Before I walked away, I looked him in the eye and said, "If you have any respect left for me at all, you'll arrange our divorce soon."
Several weeks ago, during my annual health check-up, the doctor detected a risk of breast cancer. Although it hadn't been confirmed, he called multiple times, urging me to come for further tests.
However, to participate in the pottery competition, I begged the doctor to let me postpone the admission, afraid of missing the event. Little did I know that Ryan would betray me by stealing my work and teaming up with Kate to twist everything.
Thinking of this, I clenched the medical report in my hand.
Right then, the results came back quickly. Thankfully, it hadn't progressed to cancer. However, the doctor said I'd need a minimally invasive procedure to remove the affected area.
On the day of the surgery, headlines were flooded with news about Kate, praising her as a major contemporary pottery artist.
I looked at the articles and laughed bitterly.
How ironic.
Here I was, lying in a hospital bed while Kate stood on the highest stage, all because of my work.
Before long, Ryan called, sounding a bit rattled. "Why didn't you tell me you were in the hospital? If Yvette hadn't told me, I'd have never known."
I replied calmly, "We're getting divorced, Ryan. Why would I need to tell you? Besides, it's just a minor procedure."
Hearing this, his breathing slowed, and his tone became unreadable. "Fine, but take it easy during the surgery. I'll come see you right after the awards ceremony."
I didn't respond. I just hung up the phone.
By the time he arrived, my surgery was over, and I'd woken up from anesthesia. He propped me up in bed and handed me a glass of water.
"Here, drink some. Your lips are chapped," he said gently, then added, "Why did you suddenly get sick?"
The hint of doubt in his voice made it clear he thought I might be faking this illness for sympathy.
I pointed toward the door. "If you think I'm lying, feel free to leave. I'll be fine without you."
He hesitated for a second but eventually sat back down, speaking in a lower voice. "That's not what I meant."
I rolled my eyes, too exhausted to argue. Fresh out of anesthesia, my head was spinning, and the pain in my body reminded me that my health was all that mattered now.