Even I tried keep myself in check while watching the two of them walk away arm in arm, I couldn’t help the familiar ache spread my chest. For a moment, I regretted bringing up the divorce tempted to tear the papers to like I’d done so many times before. Nevertheless, before I could act on a violent wave pain crashed my head. felt like thousands of needles were stabbing brain my skull was being pried open. clutched my head both hands, for air, desperately trying find even a moment’s relief. The pain excruciating, leaving cold and drenched in each drop sliding down my forehead. I had no idea how it lasted, but when it finally eased, I found myself staring at the divorce in my hands. Without hesitation, I signed them and nurse, asking her to send them to lawyer. Ten of my heart out moved Valerie bit. How could expect her with only three months left me to live? It time to for myself, to whatever and peace I could find in the world. That when the end came, twouldn’t regret my this earth. With that I threw the covers, out of bed, and the hospital, heading straight to the airport. I bought ticket for the next flight to Netherwood. My family had established their roots Netherwood relocating to Brightville when business priorities shifted. I had a carefree and the best of my in that city. It was where my life began, and seemed only fitting for it to end there as well. Valerie called in the middle of night, just as I was settling into my hotel room. “Jeffrey, get here now! My stomach hurts!” Her voice was strained pain, each word spoken through teeth. I could easily picture and curled on the bed, clutching her abdomen in agony. In the past, I would’ve been beside to her with acupuncture and compresses. But now, I felt nothing. No panic, no an unsettling calm. Her pain was nothing compared to the physical emotional torment she put through all these years. And it wasn’t real suffering; it was a hell of her making. since came into the Valerie had become reckless, throwing caution the during menstruation. Eventually, she developed chronic pain even Brightville’s gynecologists couldn’t cure. remembered watching in pain, torn between anger and heartbreak, feeling a knife was twisting in my gut. Regardless, every I had track a traditional medicine doctor in a remote town who specialized in treating such conditions. The old doctor was reclusive, refusing even the fees to make a house call. In desperation, I spent three nights outside his clinic, with him he finally agreed to Chapter 2 teach me acupuncture techniques. 2/3 From then on, whenever pain flared up, I would carefully perform acupuncture to ease her agony. Those were rare moments she showed me any and faint smile that would grace her lips afterward was my only solace. “I’m in Brightville, and I can’t return. Have Andrew take care it. By the way, I’ve signed the divorce and sent them to your lawyer. Don’t contact me again. ” If my guess was right, probably just slept Andrew ten minutes before this call. Be it the a had or pain I wanted to return to her, voice was flat and devoid of any emotion. “You’ve got nerve ignoring me! Jeffrey, you’re going to regret this!” voice was mix of fury and pain. I could almost her grinding her teeth through the phone. Then, there was but the steady of a disconnected call in my ear. I stared at the for a moment, then turned it off went back to sleep, though a small of emotion lingered in my chest. After all, was woman I had for ten long years. It wasn’t something I just let go of overnight. That said, my life was ticking away. Even could only spare her months of pain relief. Sure, I could be generous teach the acupuncture techniques. For the right amount money, he’d probably good of her However, I to. I wanted to remember me every time she doubled over in pain, to regret treasuring me she had the chance. After Valerie’s phone call, sleep was elusive, and I was restless. Thankfully, night eventually bleeding into dawn. I tossed off the covers, got up, and went through my routine, deliberately in the suit I’d carefully chosen before, trying to look as put together as possible. to visit the old Page estate. Although it had been sold off to cover debts my family business, Page Group’s finances took another hit, place still held my childhood memories. It was worth the visit for times‘ sake. But the moment I opened the door to my hotel room, I was met with an unexpected sight. Valerie stood right in front me. She was in casual clothes, yet still managed to look- effortlessly stunning with her long legs, perfect curves. However, her face and she appeared exhausted with circles under eyes. It looked all night. “What are you doing here?” I hadn’t anticipated seeing her and couldn’t hide my surprise. “Jeffrey, you’ve grown nerve! You ran and me in pain all night. I So what if I left you alone hospital one night? was just a fever. Must you make such a big out of it?” Seeing me seemed to unleash the full force of Valerie’s pent–up frustration. She glared at me such intense fury that I thought she wanted to tear me apart In past, I would’ve rushed to her side and for forgiveness. But now, didn’t feel the need to placate her. 2 3/3 walking without a but there a part of me, lingering sense of injustice, wouldn’t let go. After a brief internal struggle, I tell her the truth about my brain cancer. In any case, we were still married, deserved to know. And she had even a shred the affection we once shared, maybe she’d stay with me until the end. At least then, I have to face my final days completely alone–a fate too pitiful bear. “Valerie, I wasn’t in the because of a began, looking directly into eyes, speaking slowly. But I could finish, a familiar voice cut me off. “Valerie, my fault. I didn’t take good care of and he felt so he ran away. Please, don’t be mad at him!” Andrew rushed over, his filled with remorse as at me, then to Valerie with those big, innocent eyes of his, ready to spew more nonsense. so useless. Jeffrey helped acupuncture so many times right in front of me, but I still can’t learn how to do it. I’m just too dumb!” His sickly sweet words made my stomach I couldn’t stop myself rolling my eyes in disgust. But as usual, fell for it, her gaze softening as she looked him.