Chapter 2

2

This item looked like something Vanessa had given me―a free gift from some luxury brand. The actual product had likely been given to Stellan.

This other thing looked like a sample from one of her company's partners. Vanessa had brought that home too.

As I carefully sorted through my belongings, I realized how few things she had actually bought for me. Most were just scraps that Stellan didn't want.

I also realized I hadn't bought anything for myself in a long time. I hadn't even looked in a mirror to take care of my appearance.

I looked like a tired house-husband. I was wearing old slippers and a loose, oversized t-shirt, looking completely unkempt.

I laughed at myself and threw all those old things into the trash. Halfway through packing, Vanessa finally came home.

She went to the kitchen first. When she saw it was empty, her brows furrowed deeply.

"Why didn't you make the glazed ribs today?"

Years ago, Vanessa mentioned she liked them, so I made them for her every Friday. Today was Friday, and I had made nothing.

After checking the kitchen, she heard noise from the bedroom and decided to see what I was doing. Seeing the suitcase and the trash, her face darkened.

"I gave those things to you. You're so ungrateful that you're just throwing them away?"

"Or are you throwing a tantrum because they were promotional gifts?"

"I wondered why your attitude was so bad today. You must have seen the watch Stellan was wearing, right?"

"You don't need to be so petty. I only gave him that watch because he wasn't feeling well and I wanted to cheer him up. If it bothers you that much, I'll buy you one later."

She turned to leave, tossing a command over her shoulder. "By the way, make a batch of those ribs now. And remember, no ginger. Stellan hates it."

My memory flashed back. I used to wonder why she was fine eating at home, but once complained when I sent her a packed lunch. It turns out my cooking had been going into Stellan's stomach all along.

I stood there, cold and unmoved. Seeing no reaction, Vanessa's expression turned truly sour.

"What is wrong with you? I said I'd buy you a watch! Who are you acting all high and mighty for?"

She shoved me. My face went pale, and I clutched my stomach. A sharp, stabbing pain made cold sweat pour down my face.

Vanessa finally noticed my distress. "Is your stomach acting up again?"

"Why didn't you say anything?"

She stared at me for a while, making sure I wasn't faking. She sighed and stepped forward to help me sit on the edge of the bed.

"Fine. Don't cook today. I'll make you some noodles and go buy some medicine."

She always did this―slapping me and then offering a piece of candy. For years, I had stayed submerged in this fake affection, letting her brainwash me into loving her more.

But now I finally understood. She didn't love me. My constant retreating only allowed her to push further.

I lay on the bed, gasping for air, watching her head toward the kitchen. But just then, her phone rang again.

Stellan's whimpering voice echoed through the room. "Vanessa, I'm so sad. I feel so guilty. If it wasn't for me, you and Caleb wouldn't be fighting. I just want to end it all..."

Vanessa stopped right at the doorway. She glanced at me and hurriedly threw on her coat.

"Boil the noodles yourself. You know Stellan has depression. I have to go check on him."

"I'll bring your medicine when I get back."

"Vanessa, Stellan is..." I started, but she cut me off impatiently.

"Caleb, can you stop being so petty? You just have a stomachache, but Stellan is so miserable he wants to die!"

The front door slammed shut. I was abandoned here once again.

The suffocating despair and pain washed over me. My stomach cramped violently, and I curled up on the bed in agony.

Vanessa never knew that Stellan didn't actually have depression; he was faking the whole thing. The one who was actually sick was me.

I had stomach cancer.