Chapter 1

My wife brought home a half-eaten cake, claiming she bought it especially for me. If I hadn't seen her male assistant post a screenshot of a transfer for "1314" (meaning "forever"), I might have believed her.

I casually replied, "Work comes first."

Next thing I knew, I was blocked. My wife even called to berate me: "I've never met such a petty man!"

As I rubbed my aching abdomen, I thought to myself, "Do whatever you want. I'm done playing this game."

Amber was walking through the door just as I was tossing a takeout box into the trash.

Recently diagnosed with early-stage liver cancer, I had been strictly advised by my doctor to stick to a bland diet this month. But I couldn't resist the temptation.

Today marked the fifth anniversary of my marriage to Amber. I had checked out of the hospital early, eagerly booked a hotel, hoping to celebrate properly with her.

After waiting all day for a message, if it weren't for Jack's boastful social media post and Amber's accusatory phone call, I'd probably still be waiting at the hotel.

As soon as she entered, Amber noticed the empty dining table and immediately frowned.

"No home-cooked meal today?" she asked.

I nodded casually, my eyes glued to my phone screen. I deliberately said, "I thought you'd already eaten out."

In the past, no matter how late or tired I was, I would always come home early and cook different delicious meals for her.

Back then, if she even slightly frowned, I'd feel like the sky was falling.

Now, thinking back, it's laughable how I humiliated myself completely, only to receive no love in return.

Oblivious to my change in attitude, Amber placed a cake in front of me, saying she bought it specially because I mentioned wanting something sweet.

But one look told me the cake had clearly been tampered with. It was full of dents, and all the fruit toppings had been picked off.

I glanced at it and continued playing with my phone.

Seeing my cold reaction, she grew upset. "Ryan, what's your problem? I brought this especially for you, and you're giving me the cold shoulder? When will this end?"

"I don't want something that's been touched by others. It's disgusting," I said coldly.

Her phone rang. I didn't need to guess who it was.

She looked up at me, her eyes cold with a hint of barely noticeable joy. Then, impatiently, she said, "Fine, fine, fine. I'll go buy you another one, okay? I'm so tired from work, and I come home to this cold face of yours. It's like I owe you something!" With that, she turned to leave.

Remembering I had left the hospital in a hurry without my medication, I said I'd go along.

Hearing this, she jumped like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "You want to follow me just to buy a cake? Are you sick? Are you trying to keep me on a leash?"

I sighed and explained I just needed to stop by the pharmacy. Only then did she relent, but not before ordering me to get her a blueberry cake before getting in the car.

At the pharmacy, I got out. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes, and her tone softened a bit. "Wait for me here after you're done. I'll pick you up."

With that, the car sped away, splashing muddy water all over me. I irritably wiped it off.

I waited and waited outside the pharmacy. The rain got heavier, and my body was frozen stiff, but there was no sign of her.

Thunder rumbled, startling me. Just as I was about to call a cab, the downpour began. I was instantly soaked to the bone.

Remembering the doctor's words, I fought through the pain and ran to a convenience store to buy an umbrella, but it was too late. My abdomen started to cramp severely, and I crouched on the ground, curled up in pain.

Thankfully, a kind passerby helped me home. Otherwise, I might have needed an ambulance.

I had just gotten home, dried off, and taken my medication when Amber stormed in, slamming the door so hard it shook the walls. "Why didn't you tell me you came back? I've been driving around in the rain looking for you for an hour! Did you do this on purpose? Do you think it's funny?"