian roughly cut me off. “You still want to argue now? Audrey, I really underestimated you!” “I thought you were just greedy, but I never imagined your heart could be so malicious!” “To get revenge on me, you’d even sabotage the entire company’s interests!” His voice was loud, and the office door hadn’t been completely shut. Employees from the secretarial pool peered in, their faces alight with anticipation of a spectacle. I had become the company’s laughingstock. In front of everyone, my own husband was pointing a finger at me, accusing me of malicious intent. My heart felt squeezed by an invisible hand, making it impossible to breathe. I looked at this man who refused to seek the truth, only believing his precious Chloe. I just felt utterly exhausted. Loving someone to this extreme, I realized, left no room for hate. Only an empty ache. I gave up explaining, gave up struggling. I looked at the man I had loved for eight years. Then, I smiled softly. “Julian.” I spoke quietly. “I’ll sign.” Julian was taken aback by my sudden words, clearly not understanding. I ignored his shock. I walked directly to his desk, picking up the divorce settlement from the scattered papers on the floor. The agreement was stained with coffee, looking as messy as my three years of marriage. I turned to the last page, pointed to my signature, and showed it to him. “I said, I agree to the divorce.” Then, I slowly removed the wedding ring from my left ring finger. Julian had casually asked his assistant to buy this ring three years ago when we got married. It had no special design, and the size wasn’t even quite right. Yet, I had treasured it, wearing it for three full years without ever taking it off. Now, this cold metal band finally left my finger. I gently placed the ring on the desk, pushing it towards him. The metal clinked against the surface, a clear sound that felt like the death knell of my pathetic marriage. I looked up at him and said, “I wish you both eternal happiness.”
Audrey’s POV The entire office fell into a dead silence. Chloe stopped crying, staring at me in shock. The employees gathered at the doorway also widened their eyes. And Julian-that usually impassive face-showed a crack for the first time. “You…” His throat bobbed, as if he wanted to say something. But I no longer wanted to listen. I turned and walked toward the door. As I passed Chloe, I stopped and whispered, in a voice only she could hear, “Chloe, you won. I hope you never regret it.” Chloe’s face instantly paled. I didn’t look at her again, walking straight out of the office. Behind me, Julian’s roar, thick with suppressed rage, followed. “Audrey! Stop right there!” I didn’t stop. From the moment I signed my name and took off the ring, Julian, this man, was no longer anything to me. I returned to the villa and began packing my few belongings. Clothes, documents, and a photo my mother had left me. I took nothing else. I didn’t want any of the things Julian had bought for me. I only wanted what was truly mine. An hour later, Julian returned. He kicked open the bedroom door, his eyes bloodshot, glaring at me like a cornered beast. “Audrey, what is this? You think you can threaten me like this? Do you think I care?” I looked at him and found it almost funny. “Mr. Sterling, are you misunderstanding something?” I zipped my suitcase shut, stood up, and met his gaze calmly. “We’re divorced. I’m simply fulfilling the agreement and moving out of your house.” My calmness seemed to enrage him further. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so fierce it felt like my bones would shatter. “Divorced? I haven’t signed the papers, so this divorce isn’t final!” he snarled, gritting his teeth. “Audrey, don’t think you can just walk away so easily! You still owe me!” I owe him? For him, I abandoned my dream of becoming an artist. I sacrificed my pride and self-respect, almost even my life. What exactly did I owe him? “Julian, let go.” I was furious. “No!” He stubbornly clung to me. “You need to explain yourself! Why did you leak company secrets?” “Why did you suddenly agree to the divorce? What game are you playing now?” He still didn’t believe me. Even now, he still thought everything was a carefully orchestrated plot of mine. I suddenly felt incredibly tired. Too tired to even argue. “Believe whatever you want to believe.” I closed my eyes. “Julian, I’m exhausted. Let’s just end this, okay?” “End this?” He laughed as if I’d told the biggest joke. “Audrey, you were the one who shamelessly insisted on marrying me. And now you’re just walking away like this? What do you take me for?” I opened my eyes, looked at him, and said, “I take you for… the man I was blind to, the one I loved wrong.” His pupils constricted. His grip on my hand unconsciously loosened. He took a step back, staring at me in disbelief. This was probably the first time in three years I’d spoken such harsh words to him. I didn’t look at him again. I picked up my suitcase and walked straight downstairs. As I passed the locked art studio on the second floor, I paused. I looked back, taking a long, deep look at that door. Inside that room lay the love of my entire youth. Now, I was saying my final goodbye to them too. Julian followed me down. He noticed my gaze and scoffed. “What? Can’t bear to leave your dirty secrets? Still putting on a show?” I ignored his taunts, dragging my suitcase, and continued down. The front door of the villa was right in front of me. Outside, the sun was bright, almost blinding. I took a deep breath and pulled the door open. The moment I stepped out, Julian’s cold voice came from behind me. “Audrey, the agreement states very clearly, you leave with nothing.” “Aside from your personal belongings, not a single thread in this house belongs to you.” My steps faltered, but I didn’t turn back. “Don’t worry. Your things? I find them disgusting.” With that, I dragged my suitcase, leaving without a backward glance, walking out of the prison that had held me for three years. Behind me, the villa door slammed shut with a resounding bang. Goodbye, Julian. Goodbye, my foolish youth and love. From now on, I am just Audrey. Audrey, living for herself. The moment I stepped out of the villa complex, my tightly wound nerves suddenly snapped. Pain instantly overwhelmed me. The intense agony blurred my vision, and I almost collapsed. I grabbed a nearby tree trunk, gasping for breath, cold sweat soaking my back. Audrey, hold on. You’re free now. You can’t fall here. I desperately tried to hail a cab, but as I took a step, an uncontrollable metallic taste flooded my throat. I doubled over, coughing violently. Each cough tore at the wound in my stomach, making me curl into a ball. I opened my hand, staring at the bloodstains on my palm. My consciousness began to fade. So, this is what dying feels like. It’s fine. Freedom. Just before I completely lost consciousness, a black sedan screeched to a halt in front of me. The door opened, and a frantic figure rushed towards me. “Audrey! Audrey!” It was Daniel’s voice. He lifted me from the ground, and I could feel his arms trembling. “Don’t be scared. I’m taking you to the hospital. You’ll be okay, you’ll be okay…” He tried to comfort me, his voice laced with panic. Leaning against his warm embrace, smelling the faint scent of antiseptic on him, I felt a rare sense of peace. I struggled to open my eyes, wanting to thank him. But in the end, I passed out completely.
Julian’s POV In one of Manhattan’s most exclusive private clubs, I was drinking with a group of friends. Chloe nestled beside me, smiling as she poured me a drink. “Julian, congratulations! You finally dumped that leech and got your freedom back!” one of Julian’s cronies shouted, raising his glass. “Exactly! Women like her, who’ll do anything for money, should’ve been kicked out ages ago!” “Chloe, you’re so much better, kind and beautiful!” Everyone chimed in, their words full of contempt for Audrey and flattery for Chloe. I swirled the red wine in my glass, remaining silent. Yet, Audrey’s resolute back as she walked away, and her words, “I find them disgusting,” flashed uncontrollably in my mind. I tilted my head back and downed the wine in one gulp. “Julian, what’s wrong? You don’t seem happy?” Chloe’s keen senses picked up on my mood, and she asked with concern. “Nothing.” I set down the glass. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. Audrey was finally out of my life; I should be celebrating. But why did I feel this hollow ache in my chest, a suffocating sense of panic? I even felt a hint of regret. Regret that I hadn’t chased after her. No. How could I regret it? I wished Audrey would disappear completely! It must be the alcohol. Just then, my phone rang wildly. It was an unfamiliar number. I intended to ignore it, but the persistent ring wouldn’t stop. Finally, I swiped to answer. “Who is this?” “Julian.” A cold, unfamiliar male voice came from the other end. “It’s Daniel Harrison, Audrey’s college classmate.” Audrey’s classmate? The man from the photo? I scoffed. “What? Not enough money, so you’ve come to extort me? Let me tell you, you won’t get a single dime!” This had to be a new scheme Audrey and that man cooked up together. A few seconds of silence on the other end. Then, Daniel’s voice came through, dripping with ice. “Julian, are you satisfied now?” “She’s dying.” She’s dying. Those two words exploded in my ears. It was utterly preposterous. “What the hell are you talking about?” I roared. Another new trick. What wouldn’t Audrey do for money, to stay by my side? Feigning illness, playing the victim, and now even claiming she was dying. It was truly laughable. “Whether I’m talking nonsense or not, you can come and see for yourself at City Central Hospital.” Daniel’s voice was devoid of warmth. “Late-stage stomach cancer. An acute gastric perforation caused massive internal bleeding. She’s in surgery now.” “Julian, if anything happens to her, I swear I won’t let you get away with it.” Late-stage stomach cancer? My mind went blank with a loud buzz. My hand, clutching the phone, tightened uncontrollably. Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Audrey had always been perfectly healthy. How could she have stomach cancer? This must be a new scam she and that bastard were trying to pull. Yes, it had to be. “Quite the performance.” I forced myself to calm down. “Tell Audrey this pathetic stunt won’t work on me. You think I’ll come rushing to her side? Dream on.” With that, I hung up. “Julian, who was that on the phone?” Chloe leaned closer, asking cautiously. “Some con artist.” I tossed my phone onto the table, picked up my glass, and took another large gulp. The burning liquor didn’t quell the growing irritation and panic in my heart. Daniel’s cold voice. The words late-stage stomach cancer. They echoed like a curse in my mind. I thought of Audrey’s perpetually pale face. I remembered the numerous times Audrey had clutched her stomach, groaning in pain, cold sweat on her forehead. I recalled the piercing red I’d accidentally seen when Audrey was leaning against a wall, coughing… No. It couldn’t be. Audrey was just faking it. She was just trying to win my sympathy. But my heart, for the first time, began to pound uncontrollably. “Julian, what’s wrong? You look awful.” Chloe’s voice pulled me back from my chaotic thoughts. Chloe’s face, so like Audrey’s yet more delicate and alluring, sharpened my irritation. This face… it’s so annoying. “I’m not feeling well. I’m going home.” I stood up, grabbed my jacket, and left the club without a backward glance. But I drove to the hospital. I had to see for myself if that woman was truly dying.
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