No More Living in Her Shadow

The smoke from the burning candles in front of my grandmother’s grave stung my eyes, turning them red. A bunch of bright flowers lay on the ground. I stared at them mindlessly, my body like an unthinking machine.The doctor’s words echoed in my head, carrying a hint of regret, “You should get hospitalized soon.”I was twenty-two years old, and I had just been diagnosed with stage three lung cancer.My life was supposed to just be starting, but it was already hurtling toward a desperate end. I gripped the diagnosis. There it was—my name, Lynn May, clearly written on it.Henry Shaw gave me that name when I was twelve, after I came to live with him.The other children at the orphanage called me ‘Little Mute’ because I hardly ever said anything.I still remember that boy, who was a head taller than me, leaning down with warmth and kindness in his eyes.“You’re so small. Let’s call you Lynn from now on.”I cherished that name. After all, one only named something if one cared ab

Vivian spoke animatedly about what a perfect match Henry and Lynette were.“When our families join forces, there won’t be any place left for you.“By this time next year, I should have a grandchild.“You can just stay home and change my grandson’s diapers or something.“I can still offer you a meal or two.”Henry and I were supposed to have a child together.If the baby had been born, he would be three years old now.The year Henry’s father passed away, Vivian could do nothing but cry. I had to oversee the funeral while helping Henry deal with the relatives with ulterior motives. The stress caused me to miscarry.We could not let anyone see our weaknesses, so we hid in the hospital room. Our eyes were red.Henry held me in his arms tightly, as though I were his last connection to the world.He wept as though his heart was breaking.“Lynn, I’m so tired…“Lynn, you’re all I have left…”Was it me he really wanted to hold back then? Did he have someone else in mind?Endurin

My resignation was nothing more than a petty act of defiance to Henry.He quickly notified the HR and finance departments to fire me, ensuring I received the statutory severance pay.I accepted the money. After all, my hospital bills were mounting.Henry also had the butler contact me, asking where to send my belongings.“Miss Monroe is getting a new pet.” “Mr. Henry instructed that your old room be converted into a pet space.”I replied, “Just throw everything away. I won’t need it anymore.”The doctor told me to stay optimistic. I had about six months left.I glanced over at Leon, feeling a little helpless.I was utterly alone during my hospitalization. Only this former ‘rival’ had come to visit me.He still insisted I should join his company.“You’ve seen it for yourself. I only have six months left. If I die at your company, you’ll be liable for damages.”Even as I said it, doubt crept in. I had no family left, so who would even seek compensation on my behalf?“Well,

“Don't worry… I'll be gone soon…“I just... don't want to be haunted by Henry even after I'm dead.“Help me... please…“When we meet in heaven, I’ll treat you to a meal…”As Leon heard the struggle in my voice, his eyes grew red.“Okay.“But you have to wait for me if you’re leaving.“Wait for me at the gates of Heaven.“I'm... a little afraid of the dark.”I spent a week in the hospital, and as soon as I could get out of bed, the first thing I did was go with Leon to get our marriage certificate.Somehow, Henry found out about it and blocked the door, refusing to let me leave.He even manipulated Lynette, forcing her to apologize to me and bow with the urn of her cat’s ashes in hand.Vivian rushed over and furiously smacked her precious son, accusing me of being a femme fatale who had bewitched him.Henry shoved her aside, then dropped to his knees.His bloodshot eyes brimmed with sincerity.“Lynn, how can you marry someone else?“We're meant for each other!”I turned