Semua Bab Becoming Perfect Before the End: Bab 1 - Bab 10

My husband, Bowen Liddell, said I was not gentle enough. My parents called me selfish, and my daughter said she loved Yvonne Lawson more. So, I decided to spend my last 72 hours giving everything I had—my life, my legacy—to this perfect woman.The doctor's words echoed in my ears. "It's late-stage cancer. If you don't start the special treatment immediately, you have, at most, three days."I leaned back in the hospital bed and stared out the window. I had poured myself into this marriage for seven years as Bowen's wife until she appeared.The door opened, and Bowen walked in. His expression was already tinged with impatience as he asked, "You okay?""I'm fine," I answered softly.He frowned. "The doctor said you need that experimental treatment, but—""But Yvonne needs it more, right?" I finished for him, curling my lips into a bitter smile.Yvonne was the pitiful girl I convinced my parents to adopt from the orphanage when I was 12. I treated her like a real sister, never imagi

At the company's headquarters, news spread quickly that I had brought Yvonne to the board meeting and announced that I was transferring my shares to her."Kathleen, are you serious?" Harrison Diaz, one of the senior board members, asked as he pulled me aside."I'm completely serious," I replied as I signed my name on the documents. "From today onward, Yvonne will represent me in all company decisions."Yvonne trembled with excitement, though she did her best to look muted. "Kathleen, I—I don't know what to say!"I handed her the documents and said, "You don't have to say anything. Just do a good job."On the way home, her mask finally slipped. She asked, "Kathleen, why are you doing this?""Because this is what you wanted, isn't it?" I leaned my head against the car window. "My husband, my daughter, my fortune... Yvonne, you've won.""Kathleen, I—""Promise me one thing," I said, cutting her off. "At least keep pretending for Candice. She's still a child, and she needs a comple

Annie's voice was calm but firm as she said, "Please come home immediately."...Meanwhile, at the Sullivans' residence.Kathleen's mother, Jolene Atkins, was on the phone, looking shocked. She exclaimed in disbelief, "What? Kathleen is giving up her inheritance from her trust fund? Mr. Foreman, are you sure about this? That's half a billion dollars!"The lawyer, Isaac Foreman, replied, "Mrs. Sullivan, the documents arrived yesterday afternoon, and Ms. Sullivan signed them herself. She intended to transfer all her interests to Ms. Lawson."Kathleen's father, David Sullivan, snatched the phone. "That's impossible! Even though Kathleen cares about Yve, she wouldn't have gone this far!"Isaac said, "Mr. Sullivan, it's not just the trust fund. Ms. Sullivan has also transferred her gallery, company shares, and even the collection of artwork you've given her—""What? Even the original Manet that I've given her?" Jolene's face turned pale."Yes, all legal procedures have been complete

In the car, Jolene kept dialing Kathleen's number. Looking anxiously at David, she said, "It's still turned off. Kathleen never goes this long without answering her phone.""Don't panic yet. Let me call Bowen," David said while driving.The phone rang for a long time before someone picked up."David?" Bowen's voice sounded strange—low and exhausted."Bowen, is Kathleen with you?" David asked urgently. "Her phone is off, and we can't find her. Mr. Foreman said she transferred all her assets to Yve. We're worried she might..."There was silence on the other end for several seconds. Finally, Bowen asked, "David, Jolene, w—where are you right now?"Jolene grabbed the phone. "We're on our way to your house. Bowen, is Kathleen there? Is she okay?""You should come quickly." Bowen's voice dropped even lower.Jolene's heart was pounding. "What's going on? Did something happen to Kathleen? Say something!""Jolene, y—you'll understand when you get here. Drive safely."The phone went de

After Yvonne was taken away, the Sullivan residence fell into a suffocating silence.Bowen sat beside Kathleen's body like a man stripped of his soul. His phone kept ringing—calls from board members, business partners, and news reporters. Everyone was desperate to know what had happened. However, he did not answer a single one.Annie softly said, "Mr. Liddell, the funeral home staff is here."Bowen jolted upright. "No! Don't take her away!"Nonetheless, he knew there was no stopping it. Kathleen was gone for good.Downstairs, Kathleen's parents were still going through the evidence. Each document and recording felt like a blade slicing into their hearts."This date..." Jolene pointed at one of the medical forms, her voice trembling. "It says Kathleen was diagnosed with cancer last Christmas.""But she never told us," David muttered, sounding like he had aged ten years.Annie walked over quietly. "That day, Yvonne had a sudden health scare. You were all at the hospital with her.