Chapter 3
Isabella glanced at the divorce application in surprise.
She and Aurora had been close friends for over a decade, and she had witnessed just how deeply Aurora had once loved Ethan-so much that she would have given her life for him.
When they got married a year ago, Isabella had mixed feelings. She had sighed, but deep down, she had been happy that her best friend had finally gotten what she had longed for.
But now…
What on earth had happened?
“I don’t love him anymore,” Aurora said before Isabella could ask.
She looked at her friend and smiled faintly. It was a beautiful smile.
In that moment, Isabella saw a glimpse of the old Aurora-before the Sinclair family had fallen, before her father had died, before life had dragged her into the dirt. That version of her had not yet been broken.
Seeing that, Isabella finally felt a little relieved.
“Ethan doesn’t know I’m pregnant,” Aurora continued. “The divorce hasn’t been finalized by the court yet. Until then, I’d
rather keep this a secret. It’s safer that way.”
Before the court’s official ruling, either party could withdraw the divorce petition, and the marriage would still be legally
intact.
Hearing this, Isabella realized Aurora was absolutely determined to walk away.
Once she understood, Isabella gave Aurora a list of tests she needed to do and gently reminded her, “Aura, the procedure
will have to wait a few days.”
“Why?” Aurora looked puzzled.
Isabella explained, “You know your blood type is Rh-negative. Just in case, we need to arrange for blood from the bank. I already called and made a request. It should be ready in about a week.”
Aurora paused for a moment, a flash of sorrow passing through her eyes.
Her blood type came from her father.
She missed him again.
If only he were still alive…
“Okay,” Aurora replied, pushing down her emotions. She nodded with red-rimmed eyes and a soft smile.
“And there are signs of a threatened miscarriage,” Isabella added gently. “You need to be extra careful these next few
days.”
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She looked at Aurora, heart aching.
They had grown up together. She understood Aurora’s pain better than anyone.
Isabella took her hand. “Wait for me, okay? I’m working the morning shift today. I’ll be off soon, and then we can head
back together.”
Aurora nodded and waited for Isabella in the hallway.
She glanced down at her belly.
A threatened miscarriage.
Did the baby already know her decision and want to leave first?
Her lips pressed together. Holding the papers in her hand, she walked off to complete the rest of the tests.
Then her phone vibrated. It was a bank notification about a change in account balance.
This was a new bank account she had opened to keep her finances separate from Ethan’s while they waited for the court
to finalize the divorce.
From now on, all her income would be deposited into this card.
Just as she read the notification, a new message came in: [The composition and lyric payment has been transferred. Please confirm.]
Before marrying Ethan, Aurora had been a behind-the-scenes music producer and songwriter.
She loved music. Back when her father was still alive, as the Sinclair family’s only daughter, she had everything she
wanted, including a formal musical education.
Life’s ups and downs had deepened her perspective. Ironically, the hobby her father once encouraged had become her
means of survival.
After a pause, Aurora replied: [Got it. Thank you.]
The person quickly replied: [You’ve more than earned it. Honestly, some of your songs over the years were major hits. Are you really not considering a comeback? There’s this new music competition show starting soon. I’ve already sent the info to your email. Check it out. If you want to join in, I will save you a special contestant spot.]
Aurora opened her email. It was a music reality show. The format wasn’t complicated, much like others she had seen before, but with a stronger focus on original work.
She replied: [I’ll think about it.]
After sending the message, she put down her phone.
Her belly ached again.
She missed her father again.
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That was the second time she thought of him today.
Meanwhile, trending headlines continued to flood the internet:
#Lilian Stomach Cancer#
#Famous Florist Lilian Countdown To Death#
#Six Months To Live-Lilian Smiles Through It All#
The most viral article read: “According to reports, renowned florist Lilian has been diagnosed with stomach cancer and only has six months left to live. But instead of giving in, she plans to document her final months online to offer emotional support to others battling similar illnesses. Death countdown literature comes to life.”
In the video, Lilian gave a weak smile to the camera.
“In these last six months,” she said, “I’ll be sharing my journey with everyone online. I don’t have any agenda-just hope that it gives strength to those going through the same thing. I hope we all get better.”
The reporter appeared again on screen: “Sources have long linked Lilian romantically with Ethan, the CEO of Steele Group. However, Mr. Steele is already married. It remains to be seen whether a grand romantic gesture will unfold.”
Noticing the question, Lilian walked over and politely interrupted the reporter.
She looked into the camera.
“Yes, I like Ethan. I admit it. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“He’s an incredible man. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.”
“But I want to make one thing clear. I would never be the other woman in someone else’s marriage. That’s my bottom line.
Thank you.”
After finishing her statement, Lilian stepped out of frame, leaving the reporter to continue.
She weaved her way through the crowd and got into her car, only then allowing a small smile to appear.
Next to her, the private nurse hired from Cytheron handed her a glass of warm water, hesitating slightly.
“If you have something to say, just say it,” Lilian said coldly. “The driver’s one of ours.”
Lowering her voice, the nurse spoke, “Miss Hart, your diagnosis was just a stomach ulcer. You came to our clinic and asked us to fabricate a report saying it’s cancer. That alone carries a huge risk. But now you’re broadcasting it online?”
Lilian gave a cold, mocking laugh that left the nurse confused.
“Is your clinic a certified medical institution?” she asked.
The nurse nodded.
“And are my medical records managed independently there?”
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Another nod.
“And does my record state terminal stomach cancer, with six months to live?”
The nurse hesitated but finally nodded again.
“Then it’s the truth. There’s nothing to worry about,” Lilian said with a sly smile.
“But you’re not really sick… If this comes out later-”
“There are two solutions,” Lilian cut in sharply.
“One, I recover miraculously after treatment at your facility or somewhere else because love saved me.”
“Two, your hospital made a diagnostic error. A medical mishap. I was misdiagnosed and mistreated.”
Her gaze turned sharp. “Which do you think is the better outcome?”
The nurse’s face turned pale. After a pause, she muttered, “I’m sorry, Miss Hart. I was overthinking it. You’ve clearly
thought it through.”
Lilian let out a cold laugh.
“To where now, Miss Hart?” the nurse asked, trying to ease the tension.
Lilian scrolled through her phone, replying lazily, “Ashire General Hospital.”
The nurse tensed. “But-”
“I’m just picking up some pain meds. Relax,” Lilian said and sent a message to Ethan, asking him to meet her at the hospital later.
He responded quickly: [Got it.]
At that very moment, Aurora stood in a hospital restroom.
Her lower belly throbbed.
She looked down at the tissue in her hand. It was stained with blood.
A threatened miscarriage.
