Chapter 1

My wife's first love died on the day we got married. Consumed by grief and suspicion, she accused me of killing him and had me thrown into the police station. However, due to a lack of evidence, I was eventually released.

For years after that, she would scream at me with a hate-filled voice, "Why wasn't it you who died instead?"

Little did she know, I really was dying.

The city was alive with the hustle and bustle that night, but the silence in our villa was suffocating. When I woke up, it was already ten at night.

My wife had been gone for three months. I tried reaching her over the phone countless times but she never answered my calls. Maybe this time, she really wasn't coming back.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I picked up the wine glass from the coffee table. I tilted my head back and drank the entire thing in one go. The wine was as sour as our three years of marriage.

My phone rang suddenly. I scrambled to find it, fumbling before hitting accept. "Sophie, where are you—"

Before I could finish, her tired voice interrupted. "Come to Central Hospital now."

"I'll be there soon!" I was worried that she might be hurt and rushed over to the hospital.

A quick 20 minutes later, I ignored the pain in my stomach while stumbling into the hospital, sprinting toward the room. For three months, she had vanished without a trace. Something must have happened for her to be gone for so long.

I tried to catch my breath outside the room, ran a hand through my hair, and pushed the door open. "Sophie, what happened?"

A figure stood by the window, her figure poised and cold. That was my beloved wife. She looked at me without a trace of emotion and pointed at me. Her tone was devoid of any warmth as she said, "He's here. You can draw the blood now."

Of course, she didn't think of contacting me because she was hurt.

I bit my bottom lip, and my chest tightened. "Sophie, I don't feel well. I'm afraid—"

Sophia Holmes' lips curled into a mocking smile, her eyes icy. "Joshua, do you think you have a choice? You owe this to me!"

I owed her, huh? She still hated me as usual. I smiled bitterly and looked at her. I tried to ignore the pain in my chest and explained, "Sophie, I've told you before. His death had nothing to do with me—"

"Enough!" Her sharp voice cut me off as she looked at me with hatred. "Divorce me, or give me the blood. Your choice."

Divorce? No, I would never divorce her. After all, she was my everything. Resigned, I moved toward the nurse and sat down in front of her.

Five months ago, I found out that Sophia had been spending time with a boy who bore a striking resemblance to her first love. His name was Edison Stone, whose name was similar to her first love's, Edson Parker.

Edison was lured by the promise of money and became her new obsession. However, he was sick. He had coagulopathy. Unfortunately for me, his blood type matched mine. That was how I became his personal blood bank—one more tool for her revenge.

While I was distracted, the needle pierced my arm, and my blood flowed into the bag. It was bright red and startlingly vivid.

After taking 7oz of my blood, the nurse saw my pale face and asked softly, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I rasped.

By the time she had drawn 14oz, the room began to spin, and darkness crept in from the edges of my vision.

The last thing I heard before losing consciousness was Sophia's indifferent voice. "Is this enough? Take more if you need to." It had been three years, and she still hated me. Would she even feel sad if I died?

I woke up to the sight of the white ceiling and the sound of chirping birds. The room was empty except for me.

Pulling on my shoes, I was ready to go home. Passing by another room, however, I paused. Through the slightly open door, I saw my wife. She was feeding Edison with a gentleness she had never shown me. "Is it hot?"

"No, it's fine. Sophie, you should get some rest." Edison shook his head, his voice was sharp and clear.

"I'm not tired." Sophia's voice was laced with exhaustion, but her movements remained tender as she continued feeding him.

Edison's eyelashes fluttered, like a docile lamb. From my angle, he looked like Edson. Her love had never wavered.

Before Edson passed away, she smiled at me like that, too. However, her love had now turned into hate.

Perhaps my gaze was a little obvious. Edison turned his head to look at me, his expression filled with guilt. "Josh, I'm sorry. It's my fault. If it weren't for my illness—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Sophia turned to look at me with a cold expression, her eyes were the picture of hatred. "Why are you still here? What are you doing in the hospital?"

I stood by the entrance and watched as Sophia talked to me impatiently. My heart couldn't help but tighten. How could a man watch his wife cheat on him so openly?

I wanted to head in to explain myself, but Sophia got up and stood in my way, afraid that I might hurt Edison. "Joshua, if you're not feeling well, go home. Don't make a scene here."

I watched the way she protected Edison and clenched my fist. I asked softly, "Will you be coming home tonight?"

She frowned, her silence weighing heavily in the air before she replied, "We'll see."

Her indifference shattered what little resolve I had left. I couldn't understand what I had done to deserve her hatred like this.

During these three years of marriage, rumors about her and other men have been endless, yet I've never said a word. However, I couldn't claim that I didn't care. Sophia, I loved you. I loved you so much that I had lost everything.

My stomach twisted painfully as I left the hospital. Edison's voice cut through the air as I turned my body. "Sophie, he looks really pale…"

"He's strong. He'll be fine," Sophia said.

The difference between true love and indifference was truly staggering. I put a hand on my aching stomach to ease it, but it was in vain.

The rain had started falling as I stumbled toward my car. I sat in the driver's seat, staring blankly at the storm clouds overhead. The day we got married, it had rained like this too.

"Joshua, don't think taking a marriage certificate changes anything. You'll never get my love. You don't deserve it!" Sophia said.

Back then, I was foolish enough to believe she would believe me one day and could learn to love me. However, reality had slapped me hard in the face.

Pain gripped my stomach again as I curled into a fetal position. Sophia, I was tired.

Chapter 2

By the time the wave of pain subsided, my clothes were already drenched in cold sweat.

My phone buzzed. I quickly pulled my vibrating phone from my pocket. The moment I saw the name on the screen, all the tension drained from my body, leaving me slumped in the driver's seat. It wasn't her.

My grip on the phone tightened slightly as I let out a bitter laugh and answered Jayden Mitchell's call. "What is it?"

Jayden had been my best friend since childhood and, ironically, my doctor who delivered the grim diagnosis. His voice came through the line, filled with concern. "Joshua, when are you planning to check into the hospital for treatment?"

I looked at the dark clouds looming in the distance, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "At this point, going to the hospital won't change much."

The disagreement in Jayden's voice was apparent. "What are you talking about? You've only been diagnosed with a manageable illness. Don't make it sound so hopeless. If you go through with the treatment, you'll recover in no time."

I could hear the weight in his tone, and my grip tightened. He was the doctor overseeing my treatment, so he knew how severe my condition truly was. What he said was merely an attempt to stretch out my remaining time just a little longer.

"Jayden, I want to spend the time I have left living on my own terms." I didn't want to be confined to a hospital room staring at blank walls. I wanted to be nice to myself for once.

He was silent for a long moment before his rough voice returned. "Does she know?"

I lowered my gaze, my lips pressing into a thin line. Her knowing or not made no difference. She had never cared about me anyway.

Suddenly, Jayden snapped, "Joshua! How much longer are you going to let yourself be humiliated by that woman? All these years, you've done everything for her, and what has she ever done for you? Besides cheating on you, what has she contributed to your life?"

I clenched the phone tightly and took a deep breath. I wanted to say something, but the words wouldn't come.

Jayden noticed my silence and sighed. "You've been a doormat for so long. Haven't you had enough? Let her go and free yourself."

A divorce? The thought had never truly crossed my mind. To me, Sophia was the light in the darkest corners of my existence. I had clung to that light for many years, making her my everything. How could I let go of her so easily?

However, death was looming over me now. I wiped the tears off my face and forced myself to sound steadier than I felt. "I'll think about it."

Jayden didn't press further, only reminding me to come by the hospital the next day to pick up some medication to help ease the pain.

I agreed. After all, I owed it to myself to feel better for the remaining time I had left.

When I got home, I spent the entire afternoon preparing a table full of dishes. They were all her favorites. She had mentioned she might come home tonight. We hadn't shared a meal in a very long time.

I waited for her the whole night. When the clock struck midnight, there was still no sign of her. I quietly cleaned up the untouched dishes and prepared to sleep. That was when I heard the faint sound of the door unlocking.

Sophia walked in while looking exhausted. Her gaze landed on me, laced with impatience and a hint of scorn. "You're still up?"

"Sophie, I didn't expect you back." I was lost for words. I wanted to ask if she had eaten, but before I could get the words out, her voice cut through the air like a knife. "This is my house. Do I need permission to come back?"

"No. That's not what I meant." Once I finished my sentence, she strode toward me and slid her hands around my neck. My body froze. A suffocating pain tightened in my chest.

In the three years we had been married, every intimate moment between us had felt like a battlefield. She was always cold and always humiliating me. However, I could never refuse her.

Her lips pressed against mine abruptly, her voice slurring, barely audible. I turned my head away. "Don't do this."

It was as if she had heard a ridiculous joke, her gaze was filled with mockery. "Joshua, don't pretend you don't want this."

I stayed silent. She leaned in again the next moment. "The person I loved was Edson. The only reason you're alive is to atone for your sins."

My body froze as I tried to leave. However, I couldn't just leave her alone like that.

In the three years of our marriage, Sophia had barely ever returned home. She treated me like a boy toy, and our house like a hotel, dropping by only when she felt like it. "Joshua, you're nothing but a disgusting, dark-hearted scumbag. Stop pretending to be some lovesick fool. It makes me sick!"

I frowned and remained silent, savoring the moment greedily. Sophia, I met you first. You were supposed to choose me.

Her movements faltered for a split second when she saw the resignation in my eyes before continuing. When it was over, the tidy bed had become messy. Sophia lay on the bed and shoved me off with a disgusted look. I frowned as my head hit the floor hard.

"You've had your fun. Now stay away from Eddy!" Her voice was cold and impatient as if I didn't deserve to exist in this world.

I curled up on the cold floor, every breath a struggle. I felt like a turtle retreating into its shell, desperate to protect what was left of me. Before, it was Edson. Now, it was Edison. In the future, there would be many others like Edson, but that person would never be me.

That night, I made a decision to divorce her. In the remaining time, I wanted to live for myself.

By the time I woke up the next morning, she was already gone. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I barely recognized the man staring back at me.

My once sharp features were gaunt, my complexion pale and lifeless. I had held on for so long, but it was time to let go.

After tidying myself up, I drove straight to my design studio. In the three years since we had married, I only spent time with her and in my studio.

The business had been struggling lately, and I knew why. Sophia had deliberately opened a rival studio, stealing my clients just to spite me.

The studio was my life's work. Now, as my life was nearing its end, I didn't know who could I trust to carry it forward. My partner was talented but lacked the management skills. If I handed it over to him, it was only a matter of time before it failed.

However, I didn't know who else to hand it to if not him.

Chapter 3

When my car stopped in front of the studio, an idea popped into my mind.

I thought my wife, Sophia, couldn't be more fitting. She wasn't particularly skilled in this field, but she had deliberately befriended several experts in the industry and picked up quite a bit of knowledge out of her desire to spite me. If it were her, my studio might have a chance to stay afloat.

As I walked into the studio, the place was bustling. Everyone was busy bidding for the latest project. My business partner stood not far away, deep in discussion with a team lead. As usual, I headed straight to my office.

The office was tidy, a stark contrast to the chaos outside, and felt like a sanctuary to me.

The low buzz of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. Taking it out, I rubbed my temples slightly when I saw the word "Mom" flash on the screen. What was supposed to be the most sacred title of all was a living nightmare for me.

As soon as I answered the call, my mom's shrill voice echoed through the office. "Joshua! I'm out of money. Send me some immediately!"

I frowned slightly before asking curiously, "Do you ever call me for anything other than money?"

My mom's response came quickly, filled with irritation and indignation. "Raising a child to support you in your old age is only natural. I raised you, didn't I? Now you're all grown up, and you're balking because of some meager financial support?"

"It seems you do remember that I'm your son." I sank onto the couch and stared out at the skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows. She remembered I was her son, but why was it that every call from her was about money? She never asked about my life. If she could be like other mothers, maybe I would be happier now.

My mom was getting impatient on the other end. "What's with all this talk? Just send me the money already!"

I frowned when I snapped back to reality. "Didn't I send you 3,000 just a few days ago? Why are you asking for more?"

"What can 3,000 get you these days? Listen, if you don't send me the money, I'll show up at your studio again and make a scene. Let's see how your clients feel about dealing with an unfilial son!"

She must have thought I would fold like always when she blackmailed me like this, but this time, I didn't feel like giving in.

My grip on the phone tightened as I asked in a deep voice, "What do you need the money for this time?"

"Joshua, it's not for fun and games. I want to invest!" she exclaimed, her voice suddenly brimming with enthusiasm. She barely understood investment, so why was she suddenly talking about it?

Confused, I asked her, "Mom, since when did you stop gambling and start taking an interest in investment?"

"Times are changing. A person has to grow and improve. It's time for me to make some money and contribute to the family." Her earnestness only deepened my doubt.

Knowing her nature, she was only ever interested in spending money. If she was talking about making money, she had undoubtedly been swindled. "Send me the project details. Let me take a look at it."

The other end of the line fell silent for a beat before her frustration erupted. "Do you think it was easy to raise you all these years? Now that you have the money, you refuse to listen to me now.

"I've spent so much on raising you, and now you can't even spare 5,000 dollars? Are you planning to abandon me altogether?"

I remained silent. After her complaints, her tone shifted to a gentle manner. "You're my only son. Would I ever do anything to harm you? Joshua, I know I was wrong, and I'm trying to make it up to you. Trust me, this is a golden opportunity, I won't spend it mindlessly."

However, I had seen this tactic too many times before. She would tear me down before sweetening the deal. I closed my eyes and said, "Mom, send me the details, or we have nothing to discuss. I'm busy, so I'll hang up now."

"Wait! I'll send them over now," she said urgently. I could hear her rummaging around. Moments later, my phone dinged with a notification.

I opened the file on my computer. It was a detailed business proposal for a chain restaurant. It looked professional, complete with food operation licenses and hygiene permits. It almost seemed legitimate.

After a few moments, my mom's impatient voice cut through the line again. "So? This is a solid investment! I told you I've learned a lot these past two years. I know a golden opportunity when I see one. If you think there's no issue, just send me the money quickly. This is a rare opportunity."

"Alright," I replied curtly. My indifferent tone earned me a rare moment of civility before the call ended.

After I hung up, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," I said. My assistant walked in, placing a cup of coffee on the table. "Mr. Palmer, here's your coffee. Also, Dr. Mitchell is here to see you."

Jayden? I paused for a while before letting my assistant bring him in. Jayden wanted me to take my medication from the hospital today. He was probably here because of that.

It wasn't long before my assistant returned with Jayden. After setting a cup of coffee in front of him, she left us alone.

"Why are you here?" I asked.

Jayden didn't answer. He simply glanced at me and sat down beside me. "You shouldn't be drinking coffee."

"I haven't touched it." I never liked coffee. I only drank it occasionally to pick myself up. I wouldn't drink something so bitter. Life was already bitter enough as it was.

I turned to look at Jayden. "Why are you here, Dr. Mitchell?"

"I'm here to deliver your medication." He pulled a small bag of medicine from his pocket and placed it on the table. "I labeled the dosage for each one. Just follow the instructions."

I tensed briefly. After a moment of silence, I smiled bitterly and said, "You didn't have to come all the way here. I was planning to stop by the hospital this afternoon."

"Your condition can be excruciating. The medicine will help manage the pain." Jayden sighed. I knew he was worried about me, afraid I wouldn't have much time left. However, I still had some time.

Walking over to the window, I said softly, "Life and death are only natural. It's something we all face eventually."

Chapter 4

"If you follow up with the treatment, you could live for a few more years! Joshua, you've wasted so many years on Sophia, and for what? You got nothing in return. It's time to focus on yourself." Jayden's voice was urgent. I knew he couldn't bear the thought of me leaving the world so soon.

I pressed my lips together before saying softly, "Jayden, I want to divorce Sophia."

"Divorce?" Jayden shot up from his seat and walked over to me, staring with doubt written all over his face. "Did I hear you right just now?"

I nodded, and the memory of that day at the hospital resurfaced in my mind. Once, Sophia had been the only light in my life, my everything. However, now that my time was running out, I wanted to live for myself. I wanted to know what life without her might be like.

After recovering from his initial shock, Jayden said I had finally come to my senses and clapped me on the chest. He said he wanted to celebrate with me over a proper meal. "Joshua, the way you love Sophia isn't even like you anymore."

Sophia was my everything. It wasn't weird for me to turn into someone else entirely while loving her. However, what surprised me the most was how easily I had talked about divorcing her.

That afternoon, Jayden and I had a simple meal together and reminisced. By the time I dragged my weary body back home, it was already nine at night.

She wasn't home, likely still at the hospital with Edison. For countless nights, I had been alone in this empty house. As always, I picked up my phone and called her several times but she never answered. I tossed my phone onto the couch and glanced toward the kitchen.

Over the past three years of marriage, I had cooked countless meals for her but she had never touched any of them. I had thought that if I kept trying, she would eventually see my worth. However, I now understood that some people were mistakes from the very beginning.

That evening, I waited for her on the couch late into the night. She never came home.

When the clock struck midnight, I got up and started gathering the few belongings of mine that were in this house.

By six in the morning, I was carrying my suitcase out of the home I had once dreamed of and left.

A few days later, Sophia called me. "You haven't been home for the past few days?"

I tightened my grip on the phone and tried to keep my emotions in check. "Did something happen to Edison again?" The only reason I could think of for her to call me was that Edison needed my blood.

"No." Her answer was as cold as ever, as though she had been born with ice in her veins.

My grip tightened and I took a deep breath. "Sophia, let's get a divorce."

"What did you say?" The shock in her voice was evident, and I could picture the disbelief on her face. In the three years we had been married, no matter how many rumors surrounded her or how many times she cheated on me, I had never once brought up divorce.

However, this time was different. I was dying. In the time I had left, I wanted to be good to myself.

Soon, her voice was dripping with sarcasm as she said, "Joshua, is this your way of forcing me to cut ties with Edison?"

"No." As soon as I denied it, a thought flashed through my mind. If she were truly afraid of losing me and decided to leave Edison, would I still want the divorce? I had loved her so deeply for so long without even a flicker of reciprocation. However, if she did love me…

"Joshua, you—" Before she could finish, the sound of the housekeeper's startled cry came through the line. "Ms. Holmes, are you okay? Why did you suddenly faint?"

My body froze and I stood up immediately. "What happened?"

"Mr. Palmer, Ms. Holmes fainted suddenly. I don't know why," the housekeeper stammered.

I was already heading out at the time. "Call a doctor immediately. I'm on my way."

"Yes, Mr. Palmer." After the housekeeper replied, I hung up and went home immediately.

Half an hour later, I arrived at the villa. I hurried inside only to find Sophia sitting on the couch, looking perfectly fine. She was chatting and laughing with Edison as if nothing had happened. For a moment, I was transported back in time to the first day I met her.

That day, the sunlight had poured in through the window, illuminating her bright, carefree smile. She was like a beam of light that dispelled the shadows in my tiny room. She said, "Don't worry, kid. Even if your family can't afford it, mine can! I'll cover your tuition fees."

That day, I swore I would work hard and repay her kindness.

However, when I saw her again years later, she had become Edson's girlfriend. Edson was, well, that kind of man.

After letting me in, the housekeeper announced my arrival, marked by my silence. "Ms. Holmes, Mr. Palmer is here."

My hands curled into fists at my sides. Sophia's family had never liked me. So, even after we got married, the staff continued to call her by her maiden name.

I used to think it was just a title, something that didn't matter. However, now I realized it symbolized her disdain for me which was deeper than I had imagined.

She turned to look at me, irritation evident on her face. "Joshua, what are you up to now?"

I didn't answer, my gaze shifted to Edison. He stared back at me with eyes full of mockery, though his voice was soft and pitiful when he finally spoke. "Sophie, Joshua looks pale. Maybe he was overworked and didn't get enough rest."

"What kind of work does he have at that lousy studio?" Sophia said while laughing coldly. She then turned to me and said with a disdainful tone. "Joshua, Natalie said you didn't come home for the past few days. What games are you playing?"

Before I could reply to her, Edison's careful voice echoed in the villa's living room. "Joshua, you don't think there's something improper between me and Sophie, do you? Let me explain. Our relationship isn't what you think it is. We're just—"

Before he could finish his sickly sweet performance, I stormed over, grabbed his collar, and punched him square in the face. I didn't stop there. I threw him onto the ground, straddling him as my fists landed again and again. I wanted to kill him.

After all, I was dying anyway. Why not drag him down with me?

Blood soon covered his face, and he curled into himself on the couch, wailing in pain. "Joshua, why are you hitting me?"

Chapter 5

"You son of a bitch. I'm beating the crap out of you!" I threw punch after punch, each one landing with all the force I could muster.

My wife, standing beside me, quickly grabbed my hands when she realized what was happening. "Joshua, have you lost your mind?"

I didn't even glance at her, my fists still pummeling Edison, who was pinned beneath me. It felt like I was punching the wretched Edson of the past.

By the time Sophia called for the housekeepers to pull me off, Edison was barely recognizable. He glared up at me with bloodshot eyes, his face stripped of the nauseating sanctimonious facade he always wore. "You're insane, Joshua!"

"I am insane. And it's because of all of you!" I tried to lunge forward, desperate to land another punch, but the housekeepers held me tight, preventing me from moving even an inch closer.

Seeing me like this, Sophia stormed over to shield Edison with her body. "What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you like this? Do you think pulling a stunt like this will make me leave him? Get it through your head. I'm never leaving him!"

My hands curled into fists. For the first time in years, I snapped back at her. "Sophia, do you think I would still love you all these years if I wasn't already out of my damn mind? I've had enough. I'm getting a divorce." As soon as the words left my mouth, hot tears rolled down my face.

When I turned to walk away, I caught a glimpse of Sophia's stunned expression. However, I didn't care anymore. This wasn't the first time they had lured me home, only to humiliate me. In the three years we had been married, this scene had played out countless times. This time, I wasn't going to endure it.

Sophia, after we were divorced, you would be free.

Perhaps it was because I had hit Edison too hard earlier. Too much exertion on my part—coupled with the surge of emotions—that sharp pain began to flare up in my stomach again. I bit back a groan and staggered my way to the car.

Halfway down the road, the pain became unbearable. I pulled over, slumping against the steering wheel as cold sweat drenched my shirt. For a fleeting moment, I thought dying here wouldn't be so bad.

When I woke up again, it was already afternoon. Just as I was ready to drive home, my phone buzzed.

This time, I held myself back and waited for a while on purpose before answering the call. I was disappointed to learn that it was not my wife who called.

Perhaps I should have been grateful that it wasn't her. If it was her, I would doubt my decision again. Alas, it was Jayden, my best friend.

"Hey, what's up?" My voice was coarse and sounded exhausted.

My best friend, who was a doctor, picked up on that and asked immediately, "Is your pain flaring up again?"

"Yeah," I admitted weakly, leaning back against the seat while trying to catch my breath. I could feel my condition worsening. Especially after an intense workout or when I got overly emotional, the pain would flare up.

Jayden asked with concern, "Didn't you take the meds I gave you?"

"I forgot to bring them today," I said.

As soon as I said that, Jayden's unhappy tone shot through the line. "You're sick. You need to take those on time. You're only making things worse for yourself!"

"I get it." My voice lacked conviction. I asked him why he had called me out of the blue.

"Joshua, tomorrow there's a medical exchange at the hospital. One of the specialists attending is an expert in cancer treatment. She's an old classmate of mine. Come in for a full check-up. Let her take a look at you," Jayden said.

"It's not necessary. I know my own body." My body was coming to an end. There was no need to waste so much time and effort anymore.

"Joshua, if you cooperate with the treatment, there's still hope for recovery!" Jayden said.

The words clung to the edges of my thoughts. My clenched fists tightened. After a brief pause, I asked with a coarse voice, "What time?"

"Nine in the morning. I'll be waiting at my office," Jayden said.

"Alright." I agreed to head to the hospital and cooperate with the treatment the next day. Perhaps I didn't really want to die.

The next day, I arrived at Jayden's office right on time. He was already swarmed with work. "Didn't expect you to care so much about me considering how busy you are," I said.

He glanced up and rolled his eyes. He didn't stop the tasks at hand. "Spare me the cheesy lines. Just sit down and behave yourself. The specialist will be here soon. Show your enthusiasm so you can live longer."

"Got it." It was rare for me not to fight back, but I sat down while waiting for the specialist patiently.

However, I did not expect to see her at all. "Jayden, I'm parched!"

Following that familiar voice was a pair of long legs that strode into the office. Just as I pondered about the familiar voice, the beautiful woman stood in front of me and asked curtly, "Why are you here?"

"Juliette?" I froze when I saw the woman standing in front of me in a doctor's coat. I was confused. Why was she here? Was she the specialist that I was supposed to meet today?

Before I could respond, Juliette looked at me with a disgusted expression. "Joshua? You look terrible."

Jayden was caught off guard and stood up in shock. He pointed at me before pointing at Juliette. "You two know each other?"

Before I could reply, Juliette said, "Oh, we go way back. I'll never forget this blind fool—not in this lifetime."

"Huh?" Jayden's expression shifted into full gossip mode. He was gesturing to me with his expression as if inquiring about what had happened between me and Juliette.

What happened between us was a little complicated and wasn't something that could be explained easily in a few sentences.

Juliette looked at me with disdain in her eyes. "Joshua, you chose to marry Sophia back then. Now karma's come knocking."

I lowered my gaze in silence. Ever since Sophia and I got married, rumors about her kept circulating. It was normal for Juliette to know what was going on. However, what Juliette didn't know was that I left her for her own good.

The air in the room grew heavy. Jayden stood up to clear the tension. "Hey, everybody was crazy at some point. No need to dig up the past."

Juliette pressed her lips and asked impatiently, "Joshua, where's the patient you wanted me to take a look at?"

"This is him," Jayden said while pointing at me.

Juliette frowned and paused, disbelief washing over her expression as she asked, "You have cancer?"