Chapter 4

The next morning, I went to the hospital for my follow-up appointment and medication.

Before I left, Dr. Miller stopped me. "Your current condition isn't good. The cancer cells are spreading very rapidly. If you don't undergo chemotherapy promptly, it might…"

I understood the doctor's unspoken words, simply smiling faintly.

"Dr. Miller, how much longer do I have?"

"Three months. But with timely surgery and treatment, there's a chance to live a few more years."

I shook my head. It was pointless. No one in this world cared about me, and I cared about no one.

After that, I went to the outskirts of the city.

"Hello, I need to select a burial plot."

The attendant efficiently took out a pen and notepad. "Miss, are you choosing for an elderly family member? Any specific requirements?"

"It's for myself. A sunny spot, if possible. As for when it'll be used…"

I paused. "Three months from now."

Hearing the date, the attendant stopped writing, looking up, somewhat incredulous.

Such a young and beautiful woman, choosing her own burial plot.

"Understood, Miss. We'll do our best to meet your requests."

Truth be told, if I died in Congo-Kinshasa, no one would retrieve my body or bring it back home.

So, setting up a headstone for myself in advance, even if my ashes never make it back, at least I'd have a place.

That evening, I returned home.

Under the dim light, a person stood at my front door.

It was Liam.

He seemed drunk, his sharp, alluring eyes wet and fixed on me, unblinking.

I tried not to look at him. The moment I opened the door, he pulled me inside.

My head spun, and then he bit hard into my shoulder.

"Anya, I hate you so much!"

He tore at me. I tried to pull away, but Liam was crying.

I'd seen Liam smile, triumphant and arrogant. I'd seen his bitter, bone-deep laugh. But I'd never seen him cry so heartbrokenly, as if he'd lost something incredibly important.

"Anya, this is what you owe me!"

It hurt, but I didn't struggle.

I didn't sleep a wink that night.

When I woke up the next day, I only saw Liam's cold, distant profile.

He nonchalantly buttoned his shirt, then tossed the morning-after pills Chloe Hayes had left on the bed.

"Remember to take your pills. I was drunk yesterday. You don't deserve to have my child."

I closed my eyes, letting the tears stream down.

Liam seemed to feel that wasn't enough, smiling as he said, "There's an auction tonight. I'm officially announcing Chloe Hayes. You should come too."

I instinctively refused. "No, I need to go…"

Before I could finish, Liam grabbed my wrist fiercely.

His eyes were filled with resentment and furious anger. "Are you really that busy? You still owe me, it's not repaid!"

A faint ache spread through my entire body, and my hand trembled a few times uncontrollably.

I swallowed the words, *I don't have much time left*, and only asked Liam one question:

"Do you really like Chloe Hayes that much?"

Liam sneered, "After all, *I* was the one by my side when I hit rock bottom."

In a haze, I heard my own voice, bitter and difficult to articulate. "Fine."