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My phone buzzed—my aunt. “Is everything okay? The doctor is waiting for the deposit.”
I lied, “I forgot—I moved my cash to a term deposit. Can't withdraw it immediately.”
I was choking up, the lie sticking in my throat.
She understood instantly. Her voice softened. “Why didn't you say so? I'll transfer you the money. You can pay me back whenever.”
She knew. But she didn't press. She gave me grace, sparing me the humiliation.
Before leaving, I looked at Lily one last time. “Once you're discharged, we're finalizing the divorce.”
My mom's surgery went well. We bought more time with her.
When she woke up and saw me, she cried. She was heartbroken—for me.
My dad passed during my college years. Mom had been alone ever since, and her health slowly declining.
When Lily and I got engaged, I wanted Mom to live with us.
Lily had agreed initially. She said our two-bedroom apartment wouldn't be enough once we had kids, so we should buy a bigger place.
Mom poured her entire life's savings into our down payment—for our future.
But after we bought the house, Lily changed her mind. She said she couldn't live with her mother-in-law. She threatened to call off the wedding.
By then, we'd sent invites and booked the venue.
Mom didn't want to be a burden. She said she preferred her independence anyway.
I knew she was heartbroken, but I gave in to Lily. Now I wish I could go back and shake some sense into my younger self.
I spent the next few days caring for Mom.
In the hospital cafeteria, I ran into one of the woman who'd shared the room with Lily.
She said Lily had no one helping her after surgery. She struggled with everything.
At first, Jake's mom had stuck around, all smiles. But after the transplant was done, she disappeared.
Other patients tried to help Lily at first—bring her food, helping her to the bathroom.
But Lily acted entitled, treating them like personal servants. Soon, no one offered to help anymore.
When Lily could walk again, she went to Jake's room to care for him. His mom was thrilled—she left Jake in Lily's hands and went home.
The womanpatted my arm. “I know it's not my place… but everyone thinks you're doing the right thing by leaving her. Better to cut your losses now.”
It's true—outsiders see in days what it took me ten years to understand.
But better late than never.
When Mom was discharged, I insisted she move in with me.
She resisted at first. Said she was set in her ways.
“Mom, I can't leave you alone like this. Don't worry about Lily. We're getting divorced.”
I saw the doubt in her eyes. “I mean it this time, Mom. I'm done with her.”
While finishing the discharge paperwork, I saw Lily at the billing counter—she was checking herself out.
Incredible. She just went through major surgery for him, and she's handling everything alone? The devotion never ends.
Lily put on a sweet voice when she saw me when she saw me, a complete contrast to her true self.
“David, since you're here, you can handle my discharge. Then go buy a freah chicken and make me soup. And get some truffles and sea cucumber—the doctor said I need high-quality nutrition to recover.”
When I didn't respond, she snapped, “Are you deaf? I'm talking to you!”
I couldn't help but laugh, a cold, hollow sound. “Lily, did you donate your common sense along with your liver? I've told you—we're getting a divorce. You can simp for whoever you want, but I'm not doing it anymore.”
Lily's eyes narrowed. “After all these years together, you'd really throw it away?”
I looked at her, truly seeing her for the first time in years. “What, are you having second thoughts?”
“Even with the transplant, Jake's lifespan is shortened. Best case, he has ten years. Worst case, just a few.”
“Don't you want to marry him? Treasure whatever time he has left?”
