Chapter 1

Evelyn’s POV

My name is Evelyn Carter, and I am 28 years old.

Adrian and I have been married for six years. While today is our anniversary, a cause for celebration and joy, ironically, it's also the worst day of my life. Today, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

My specialist reviewed my test results today, and he broke the frightening news as kindly as he could.

Sitting across from the doctor, my eyes grew wide with apprehension. I held my hands clenched tightly on his desk, as questions tumbled through my mind. Stunned, words eluded me.

He continued. “And so, Evelyn, it’s urgent that you check in for treatment, starting today. There is no time for delay.”

My  thoughts were fragmented. Treatment? Cancer?

I shook my head. “No! I can’t. You don’t understand. Today is our anniversary. I need to be with my husband. Perhaps… tomorrow?”

Adrian’s smiling face filled my mind. I wanted us to celebrate. I had even bought him a luxury watch, his favorite brand, as a gift.

Little did I know, today would be the beginning of a nightmare.

Somehow, I found my way home. Stowed in my tote was the gift for Adrian, nestling next to the damning medical results. Ironically, they represented two different futures for me, entire worlds apart.

I stumbled inside, through the front door, fighting through the pain. As soon as I walked in, I noticed a pair of high-end heels in the entryway.

Why would there be stray women's heels in our house?

Throughout our marriage, Adrian and I always had a strong relationship. I had never suspected him of doing anything behind my back. So, when I saw the familiar coat, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was our little son, Liam's, kindergarten teacher's coat.

But why would Liam's teacher be here? I frowned. That was odd.

Taking my medical records out of the bag, I pressed them into my pocket before putting on my house slippers. Even this simple action left me feeling weak.

I went into the living room. There was no-one about. With today being a special day, I had given our domestic staff the day off. I had planned for it to just be us, our little family, together to celebrate. That was before. Before my doctor’s appointment, when my world came crashing down.

The large house felt eerily empty, as I headed for the study.

“Stop it!” A woman’s soft voice was audible, from down the hallway. A teasing, playful voice.

I froze at the door to the study, hearing the voices inside.

“Are you willing to lose? Can’t you take the bet?” A man’s voice followed. It was Adrian.

What bet? Why were they speaking so intimately?

I stood silently at the door, not daring to open it, listening carefully. The door was almost fully closed, but not quite. Through the crack, I could see inside. Normally, there only a typical study, simply decorated with a desk and a bookshelf filled with professional books.

But what was seared into my brain was the sight of Adrian, sitting closely beside Vivian, Liam’s kindergarten teacher.

Adrian’s smile was gentle and affectionate, and the look in his eyes as he gazed at Vivian was filled with tenderness and devotion. That was a look he had never shown me!

“Adrian! You’re married! How could I kiss you?” Vivian playfully lowered her gaze, a smile tugging at her lips

Who she’s going to kiss?

Those words exploded in my mind like fireworks. My brain went numb, unable to process what I was hearing.

No, this couldn’t be true!

Could I have heard wrong?

Adrian wouldn't let her kiss him… would he?

I moved closer, my eyes fixed on them through the crack in the door, praying that I had misheard.

Then, I heard my little boy’s voice. “If Miss Vivian loses, she has to kiss Daddy and then me too!” Liam said, standing beside them.

My heart almost broke. He was just a small child and probably didn’t understand the full meaning of the game.

“Alright, alright, Daddy first, then it's your turn!” Vivian said, with feigned reluctance.

Then she leaned in and placed a light kiss on Adrian’s chiseled cheek. Her soft auburn curls brushed his face.

I was stunned that Adrian didn’t stop her, making no move to avoid the intimate contact. We had always treated each other with respect during our marriage. I had never imagined he would do such a thing. The awful scene unfolding, shocked me beyond words.

Yet, worse was to come. Adrian pulled Vivian in closer. His look of pleasure struck me like a lightning bolt. Why had he never looked at me like that?

His lips sought hers and they locked in a kiss. Vivian initially resisted, but soon surrendered. The kiss deepened, prolonged, passionate.

Liam appeared overjoyed. “Yeah Dad kissed her! Miss Vivian can be my new mom!” he cried.

Adrian and Vivian relaxed and smiled at Liam as  he danced around them.

“My mom won’t let me eat fried chicken, or burgers, but Miss Vivian lets me have whatever I want. I want you to be my new mom!” he told her.

Liam’s words cut into me like daggers. He has asthma and a frail constitution, and I’ve always followed medical advice to control his diet. His asthma dictates what food he can safely eat, so to ensure his meals were nutritious and delicious, I took a nutritionist course. But both he and his father love junk food and fast food, so I’m always fighting an uphill battle.

I had no idea he would hate me this much. But then,  he’s just a child — of course he would prefer someone who lets him eat tasty food, I consoled myself.

“Alright, Adrian, don’t. Not in front of Liam,” Vivian said, pushing Adrian away, pretending to be shy.

Adrian let go of her, brushing his thumb over her lips. “Don’t you like it?”

She hesitated but her eyes gave away everything.

“I’ll settle things with that woman soon, I promise. Once the company stabilizes, I’ll divorce her and marry you. Liam wants you as his mom, too,” Adrian said, holding her hands tenderly

I struggled to breathe. Tears slid down my face, but more than anything, I felt a tearing rage.