Chapter 5

Adrian's POV

It was just a little harmless interaction with Vivian. A light-hearted dalliance. What successful man doesn't have eager women hanging around him? I couldn’t understand why Evelyn was making such a big deal out of it.

She had always been so obedient as a wife, and I treated her with due affection and care. What could she possibly be unhappy about? Okay, so, if she didn’t like me being around other women, I could easily cut ties with Vivian.

“You’re crazy. Do you expect me to stay faithful to you?” Evelyn’s voice was cold, distant.

“What —” I was furious. How could she be like this? She was becoming more and more unreasonable.

“We’ve already registered for divorce, Adrian. Just six more months, and then we’ll be done for good. Who I chose to see is none of your business,” she said, in sharp tones.

“The cooling-off period hasn’t ended yet, so we’re not officially divorced. Evelyn, are you seriously going to put the blame on me?”

Evelyn pulled away from the doctor and laughed at me, an empty humorless sound. I gripped her wrist tightly. 

“How can you say that? Should I remind you who was unfaithful during our marriage?” she shot back.

Evelyn frowned, and I could feel the rising tension in the air. She tugged at her hand caught in my grip.

Before I could reply, I noticed who it was that had been holding her when I arrived. I recognized Nate’s familiar profile.

“Adrian, what do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, in accusing tones.

As soon as I realized it was Nate, I knew what he was thinking. I couldn’t help but chuckle. 

“This is between my wife and I. It’s none of your business,” I snapped. “You’re Evelyn’s college senior, right? Nate? I remember at graduation you asked her to go abroad with you. Too bad she ended up marrying me, instead,” I said, my words dripping with smugness.

“You—”

Nate was furious, his face turning red. He was about to rush at me, but a crowd was already gathering, drawn by the commotion. Patients, specialists, nursing staff. Given that Nate was obviously a doctor here, if we started fighting he’d have to face repercussions.

Evelyn didn’t want to cause him any further trouble. “Senior?” Evelyn called out softly. When he looked back at her, she spoke quickly. “Senior, it’s not worth risking your career for someone like him. There are too many eyes watching.”

She was warning him, but Nate looked even more upset. “I’m fine,” he said firmly, through gritted teeth.

“I care,” she replied, her voice tinged with concern. “I don’t want you to get into trouble because of me. The hospital is busy. You should get back to work.” Evelyn moved away from him, putting distance between them.

I watched Nate looking at her, his gaze softening. I could feel the sadness in his eyes. It must have reminded him of the past when she chose me over him. She may not have noticed it then, but now, she must be feeling the weight of it.

With so many people around, the best Nate could do was keep his distance. He struggled to control his agitation, to avoid any more confrontation.

Holding my elbow, Evelyn started to urge me away. We headed towards the elevators. Deep down, I felt disgusted. Evelyn was protecting that man’s reputation, rather than sticking by me. It was obvious where her loyalties lay. Once we reached the elevator, I yanked my arm away from her.

“How long have you been seeing him, Evelyn?” I demanded.

“Me? Seeing someone else? What about you?” she shot back. Then she clammed up, denying me an explanation.

It was a little chilly outside. The wind made Evelyn shiver, and I could see the toll today’s medical tests had taken on her. Though I sometimes wondered if there really was anything wrong with her. She never discussed her medical appointments and I never asked.

“Ha! So it wasn’t about anything I did... You’ve been seeing some other man behind my back! I should’ve known. Evelyn, you really are a piece of work,” I spat, my voice filled with contempt.

Evelyn didn’t bother to explain. She hailed a cab without a second glance.

“Think what you want. I’m past caring.”

Whatever. It didn’t matter anymore. We were getting divorced, and she was moving on. She walked away quickly, not even giving me a chance to grab her. Before I knew it, she had already climbed into the taxi.

And in that moment, I felt something important slipping away from my life.

“I thought she would get the life she wanted by marrying you. It seems I was wrong.” As I stood there staring at the taxi carrying Evelyn away, I didn't realize that Nate had followed us.

 

“This is between me and my wife. A minor disagreement is a natural part of marriage. It won't change how we love each other.” His appearance made my anger increased. My fists clenched uncontrollably, “Don't think that this gives you a chance.”

 

I heard him snort through his nose.

 

“But you're obviously not a very caring husband. Especially since you seem to know nothing about her health condition.”

 

“What do you mean?”I turned to face him and stared into his eyes. I knew it was just his tactic, but deep down I felt a slight of nervous.

 

“For now, currently,” he emphasized the words, ”you are still her husband, so I think you still have the right to know this.”

 

Then he handed me a health checkup report. My eyes stung as I read the words on it.

Evelyn—cancer.