So Long and Farewell—Forever

I've been married to Derek Gunther for many years. Every anniversary, he tells me the airline scheduled him for a flight, then sends an expensive pair of earrings to smooth things over.

But on our ninth anniversary, I accidentally overhear him joking with his friends.

"Derek, you spend every anniversary with Ivy—and Sienna still hasn't caught on?"

"No wonder she can't get pregnant. After all, you give all to Ivy."

Derek exhales a stream of smoke and says, "Ivy gave up everything to be with me. I owe her a real home. As for Sienna, I stopped loving her after she miscarried. When the time's right, I'll file for divorce. It's unfair, sure—but I'll make it up to her with money."

What Derek doesn't know is that he won't get that chance. It's on our anniversary that I'm diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer.

Since he stopped loving me long ago, I'm ready to walk away on my own terms.

Derek, from now on, we're done.

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 of earrings I received from him.

I had an inkling of what he was going to say next.

"Sienna, I need to be on a flight that's scheduled to depart in two hours. I won't be able to stay and keep you company today."

Derek patted my head. I had lost count of how many times he had made these empty promises.

"I promise I'll make time for you once I come back from this trip. How about that?"

Derek's friends chimed in to back him up.

"Sienna, Derek works diligently day and night so that you can enjoy a comfortable life. Otherwise, how would he be able to afford these expensive earrings for you?"

"Derek treats you unbelievably well!"

My palms were getting sweaty as I gripped the medical report tightly. Eventually, I loosened my grip on the paper. I conceded without making a fuss.

"It's just another anniversary. Your work is more important, after all."

The frown on Derek's face disappeared the moment he heard me giving my permission. He threw his arms around me, tilted my head up with a finger, and pecked my lips.

"I'm so lucky to have married such a kind and understanding woman like you. Be good and wait for me to come home."

I lowered my head and tightened my fists. "Do you really have to be on this flight? There's something I need to tell you after we celebrate our wedding anniversary."

The smile on his face froze. Still, Derek tried to suppress his annoyance as he stroked my hair.

"I know you're going to miss me terribly. Unfortunately, I can't find anyone else to replace me for this shift. So, be good. My friends will keep you company this time. I'll make it up to you some other time."

Before he could finish, a message popped up on the screen of his phone, which was placed on the table. Derek quickly grabbed his phone and hurriedly put on his jacket.

"It's almost time. Let's talk after I get back."

After giving me a half-hearted reply, Derek turned around and strode off. I heard the sound of the door closing next.

As soon as Derek left, it got a bit rowdy in the room as Derek's friends burst into derisive laughter.

One of them poured me some juice.

"Don't be sad, Sienna. You still have us here with you. Derek asked us to keep you company today."

"Please don't be mad at him."

I felt numb as I took in the scornful looks on their faces. These men gradually lost their restraint after having a bit too much to drink. It was to the extent that they completely ignored the fact I was there.

"Tsk tsk! If I were Sienna, I would rather die than live like this!"

"Ivy is the apple of Derek's eye. I think the two of them are trying for a baby recently."

"Sienna, that dumb woman, still thinks it's her problem that she hasn't been able to conceive a child until now."

"Shut your trap and look at the photos and videos Derek shared! Has Ivy always been this hot?"

"I'm sure they're both thrilled because it's been some time since they last met. Anyway, Derek is going to get divorced soon and move on with his new woman. Would he still care about any of this?"

My head throbbed as I listened to these remarks. I went into the bedroom and closed the door behind me. None of them realized I had left the room.