Chapter 1

As I was packing up and preparing to move, my boyfriend, Eric Eland, walked in, ushering his assistant, Kayla Poe, with him.

"Penny, hurry up and make some mushroom soup. Kayla just passed out from low blood sugar," Eric said, his eyes fixed on Kayla, his face full of concern. Without even lifting his head, he gave me a command.

I glanced up, but instead of rushing to greet him as I used to, I continued what I was doing.

When Eric noticed I didn't respond, he furrowed his brow and looked up at me. "Penny, do you not understand what—"

His gaze fell on my movements, and he froze for a moment. With a darkened expression, he quickly walked over to me. "Penny, you're packing your bags? Are you seriously planning to break up with me?"

I didn't stop what I was doing, speaking lazily, "Why would I pretend to break up with you?"

"What…" Eric was caught off guard by my indifferent tone, his cold eyes locking onto mine.

"What's wrong?" I curled my lips into a half-smile and quickly glanced at Kayla before sarcastically adding, "See, you brought your wife home. It's only natural that I make room for her."

"P-Penny, what are you talking about? I don't understand!" Eric's anxiety became visible, and his gaze began to shift uncomfortably.

I scoffed and threw the marriage certificate in his face. "Eric, are you serious? You can do things but not own up to them?"

His eyes widened in panic when he saw the marriage certificate. He growled, his voice full of anger, "Penny, what trick are you playing? Where did you get this?"

I stared at him, a hollow smile on my face, and said nothing.

In the awkward silence, Kayla's voice cracked with tears. "Eric, I sent it to the wrong address… I didn't mean for you and Penny to fight over it. It's all my fault." She started to sob.

"Kayla, you didn't do anything wrong." Eric's demeanor shifted instantly, and he walked toward her with overwhelming tenderness, guiding her carefully into the room.

He looked back at me. "Since you know now, I won't hide it from you. Kayla was recently diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. She doesn't have much time left, and her last wish is to marry me. You know, Kayla has been by my side since graduation, always helping me out. She's not just my assistant—she's my friend. I can't just stand by and do nothing when she's in need. When Kayla… We'll go get our marriage certificate later. Penny, you understand, right?"

Eric's eyes were full of hope as he looked at me.

I turned away, uninterested, and replied coldly, "She's your assistant and friend, but she's also your wife now. You should be discussing things with her, not me. I don't have anything to offer in this situation."

Seeing my firm attitude, Eric's brows furrowed again. "Penny, is this really how you're going to be? Do you have no compassion? I've told you I'll marry you—what's the difference if it's sooner or later? Kayla's sick, and you're going to treat her like this?"

Kayla lowered her head, fake tears rolling down her cheeks.

I stopped what I was doing, lifting my gaze to the pair standing side by side. Their synchronized act was almost comical. I suddenly burst into laughter.

It would be a lie if I said it didn't sting when I saw the former love of my life being so tender and caring toward another woman.

But our relationship was already tainted. I didn't want to be involved any longer.

"Fine, I'm coldhearted. I'll leave right now so I won't be in your way."

I nodded and quickly grabbed my suitcase, heading for the door.

As I passed by Eric, he suddenly grabbed my arm, his tone as sharp as ever.

"Penny, you've crossed a line. Go apologize to Kayla now, and I'll pretend this didn't happen. Otherwise—"

I interrupted him, my voice dripping with mockery, "Otherwise what? You won't forgive me even if I beg? Why should I apologize to her?"

Eric's face went completely dark, his voice full of warning, "Penny, enough! I'll give you one last chance—apologize to Kayla! Or don't come back to me!"

In the tense silence, Kayla tugged at Eric's wrist, pretending to be understanding.

"Eric, don't be mad at Penny. It's not her fault. It's all my fault. I should leave…"

Eric immediately shrugged me off and rushed to comfort her. Taking advantage of this moment, I grabbed my suitcase and left without looking back.

Before I stepped out the door, Eric's cold voice rang out one last time. "Penny, once you leave through that door, don't even think about coming back. I can't wait to see how 'great' your life will be without me!"