Wandering The Desert For Eternity

On the day I found out I was dying, Evan Buck, my husband, came home with a “dating contract” he had signed with his assistant, Cherry Mello.

“She threatened to kill herself if I didn’t agree to date her for three months.” He continued with a sincere gaze. “But don’t worry. It’s just indulging a young girl’s wish. You’re the one I love. I promise you, after three months, she’ll resign, and we’ll never hear from her again.”

I knew that when Evan made up his mind, there was no talking him out of it.

Just like how I had long seen the unmistakable longing in Cherry’s eyes when she looked at him.

However, he said I was overthinking and refused to dismiss her.

Looking at the man I had loved for ten years before me, I quietly slipped the terminal diagnosis behind my back.

Three months.

What a coincidence.

That was exactly how much time I had left.

Seeing that I did not lash out, my partner let out a breath of relief.

“Ana, could you sign it too?” He held out a pen with an uncomfortable look. “Cherry said she doesn’t want to be a mistress. According to her, the contract only counts if you also sign it.”

I took the absurd document from him and skimmed through it.

“Party A, Cherry Mello, and Party B, Evan Buck, will enter a romantic relationship for three months. During this period, both parties are to fulfill the duties of a couple and are entitled to the corresponding rights. Party C, Ana Newton, acknowledges and consents to physical intimacy between Parties A and B, including hugging and kissing. Throughout the contract period, Party B, Evan Buck, is prohibited from engaging in any romantic or intimate behavior with Party C, Ana Newton.”

I looked at Evan with a stunned gaze.

He rubbed the back of his neck. A flicker of guilt crossed his face.

“Don’t take it seriously. It’s just playing house with a young girl.”

“Okay, I’ll sign.”

I took the pen and signed my name without protest.

Evan let out a relieved sigh as he took the contract from me.

“That’s my Ana, always so understanding. I’d better get this to Cherry right away. Don’t want the girl hurting herself again.”

My nails dug deep into my palms, but I kept a look of concern on my face.

“Drive safe. Be careful on the road.”

Evan pressed a quick kiss to my forehead before walking out without looking back. He failed to notice that I had covered my mouth and coughed behind him. When I lowered my hand, it was stained with bright red blood.

I stared at it for a moment in a daze.

Were I not sick, I would have made a scene for sure, or maybe I would have just divorced him and started over.

However, I had changed my mind.

I found myself wondering if Evan would feel a little regret when he finally found out that the three months he spent playing house with someone else were the last three months of my life.

When Evan got home past midnight, he opened the door only to find a table full of cold food and me, asleep with my head resting on it.

He froze for a second. Guilt flashed across his face.

“You waited for me? Why didn’t you call?”

I rubbed my sleepy eyes and let a trace of loneliness seep into my voice on purpose.

“It’s okay. I’m just glad you came home.”

I stepped forward to help him out of his jacket. When I looked up, I noticed his swollen lips. Catching my gaze, Evan instinctively touched the corner of his mouth and winced.

“That girl’s like a puppy. Once she bites, she doesn’t let go.”

The tips of his ears turned red. There was a faint smile tugging at his lips, like he was reminiscing about something he could not say out loud.

Then, he met my reddened eyes.

His smile faded. He pulled me into a tight, tender hug.

“Ana, I know this isn’t fair to you, but I can’t just stand by and let her hurt herself. Don’t worry, it’s just three months. I’ll make it up to you after that.”

I rested my head against his chest and smiled bitterly to myself as I thought. “But Evan, there is no ‘after’ for us anymore.”

The following day was Saturday.

The first official day of Evan and Cherry’s contracted relationship.

The pain had made my sleep restless. I woke up just as dawn was breaking. As usual, I made a full breakfast and walked Evan to the door. He stood there for a moment, looking like he was hesitating to say something.

I gave him an understanding smile.

“You can go. I’ll be fine.”

He wavered a moment longer, then finally said it.

“Cherry wants you to come along. She says that you not being here makes her feel like the other woman.”

I clenched my jaw so hard it ached before managing to force out a smile.

“Sure.”