Chapter 1: Sick wife

FLASHBACK

"My son, did you bring the girl you promised me for you to marry?" His sick father asked, who was bedridden because of lung cancer disease.

"Yes, dad," Gerald answered, turning his head at the back while waiting for his woman to come in.

They were at ULIV-R hospital for two months, the sick rich man, whose Gerald Hallway's father was only given three months of living as his disease was uncurable due to his body resisting a lung transplant. He had only two sons, who are the inheritors of his money and assets, but the only way to get it is marriage. 

Each of them will marry a woman, even though they love her or not. The only basis for that is the capacity to bear a child for the next heir. The eldest son, Bright, already had a girlfriend and was ready to get married, while the younger brother, Gerald, didn't have one, so he had to find a woman to get his wealth.

"Dad, she's Nicole Roque," he introduced.

The shy woman bowed her head to Mr. Hallway and smiled, showing her decency in front of him.

"Great. Good job, son. So, how did you know each other then?" His father asked.

"Well, I'm a handsome man, dad. I can easily find a woman whoever I like. For Nicole, we just met at our high school reunion weeks ago. I never knew we were at the same university."

"That's great." His father's voice seemed happy that at last he would leave his loved ones safe and secure. He no longer keeps his money for nothing.

By the way, Gerald and Nicole had an agreement before they made the decision for marriage. They both did not like each other, but their relationship did not last that long, so they needed to adjust to each other. Besides, only Gerald knew his purpose, so it was not a big deal for Nicole in the present, but in the future indeed.

They agreed that if their marriage will not succeed, they will file for divorce; if it goes well, it's good for their future family. Indeed, Nicole also wanted to settle because she had no family to lean on.

"Oh, dad, can I get what you promised now?"

His father laughed, as if he knew his son's purpose of marriage. But it was okay for him as long as his son is happy.

"Yes. Next week you will get it, son, after your wedding."

"Okay dad."

***

Nicole's POV

SEVEN MONTHS AFTER THEY GOT MARRIED

I rushed from the bathroom, as I had heard the loud shout of Gerald, my husband, who was in rage at that moment. I didn't know why he acted like that, and I had no idea what his problem was. Maybe to his son, who was playing too noisy at the sala, or at me because I used the toilet for half an hour.

"Honey, what's going on? Why are you in a high tone?" I asked him.

"Stop controlling me! I don't want to be with this family anymore!" he yelled, accompanied by throwing of things whatever he sees in the living room. 

All of them were broken, including his expensive vase collection.

"Why? Have I made some mistakes a while ago? Am I annoying to you?" I kept on touching his hands, following him, and making him pay attention at me so I could get his answer.

I even turned his face steadily facing at me just to get his deep words hidden inside.

"Am I annoying to you?" I repeated, questioning him in a low voice to make him calm.

"Yes. It's a big Y-E-S!" he harshly answered, accompanied by moving away my hands from him.

"But why?"

He instilled his eyes at me and then said, "I don't love you anymore. I want a divorce right now!"

My world stopped in a while comprehending his words thrown at me. I became mute as I realized that after all this time, he revealed his true attitude from the endurance he had for three years of being stuck in my situation.

I might understand him that time. It's true. We need to depart from each other. From two months of staying bedridden caused by an uncured disease and five months of sitting in a wheelchair without improvement, he may be tired of caring for me. He may be tired of making money just to sustain my medicines and hospitalization to keep my life longer.

I felt sympathy for him.

As I saw the empty forms laying on the table in front, I thought I really had made up my mind. I should have to let him go to loosen up his burden and to focus his business without me. It must be a good decision to carry on.

"Fill and sign that paper," he uttered without any vibration in his voice.

He may not be afraid to lose me.

Quiet pity for this poor, sick woman.

"All right. I sign this because I love you. Honey, even though we're departing through this paper, I'll always love you no matter what. I'm sorry, honey, for the burden I gave to you all these years."

My tears were falling. I should have to remain calm, but my heart never stopped telling my true emotions. I really loved my husband more than my life. I really do care for him.

"Stop making a drama. Just sign it quickly!"

***

After Five months...

"Congratulations, Mr. Gerald Hallway, for being the top entrepreneur of the year," the reporter stated, as she gave the gold plaque to him while caressing his hands secretly.

I see my rich husband, who is on TV, flirting with the reporter during "The Entrepreneurs Awards Night," held at Viewpoints New York Convention Center. He finally bags his desired award, but my eyes are swollen seeing him happy with another girl.

Their actions are hurting me. Even though we have not been together for five months, my heart is still filled with him. I still love him.

I call my friend, Annie, who is present at the event, and ask her help to investigate. She has been my trustworthy friend ever since, as my body is recovering to gain improvements in my health, for I want to walk and bring back my usual activity when I was not sick. Annie is Gerald's personal assistant, and she knows everything about my ex-husband.

"Nic, Gerald has no interest in the reporter girl. As far as I know, that leech always sticks close to Boss because she wants fame. But I'm pretty sure that they have no romantic relationship at all," Annie's text message sent to me.

I can breathe now. Thank goodness he has no girlfriend now. My nerves regain strength and power to move forward. Even in my feet, I feel the pulses are activated, which are starting to harden the bone, helping to make me stand.

When I try to get up, someone is knocking at the front door. I am in the living room, which is why it's easy to hear the noise outside.

Tok...tok...tok...

"Enter. It's open," I say.

A man in suit appears in front of me. He is smiling like a clown wanting to deliver good news. Is there really good news for me?

By the way, it's been three years since the last laugh everybody has seen at me. I suffer ATAXIA disease, a neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, after my car accident happened in our team building in my previous job. It's difficult to live on my own. Thank goodness I have my son and friends who support me all the way after Gerald left me.

Here, one of my friends visits me. His name is Jay Flores, a bartender in the most visited bar named E-Jay Bar and Hotel. He is ifeminite, which I am comfortable accompanying. I am shocked to see his happy face at this late hour.

"Nicole Roque, good evening. How are you tonight?" his greeting to me at the extent of happiness.

I feel awkward to answer, "I'm okay." Well, my whole aura is contrary to his facial outlook. He's fresh while I'm just wearing a ragged t-shirt and pants.

"Not so okay, dear," is my reply to him.

"Oh, come on. You forgot this day? It's my birthday, and thanks to my boss that he gave me a rest day, so will you come with me tonight?"

"Y—yeah. Happy birthday, my best friend."

"Eeey, so change your clothes and let's go!"

"Yeah, go,go,go!"

It's a happy night. Thanks to my best friend. I can laugh again after so long of waiting.

We arrived at the famous restaurant named "Aiah Asian Food." They say that their food is served hot and delicious, which is liked by their customers. I want to taste them too.

Before we are going to enter, Jay turns the wheelchair facing to the people he wants me to see. It's glaring in my eyes, blocked with super shiny light, which is reflected in the luminous rays brought by the restaurant's outside view.

"Why are we turning, Jay?" I ask.

"Haven't you seen the couple approaching? They are nearly coming to us," is his reply.

I roll my wheels forward, enabling me to see them and identify their character. And there, it's clear, a man wearing a genuine smile is talking to a girl reporter happily. My heart pumps so fast, and I can't control it. It is something I can't hold, but I want to fight on it.

But is it worth it if I reveal my true identity to his company? Maybe I can ruin his plans if I do it too.

However, he heads up and sees me. It's one meter apart, so I can't escape his stare at me.

"Nic," he utters. Obviously, he is nervous, as his tone is vibrating.