: 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?'