Chapter: Chapter 5The charity gala was three days away, and the Blackwood mansion had transformed into a hive of controlled chaos. Maya moved through it all, coordinating caterers, florists, and event staff while fielding increasingly demanding calls from Eleanor Blackwood.In the two weeks since that night by the fire, since Maya had finally shared Alexander's bed, something fundamental had shifted between them. He came home for dinner now. They talked about more than just household logistics.It was everything Maya had dreamed of, and it was breaking her heart.Because she could feel her time running out. The fatigue was constant now, a heavy weight she carried with her everywhere. She'd started having trouble catching her breath, especially after climbing stairs. The makeup she used to hide her pallor grew thicker each day.And then there was the other secret, the one she'd discovered just yesterday. The one that changed everything.Maya stood in the master bathroom, hands trembling as she stared at
最終更新日: 2026-02-11
Chapter: Chapter 4The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Blackwood mansion, casting golden streaks across the marble kitchen counters. Maya stood at the stove, her hands moving with practiced precision as she prepared breakfast. The scent of fresh coffee mingled with the aroma of pancakes. Alexander's favorite.Her hands trembled slightly as she plated the food, and she gripped the counter to steady herself. The fatigue was getting worse. But she'd become an expert at hiding it."You're up early."Maya turned to find Alexander in the doorway, already dressed in one of his perfectly tailored suits. His dark hair was still damp from the shower, and despite everything, her heart still skipped at the sight of him."I made breakfast," she said, gesturing to the table she'd set. "I thought we could eat together before you leave for work."Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly. "I usually just grab coffee and eat at work.""I know." Maya pulled out a chair. "But we agreed to live as a real married
最終更新日: 2026-02-11
Chapter: Chapter 3Alexander was in the study, pouring himself a scotch when Maya appeared in the doorway. He looked up, startled."You're still awake.""I said we needed to talk." Maya stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. Her hands trembled slightly, but she clasped them together to hide it."It's three in the morning, Maya. Whatever it is can wait until—""Where were you?"The question hung in the air between them. Alexander's jaw tightened, his glass frozen halfway to his lips."I told you. A meeting.""Don't lie to me." Maya's voice was quiet but firm. "Not tonight. Please."Something flickered across Alexander's face. Surprise, maybe, at this unfamiliar version of his wife. The Maya he knew didn't challenge him, didn't make demands.He set down his glass with careful precision. "I was with Isabelle."The confirmation still hurt, even though Maya had known. Even though she'd prepared herself for it during the long hours of waiting."She called me," Maya said. "Earlier tonight. To tell
最終更新日: 2026-02-11
Chapter: Chapter 2Maya's hand tightened around her phone, her knuckles turning white against the soft glow of the screen. The timing wasn't lost on her. She had just been thinking of her.Isabelle Chen."Of course I remember you," Maya said, keeping her voice steady despite the way her heart had begun to race. Five years. It had been several years since she had last seen her.A soft girly laugh came through the line, melodious and confident. "Good. I wasn't sure if you'll still remember me after all these years. Good to know that I'm still on your mind after everything. You must be thinking a whole lot of things right now."There was a mocking tone to her words that made Maya eager to slap her on the face. She blamed the distance for preventing her from carrying out what was on her mind."Why are you calling me, Isabelle?" Maya moved away from the window, her free hand pressed against her stomach as if she could physically hold herself together."Straight to the point. I like that." Another laugh. "You
最終更新日: 2026-02-11
Chapter: Chapter 1The doctor's words echoed in Maya's head like a death knell."Six months. Perhaps less."She sat in the sterile examination room, staring at the X-rays clipped to the lightbox. The dark masses on her lungs looked like storm clouds."Mrs. Blackwood, do you understand what I'm telling you?" Dr. Richardson's voice was gentle as he broke the news to her.Maya nodded slowly, unable to speak. Her hands lay folded in her lap, perfectly still. Five years of marriage to Alexander Blackwood had taught her to mask every emotion, to become a statue when necessary."I'd like to start treatment immediately," the doctor continued. "Chemotherapy might buy us some time—""No."The word surprised even her.Dr. Richardson frowned. "Mrs. Blackwood, I understand this is overwhelming, but—""I need time to think." Maya stood, smoothing down her designer dress. It was cream-colored, elegant, and expensive. Everything Alexander's wife should be. "Thank you for your time, Doctor but that will be all."She wal
最終更新日: 2026-02-11
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