Love Turns to Tears and Ashes

Someone with sharp eyes pointed at the cake in my hand. "Sister-in-law, is that a birthday cake that you make?"

With everybody's gaze on me, I had no choice but to give the small handmade birthday cake to Connor with a forced smile on my face.

He opened the box slowly. When he opened the box, everyone could see that it was a simple two-person cake. One of its corners even caved in slightly.

The extravagant birthday cake beside it made mine look really pathetic. I heard some murmur their dissatisfaction.

"Who would even bring something so cheap?"

"So, who’s the real wife here?"

"That’s some half-hearted effort."

Connor put mine aside and announced, "Let's cut the cake!"

They eagerly swarmed around the grand cake tower Kelly had prepared and devoured it until it was gone. Even Connor, who rarely touched sweets, cleaned his plate entirely.

No one noticed me standing in the corner, nor did anyone see me leave the room and take the small handmade cake with me.

As I left, the blister on my palm broke accidentally but I did not feel the pain, because the pain in my heart was even greater.

When I passed a trash bin, I threw away the cake along with the love I felt toward Connor. They both seemed worthless now.

In the five years of marriage, we had only taken one photo together, which was the wedding portrait. It was only taken just so the photos could be displayed at the wedding reception.

The third item on my Bucket List was to take a set of photos with Connor.

If I was going to face the relentless battle with my illness alone, I wanted at least a few photos of us together, a reminder that once, I had been close to him.

I booked a photographer and carefully broached the idea with him. I was expecting to be met with his cold refusal, but I was surprised when he agreed without hesitation.

The photo shoot was set for a sunny afternoon. The photographer and lighting assistant were ready and I, dressed in light makeup, sat on a park bench waiting for him. He had mentioned having a business lunch but promised to come afterward.

They waited and waited, from blazing noon to the soft hues of sunset. However, the man of the hour never showed up.

I apologized to the crew. "I’m so sorry to have wasted your time. I’ll still pay the full fee because I don’t want this to be a wasted trip for you."

The photographer gave me a sympathetic look and said, "Miss, we can afford to wait for one afternoon, but you shouldn’t waste your youth. You’re kind and beautiful. Please, don’t spend your life on someone who doesn’t deserve you."

I gave him a faint smile. "I’ll remember that. Thank you."

As I reached for my phone to book a ride, a message from Connor appeared. It said, "Laura, what should girls do for cramps? They hurt so much."

I texted back, "Who’s having cramps?

Connor answered, "Kelly."

He attached a picture of Kelly lying on the bed while writhing in pain.

A smirk appeared on my face and then I typed, "Doesn't she know? Isn’t she a woman herself?"

Then I locked the phone and tossed it into my bag.

Deep inside my heart, I knew perfectly well the message was not sent by Connor. He had never called me “Laura" in his text. Instead, he would type the text with my full name "Laura Hall" to address me.

Even if the message was not sent directly by Connor, it only meant that he was by Kelly's side. So, the reason he had stood me up was to care for his ex-girlfriend's cramps. Or, perhaps, I thought with a bitter smile, I should call her his current girlfriend.

I pulled out my Bucket List from my pocket. The fourth item read, "Invite Connor to my sole art exhibit."

Hosting a solo art exhibit was a massive project. It required an endless amount of preparation. With my health deteriorating rapidly, I had little time left.

However, I determined to do it. I did not want to waste any more time feeling sorry for myself. I hailed a taxi and headed directly to the art exhibition venue.

Over the next few days, I scouted various locations until I finally found a gallery that was beautiful and within my budget. I signed the contract and calculated how much the venue rental would cost. It was a hefty sum, but I decided to use Connor’s credit card for now. Once my paintings were sold, I would repay him back, then I would not owe him a thing.

When I was leaving the venue, a sudden dizziness came over me and my vision darkened. I lost control of my body and fell forward as I lost consciousness.

As soon as I woke up the first person that I saw was Matt who was standing over me. His face contorted with worry and anger.

“If it wasn't for the kind people who called an ambulance for you, you would have died!” he growled.

I gave him a grateful smile. "See? I know you love me the most.”

Matt was not having it. He said, "I already informed your husband. He’s on his way."

"What?" I shouted in a state of panic. "Did you tell him about my kidney failure?"