Chapter 4

Evelyn’s POV

I locked the watch in a drawer in my dresser and began packing my belongings, hoping that when the divorce became final, I could leave as quickly as possible. The shapeless dresses I had bought to make it easier to take care of our son now felt like they represented how I had lost myself for their sake. Denying my individuality for the sake of the family. A family now in tatters.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from the doctor. It was a contact card, followed by a message:

“Mrs. Whitman, we've scheduled a follow-up check-up for you. As you know, there’s still a chance for therapy, if we act now.”

I hesitated before typing back: "I'll consider it."

A month ago, I went to the hospital for a check-up due to some health issues. Today, besides being my wedding  anniversary, I also went to pick up those results. That’s when I learned that it was early-stage stomach cancer. Then, to spare Adrian any pain, I decided to wait before starting treatment, planning to spend time with my family first.

But now, all I could think about was Adrian and Vivian's intimate embrace, and Liam's dismissive tantrums. What had I valued all these years?

I locked myself in my bedroom. The next day, I found a smart blue dress from years ago, hanging in my wardrobe. When did I buy this? Was it during college, or after graduation?

Compared to my usual black, white, and gray, I liked this dress much more. I felt it complimented my dark blue eyes. After changing into the dress, I sat at my vanity table to apply some light makeup. I brushed black mascara liberally over my long, light-coloured lashes to darken them, before pulling my honey-blonde hair up from my shoulders into a tidy up-style, for that stylish, well-groomed finish.

Then, grabbing one of my  designer handbags that had been collecting dust, I left the house and headed to the hospital. Even though I was sick, I didn't want to appear completely lifeless.

The doctor had advised that the physician I was scheduled to see would be on the fifth floor. As I stepped off the elevator onto the fifth floor, someone looked at me, and I saw a flash of recognition in his eyes.

"Evelyn? Is that you?"

"Wait, is it Nate?" I was equally shocked to see him.

Nate, from my college senior year, had gone abroad after graduation and we lost touch. It was a surprise to run into him here.

A pleasant smile spread across his face. "What a coincidence. The oncologist assigned me to a Mrs. Whitman, a patient named Evelyn. I thought it was just someone with the same name as you."

"Just a coincidence," I replied, not dwelling on it.

"I didn't expect to see you again, and certainly not under these circumstances. I always thought when we finally reunited, it would be in a more… cheerful place," Nate said, his voice tinged with sadness.

I ran my fingers through my hair. With a brave small smile I said, "Where we meet again doesn't matter,  Nate. You left so suddenly after graduation. Why didn’t you say goodbye?"

Nate seemed lost in thought for a moment, as if revisiting old memories. "At the time..."

It felt like a lifetime ago. Nate had been my senior, and although we didn’t have many social interactions, I often asked him to help me with my thesis.

The day he left was the day of our graduation ceremony. I remember backstage when he said, "Evelyn, I’ve got an opportunity to go abroad for further studies. Would you like to join me?"

"Where?" I had asked, just out of curiosity.

"Overseas. You know I've always wanted to be a doctor. Will you come with me?" His gaze was sincere and intense.

At that moment, the noise backstage went all out of focus, fading into the background. But just as he finished speaking, someone else appeared and wrapped his arms around my waist. It was Adrian.

"She can’t go with you," Adrian said, his voice dripping with affection. "My girlfriend is staying right here, with me."

I hadn’t expected Adrian to ever say that. I had shyly confessed my feelings to him during college, and he’d been so gentle and kind to me. But I never imagined he would admit to being my boyfriend at graduation.

I had turned to hug him, feeling thrilled. "Adrian! Are you finally willing to admit I’m your girlfriend?"

"Of course. I just didn’t want to distract you from your studies. Now that we’ve graduated, we can truly be together," Adrian had said, holding me close, his tone gentle.

I had been lost in the sweetness of our love ever since.

Back in the present, Nate was still the same as ever. His wide smile and bright eyes, full of warmth. "Let me take you to your check-up," he offered.

"Okay, thanks."

In the examination room, a cold needle pierced my skin, and I felt a shiver run through me. Feeling disconnected, I could only let Nate guide me through the various tests, my mind fighting denial, my emotions numb. He outlined my proposed treatment. When they were finally through, he led me back out into the patient reception area.

"Hey, be careful!" I heard him warn, just as I felt myself begin to sway. Strong arms caught me before I could fall.

"All these tests can be a lot to take. Why don’t you rest a bit before heading home?" he suggested, as he held  me steady.

I didn’t have the strength to reply. Before I could even answer, a figure appeared in front of us, roughly pulling me out of Nate’s arms.

Adrian’s angry voice followed. "Evelyn, we just filed for divorce yesterday, and you're already this eager for someone else? What’s the matter with you, will just anybody do?"