2

After that day, I began to fully dedicate myself to being Caden Rhodes's woman.

To be honest, there was nothing really wrong with Caden Rhodes as a man.

He was tall and handsome, rich and powerful.

While his personality couldn't exactly be called gentle or considerate, at least he didn't have any strange kinks, nor did he ever force me to do anything.

I saw him as my boss, my benefactor.

Occasionally, I would abandon all reason and pretend he was my pillar of support.

'I knew I was the woman who had been by his side the longest.'

'I also knew that I wasn't Caden Rhodes's only woman.'

I was well aware of where Caden Rhodes's boundaries were, and I knew what I could and couldn't do.

I was considerate and gentle, generous and tolerant. Even when I occasionally showed a bit of a temper, it was a calculated move just to make him feel like I was depending on him.

I constantly warned myself not to take it seriously, not to get invested.

Even though the time we'd been together was approaching that of a long-married couple, I knew very well that he would eventually get tired of me.

I just never expected the cancer diagnosis to arrive sooner than his boredom.

When my parents passed away, their attending physician told me that our family had a slightly higher chance of getting cancer than others.

It was related to heredity and genetics, he said. He was telling me so I'd pay more attention to my health and try to get an annual check-up.

At the time, I thanked the doctor but didn't take it to heart.

To be precise, I didn't care whether I got sick or not.

After all, people are just waiting to die from the moment they're born. I actually thought dying sooner would be an earlier escape from this world.

Perhaps Heaven heard the pessimistic, world-weary voice in my heart, because I was, in fact, diagnosed.

Terminal cancer. Three months left to live, at most.

Three months. Not even enough time for Caden Rhodes to finish a project, yet it was already the limit of my life.

: Tired of It

3

I walked out of the hospital, holding the diagnosis report.

I walked as I always did, and when I passed a trash can, I casually tossed the report inside.

I had just stepped out of the hospital's main entrance when Caden Rhodes called.

He had a private social engagement today and couldn't bring his secretary. Since he was calling me, it most likely meant he wanted me to come over.

After I answered, Caden Rhodes indeed confirmed my suspicion.

I followed the address he gave me to a private club. When I pushed the door open, I saw two women draped over Caden Rhodes, nuzzling against him with enraptured looks.

I stood in the doorway, frowning slightly at the scene inside.

'Disgusted, I just wanted to leave.'

Caden Rhodes finally saw me.

He pushed the two women off him, stood up, and walked toward me.

I subconsciously clenched my fists and, just as I had countless times over the past seven years, schooled my features into a mask of detached indifference.

Caden Rhodes didn't say a word. He just took my hand and led me toward the second floor of the club.

I knew exactly what he was about to do.

In fact, I knew what he wanted from the moment he called.

I obediently followed him to a room on the second floor and, just like countless times before, let him guide me into a familiar intimacy.

...

When I woke up, Caden Rhodes was sitting on the edge of the bed, his upper body bare as he smoked a cigarette.

Hearing me stir, he suddenly turned his head, and a check fluttered down in front of me with the movement.

I stared blankly at the check. He only said two words: "I'm bored."

In that moment, it felt as though something inside my heart cracked with a soft SNAP.

It was like a shard of ceramic, its sharp edges carving a bleeding gash across my heart.

I could feel how natural I seemed, my tone even holding a hint of jest as I spoke:

"I only have three months to live. Can't you wait a little longer?"

Caden Rhodes's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at me with disapproval.

"Aria Lowell, you're not one to be tactless."

The smile on my lips froze. The gash in my heart ripped wider, leaving me momentarily speechless.

After all, we'd been together for seven years, yet Caden Rhodes didn't know in the slightest—

That I never joke.

: 4

4

I quit.

With only three months left to live, I want to keep all my time for myself.

Besides, cancer patients are tormented by the pain until they're no longer recognizable. I don't want anyone to see me in such a wretched state.

And I don't need anyone's pity.

When Caden Rhodes called, I was staring blankly at a table full of food.

They were all my favorite dishes.

But the sight of them made me nauseous. An unbearable pain in my upper abdomen hammered at my nerves, blow by blow.

The sudden ringing of my phone startled me. I froze for half a second before tapping the screen. "Hello?"

"Aria Lowell, I don't like women who throw tantrums."

Caden Rhodes's voice was like a natural air conditioner; even the simplest sentence from him could send a shiver down your spine.

Usually, I would have apologized obediently and found some way to please him.

But not today.

Looking at the faint, gaunt silhouette reflected in the glass kitchen door, I slowly curved my lips into a smile. "Mr. Rhodes, is there something you need?"

"Aria Lowell!"

His voice on the other end was laced with suppressed anger and a command. "Get back to work. Now!"

"Mr. Rhodes, I am a free citizen."

I heard myself laugh. 'My expression must be quite cheerful right now.' "Your orders don't work on me anymore."

I still have three months to squander.

And soon enough, a new lover will appear by his side.

I was the wind that blew through his life; though I lingered long, I left no trace. He, on the other hand, walked a path of glorious blossoms.

'How could he possibly remember I ever existed?'