No More Than 3 Months

: Tired of It

3

I walked out of the hospital, holding the diagnosis report.

I walked as I always did, and when I passed a trash can, I casually tossed the report inside.

I had just stepped out of the hospital's main entrance when Caden Rhodes called.

He had a private social engagement today and couldn't bring his secretary. Since he was calling me, it most likely meant he wanted me to come over.

After I answered, Caden Rhodes indeed confirmed my suspicion.

I followed the address he gave me to a private club. When I pushed the door open, I saw two women draped over Caden Rhodes, nuzzling against him with enraptured looks.

I stood in the doorway, frowning slightly at the scene inside.

'Disgusted, I just wanted to leave.'

Caden Rhodes finally saw me.

He pushed the two women off him, stood up, and walked toward me.

I subconsciously clenched my fists and, just as I had countless times over the past seven years, schooled my features into a mask of detached indifference.

Caden Rhodes didn't say a word. He just took my hand and led me toward the second floor of the club.

I knew exactly what he was about to do.

In fact, I knew what he wanted from the moment he called.

I obediently followed him to a room on the second floor and, just like countless times before, let him guide me into a familiar intimacy.

...

When I woke up, Caden Rhodes was sitting on the edge of the bed, his upper body bare as he smoked a cigarette.

Hearing me stir, he suddenly turned his head, and a check fluttered down in front of me with the movement.

I stared blankly at the check. He only said two words: "I'm bored."

In that moment, it felt as though something inside my heart cracked with a soft SNAP.

It was like a shard of ceramic, its sharp edges carving a bleeding gash across my heart.

I could feel how natural I seemed, my tone even holding a hint of jest as I spoke:

"I only have three months to live. Can't you wait a little longer?"

Caden Rhodes's brow furrowed slightly as he looked at me with disapproval.

"Aria Lowell, you're not one to be tactless."

The smile on my lips froze. The gash in my heart ripped wider, leaving me momentarily speechless.

After all, we'd been together for seven years, yet Caden Rhodes didn't know in the slightest—

That I never joke.