When I Died, He Was Setting Off Fireworks for His First Love

The day I got my cancer diagnosis, Zane's first love came back to town.

They had a magical night together, rekindling their old flame.

Later, I passed away on our wedding anniversary.

I left this world amidst the fireworks Zane had lit for her.

——

Zane Smith lost his mind, desperately pleading for me to visit him in his dreams just one more time.

After the hospital diagnosed me with cancer, I pulled out my phone, intending to call Zane. Just as the line connected, I was met with a busy signal, and the call was abruptly cut off.

"Beth, I won't be home for dinner tonight."

I lowered my head in silence, accepting this reality quietly, just as I always did.

I let out a self-deprecating smile and walked home.

A few months ago, I started losing my appetite, feeling nauseous and vomiting, with radiating pain in my back and waist. I thought it was just stress until my body began to waste away and I developed jaundice.

It wasn't until I went to the hospital today for an examination that I learned I had late-stage pancreatic cancer.

The doctor told me I had at most three months left to live.

My parents have passed away, and I don't have many friends; even if I die, no one would really care.

I only have Zane left.

I almost forgot that today is the day Zane's first love returned to town.

He must be going to see her today.

I lay down early but couldn't fall asleep.

It wasn't until I heard the door open at one in the morning that Zane came home.

He lay down beside me, turning to wrap his arms tightly around me from behind and whispered, "Beth, I miss you."

I didn't respond, just gently caressed the hand he had wrapped around my waist. His hand wore our custom wedding ring, known as the DR diamond ring, which is said to be made only once in a lifetime.

Its philosophy is "to love one person for a lifetime."

I could smell the fragrance of that woman's perfume on Zane.

It was Versace's Pink Diamond, a light and elegant scent that felt overwhelming at that moment.

This was Elizabeth Shaw's favorite perfume.

Zane, are you calling for Elizabeth, or for Beth?

I should have asked him.

I opened my mouth silently, but in the end, I didn't say anything.

In the morning, I expertly tied Zane's tie, just like always.

He suddenly pulled me into a tight hug and asked, "Beth, why have you lost so much weight?"

I froze for a moment and replied, "Have I?"

"Yeah, you've lost weight. It's uncomfortable to hold you now."

He noticed my weight loss, and it made me feel happy inside.

Zane went to the kitchen and cooked a steaming bowl of noodles, then watched me intently as I ate the entire thing.

I forced myself to eat bite by bite, trying to ignore the nausea, since it had been so long since I'd eaten this much.

Zane patiently stayed with me until I finished, then he placed his hand on my forehead to check for a fever. After that, he poured me a cup of hot water and gently reminded me to rest up.

For a brief moment, I thought we had gone back to the old days.

Back then, to support his grad school dreams, I worked around the clock writing, while he would always cook me noodles late at night, hoping I'd eat more.

I gave Zane one last chance, saying, "Zane, could you please help me schedule a check-up at your hospital? I've been feeling really unwell lately..."

Zane's response was firm, "I told you it's just because you worry too much; you're just tired. Don't come to the hospital looking for me lately, just rest at home."

I insisted again, my tone resolute, "Can you please help me make an appointment for a check-up? It shouldn't be that hard for you."

Zane's attitude became even more unyielding, "No way, people will say I'm playing favorites. Do you have any idea how busy I am with work? It's not like you can just write a novel and have money to spare."

He added dismissively, "Just use the app to book it yourself. Don't bother me with these little things in the future."

We held our ground for a moment, but I ultimately gave in, "Fine."

Like so many times before, I helped Zane tie his tie and organize his clothes, sending him off with a reminder, "Be careful out there and stay safe."

This is what a good wife looks like when caring for her husband.

I decided on a whim to go find Zane.

I had been to the hospital where Zane works many times—sometimes to bring him lunch, other times to pick him up or drop him off.

Zane never hides our relationship; he openly introduces me to everyone.

There was a time when I thought we would be together like this forever.

But fate loves to play tricks on you; unfulfilled desires are just a part of life.

Just like now, the man I love most is holding hands with his first love in the hospital, sharing their feelings.

This isn't the first time I've seen Elizabeth, but it's the first time I've really looked at her.

Elizabeth is truly stunning, dressed in an exquisite Chanel suit, wearing YSL high heels, her curly hair perfectly styled, and that familiar scent of perfume wafting around her.

"Beth, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to rest at home?"

Zane hurriedly let go of Elizabeth's hand and stood up.

I smiled gently, trying to keep things polite.

The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.

Elizabeth seemed surprised to see me and exclaimed, "Oh, Beth Taylor! Long time no see! I didn't even know you and Zane got married."

"I just got back from abroad and I'm not very familiar with things here. I just asked Zane to help me schedule a check-up at the hospital. You're not upset, are you?"

After saying this, Elizabeth smiled apologetically and quickly walked over to me. She took my hand and leaned in close to whisper, "You little vixen, you're just a fake; you should return what you stole from me."

I knew that from Zane's perspective, he couldn't see or hear what she was saying.

I clenched my hand tightly, my nails almost digging into my skin.

The next moment, Zane's voice broke the tension.

"Let's schedule it for tomorrow. The department head is my mentor; I'll feel more at ease if he examines you."

"Thank you so much! Dr. Smith is really considerate; the person who married you is so lucky!"

As she spoke, her gaze drifted toward me.

The moment Zane agreed to Elizabeth, I felt my face burning with embarrassment.

He was throwing verbal jabs at me, deliberately making me uncomfortable.

I turned to look at Zane, who was busy helping Elizabeth make an appointment, and softly said, "You can help her schedule it, but you can't help me, right?"

Zane didn't pick up on the sadness in my voice; even if he did, he wouldn't care.

He just paused for a moment, confused, and asked, "Didn't I tell you to make your own appointment a couple of days ago? Can't you handle something this small on your own?"

I didn't say anything, and tears began to well up in my eyes.

It's ridiculous that he can't help me schedule a check-up but can arrange for the department head to examine Elizabeth.

After three years of marriage, I finally realized that I have no status in Zane's heart at all; my feelings and my health don't matter.

I felt a deep sense of resentment; I want Zane to regret this, and I want him to pay the price for his actions!