So Long and Farewell—Forever

When I had finished making the last dish and brought it to the dining room, Derek Gunther and his friends stopped talking instantly.One of them quickly got up and took the plate from me. I could sense the others glancing at me nervously. Even the way they congratulated me and Derek on our anniversary felt a bit forced.When Derek met my eyes, he swiftly averted his gaze. He was good at masking his emotions. I could not find any trace of guilt or panic on his face. It was as if he had not said any of those things earlier."You must be tired. Sit down and eat."I froze for a few seconds. Even after thinking about it for quite some time, I still could not bring myself to take out the medical report stuffed in my apron's pocket.Derek tried to appear caring and thoughtful by pulling out a chair for me. Then, he reached into his bag and took out the anniversary gift he got for me.There was no surprise. It was yet another pair of expensive diamond earrings. They were the ninth pair o

I placed the divorce agreement on the coffee table in the living room. Derek would probably be very pleased to see it once he returned home.Leaving the house I had lived in for nine years still made me feel a bit sad.The phone in my pocket vibrated just then. It was a text message from my doctor asking me to visit the hospital for another check-up. I suppressed the turbulent emotions inside me.I took a cab to get to the hospital. Somehow, Derek's face came into my mind. I wondered how he would feel when he eventually saw the divorce agreement.Yet, just as I lifted my gaze, I spotted the person that had been on my mind all the way. Derek stood outside the entrance of the obstetrics and gynecology department. Ivy Andrews was standing right beside him.Derek circled his arms around Ivy and lightly brushed the tip of her nose with his finger. The two of them looked like a happy, loving couple.Perhaps it was because I was staring at them intently, Derek soon noticed me. He hurr

I rubbed my eyes. The phone that had been vibrating ceaselessly was making me feel more and more frustrated.Derek had been calling me non-stop. In the end, I had no choice but to answer the phone.His anxious voice sounded on the line."You're just trying to act like you won't ever come home, aren't you? Do you think doing something like that is going to make me feel guilty? Also, who gave you the right to go through my things on the bookshelf? I won't acknowledge the divorce agreement!"Derek did not allow me any chance to cut him off.He was the person who wanted a divorce the most. I could not fathom why Derek was suddenly blaming and asking me now why I had signed the agreement.I let out a deep sigh and tried my best to endure the pain and discomfort I was experiencing. I haven't had much of an appetite lately. Sometimes, I would even observe abnormal bleeding. I could tell that I did not have much time left.I interrupted Derek in a calm voice, "I just think that it's bet

"Sienna, we shouldn't end our relationship just like this. I just want to stay with you for the time being and help you get better."Everything he said sounded empty and meaningless to me now. I took in the lost, troubled look on his face. Derek's lips were trembling. It made me wonder if he truly felt guilty toward me."I have considered getting a divorce, but I've never actually made up my mind to do it. I would have handed you the divorce agreement early on if I truly did not love you, Sienna. Can you really give up on our nine-year-long relationship just like that?"What's more, you're suffering from a chronic illness. You need me by your side! I can't possibly leave you all by yourself in your current condition."I retorted, "Didn't you say it yourself, though? Ivy has given up everything to be with you, and you owe her a real home. She's pregnant with your child now. Are you going to abandon her instead?"I've already made up my mind, so don't bother trying to persuade me ot

Derek was trembling all over as Ivy held his hand.She said in a shaky voice, "Derek, don't do this… I can't lose you. Do you not want to marry me anymore? I'm pregnant with your child!""Ivy, I need to stay with Sienna until she's cured of her illness." Derek looked at her calmly.Ivy shook her head. She refused to accept what he just said."Derek, you're lying! Were you lying too when you made those promises to me? I gave up everything to be with you. Yet, is this how you're going to treat me? I hate you! I hate you!"For a moment, I was lost in thought as I stared at Ivy. I would say that she was also a victim in this situation.It was all because Derek had reassured her with all kinds of promises that she took the risk and gave up everything just to be with him.However, the only person Derek loved was himself. No matter how much time he had spent with someone, Derek would stop loving that person the instant those feelings in him diminished."Why? I only agreed to get pregn