Part 1My Cancer Diagnosis, His Other Woman

The day I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, Ethan ditched me to party all night with Jessica, the girl he’d always idealized.

While I was in bed, dying in pain, he, conveniently using his amnesia as an excuse, showered Jessica with endless attention.

He once swore that no matter what happened to him, he'd always remember his love for me. Even if he forgot everything else, my name would be etched on his heart.

But… everything had changed.

Heartbroken and disillusioned, I asked for a divorce, no longer hoping he’d regain his memory and remember the love we shared.

I never expected that after the divorce, Ethan would come running to me like a madman: "Sarah, I remember everything now! You’re the one I’ve loved from the very beginning. Can you give me another chance?"

I pulled my hand away, a cool breeze teasing my hair. Looking at his pathetic state, I chuckled. "But Ethan, I don’t love you anymore."

* * *

Clutching the report, my hand trembled as I called Ethan.

The phone rang until it was about to go to voicemail before it was picked up. Jessica’s voice came through first.

"Hello, Sarah. Is there something you need?"

I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye, fighting back a sob. "Please put Ethan on the phone."

Jessica chuckled smugly. "But he's busy cooking for me right now. Why don't you tell me, Sarah? I'll pass it on when he's free."

I clutched the report in my hand, nearly crumpling the paper.

Then I heard Ethan’s voice from her end. "Jess, do you want the ribs steamed or braised?"

"Either way is fine. As long as you're making it, I'll love it." Jessica’s sweet laughter felt like a dull knife twisting in my heart.

I balled up the report in my hand, finally losing control and screaming, "Put Ethan on the phone!"

The moment I said it, the call ended with a sharp click.

I squatted on the floor, helpless, shiny tears welling in my eyes and splashing onto the ground.

I cried until I was almost out of breath. Then, my phone, still in my purse, started vibrating.

I picked it up and saw Ethan’s name on the screen.

Quickly, I wiped my tears, cleared my throat to make my voice sound normal. I didn’t want him to worry about me.

The second I answered, Ethan’s angry shout filled my ear, "Sarah, what the hell is wrong with you?"

His yelling stunned me.

Jessica’s tearful voice followed. "It's okay, Eth. Sarah has every right to be angry and yell at me."

"After all, I'm all alone and always troubling you. Please don't fight with Sarah because of me."

"Sarah, if you're angry, take it out on me. Yell at me, hit me, whatever you want. It's all my fault. Eth and I are just close friends. If I've caused any misunderstanding, I apologize."

I smiled through the pain in my body and heart.

When you love someone, you stand by them, no questions asked.

As soon as Jessica finished speaking, Ethan, without even asking me a single question, rushed to comfort her tenderly, "You don’t need to apologize. You did nothing wrong."

"Sarah, you know Jessica isn't well! You've made her cry! Apologize to her right now!" Ethan barked.

Suppressing my emotions, I retorted, "Why should I apologize to her? I didn’t do anything!"