I’m Dying, But My Ex-Husband Demanded My Blessing

Three years into my marriage with Ethan, my cancer came back. I clutched my medical report and called him. The phone rang for a long time before he finally picked up.

His voice was harsh and impatient: "You don't need to call me every time you get a checkup. I'm busy. I don't have time for your nonsense." "Chloe, can you grow up?

When you were diagnosed with cancer years ago, even your adoptive parents threw you out the moment they found their biological daughter.

I was the one who paid to save your life!" I wanted to tell him the truth, but then I heard Serena’s voice in the background. "Ethan, come back over here and play with me!" The line went dead.

When I tried calling back, I realized he had already blocked my number. I froze for a moment, then picked up the pen to sign the consent form myself.

The doctor looked at the blank signature line reserved for family members and sighed. "The surgery carries a very high risk.

Does your husband know?" I shook my head. "There's no need to tell him. We are getting a divorce." I walked back to our house with the signed surgery consent form in my bag.

In the backyard pool, Ethan and Serena were splashing around, having the time of their lives. Wearing skimpy swimwear, they clung to each other, laughing and flirting in the water.

I stopped in my tracks and watched them for a long time. After the sharp, familiar pang in my chest passed, all I felt was envy for their vibrant, healthy life.

Then, Serena spotted me. Her giggles faded, and she quickly hid behind Ethan's back, acting terrified. Only then did Ethan turn around.

He instinctively shielded Serena behind him and glared at me. "Don't start acting crazy again!" I knew exactly what he meant.

On Valentine's Day, I caught Ethan taking Serena on a secret trip. I blocked them at the airport. Consumed by anger and betrayal, I lost control and screamed at them.

The extreme emotional stress caused me to faint, and I ended up in the hospital. And today, I found out the cancer was back. I forced a weak smile. "Keep having fun.

I'm going to my room to rest." It was rare for me to be this peaceful. Maybe it was because I knew I was dying.

The way I looked at Ethan had slowly changed from intense, desperate love to mere gratitude for saving my life. After all, the Harper family had abandoned me three years ago.

If he hadn't paid for my medical bills back then, I wouldn't have survived until today.

In the master bedroom, I searched through the drawers and found the divorce papers Ethan had left behind last week. I signed my name.

Just as I put the pen down, the housemaid called me down for dinner. At the dining table, Ethan sat in the host seat, holding Serena’s hand.

I didn't say a word and quietly sat across from them. Halfway through the meal, Serena looked at my pale face.

She finally couldn't help but apologize. "I'm sorry, Chloe." "Back then, I really thought you were going to die, so I confessed my feelings to Ethan. I didn't expect you to recover.

I didn't mean to ruin your marriage." Ethan squeezed her hand. Then, he looked at me with a firm, uncompromising gaze. "It's my fault. If you want to blame someone, blame me.

But I can't keep letting Serena live in the shadows without a proper title." "If you don't agree to the divorce, we'll have to take this to court." I stared at Ethan's face.

There were so many things I wanted to ask him. Why? Why did you cheat? Why did you love me so much back then, doing everything to save me, only to stop loving me so suddenly?

But in the end, I said nothing.

I just pulled out the signed divorce papers and slid them across the table. "I’ve signed it." Then, I reached into my pocket, pulled out a credit card, and pushed it toward Serena. "This is the money you lent me for my treatment back then.

Thank you." "I added some extra as interest. I'll move out in a couple of days. I already had the maid move my things to the guest bedroom before dinner.

You can move into the master bedroom now." Looking at their shocked and guarded faces, I smiled. "Don't look at me like that. I'm just tired of fighting.

It's exhausting." "A divorce will set us all free." Hearing this, they both let out a sigh of relief and embraced each other with excitement.

I looked at the joy on their faces and lowered my head. Slowly, I dug my fingernails deep into my palms.

Late that night, my doctor called. "Chloe, I highly recommend you go abroad for the surgery.

We don't have much clinical experience with this type of relapse here, and the success rate is only 20%. Over there, you'll have about a 40% chance.

I'll email you the details of the hospital abroad." "We can't delay this anymore.

You need to leave as soon as possible." After thanking the doctor, I sat in front of my laptop to go over the files. The summer night was incredibly quiet.

Because of that, the intimate sounds coming from the master next door—from Ethan and Serena—were painfully clear.

It wasn't until a warm drop of nosebleed hit the back of my hand that I realized I had been staring at the same page for a long time. Startled, I clicked to the next page.

I grabbed a few tissues, plugged my bleeding nose, and kept reading. Three hours after the noises next door finally stopped, I booked the hospital abroad.

And then, I bought my plane ticket. In three days, a morning flight at 9:30 AM.

The next morning, the maid knocked on the master bedroom door three times, but Ethan wouldn't wake up. She had no choice but to come to me.

I tried calling his phone, only to remember he had blocked me. With a bitter smile, I called Serena’s phone instead. It rang for a long time before someone picked up.

It was Ethan's groggy voice. "Hello?" "It's Chloe. Get up and get ready. We need to go to the courthouse to file the papers.

If you can't wake up, we'll have to reschedule our divorce appointment." He woke up instantly, as if terrified I would back out. He snapped: "No rescheduling. Today!

Give me twenty minutes." Soon, loud rustling sounds came from the master bedroom. Fifteen minutes later, Ethan and Serena came downstairs.

She looked at me shyly and smiled. "Chloe, I want to come along too. You don't mind, do you?" My eyes fell on a faint red mark on her neck.

They must have been in too much of a rush, and her concealer hadn't covered it completely. Serena blushed and quickly covered her neck with her hand. "I..." "I don't mind. Let's go.

I don't want to get stuck in traffic," I cut her off. I opened the back door of the car myself, leaving the front passenger seat for Serena. They chatted happily in the front.

They talked about skiing, skydiving, and bungee jumping. I had rarely seen Ethan laugh so brightly. The last time...

It must have been three years ago when my surgery succeeded, and the doctor announced I was in remission. I couldn't join the conversation.

My health was too poor for any extreme sports. So, I kept my head down, drafting an email to the hospital abroad.

Their laughter filled the car until Serena started talking about their wedding. Suddenly, Ethan called my name. "Chloe, Serena and I want to get married as soon as possible.

Probably the day after tomorrow." My fingers tightened around my phone until my knuckles turned white. I forced a smile. "Really?" "That's great.

Congratulations." Ethan paused, then continued: "I want you to attend our wedding." "There have been rumors in our social circle that Serena is a homewrecker.

If you show up and give us your blessings, or say a few words for her, it will save her reputation." The smile on my face completely shattered.

It felt as though the cancer had spread to my heart, causing an unbearable, suffocating pain. "I'm sorry, but I booked a flight to go abroad the day after tomorrow.

I want to travel a bit." "I won't be able to make it to your wedding, but I'll send a gift. I wish you both the best." Ethan wanted to argue, but Serena gently stopped him.

She smiled at me warmly. "Thank you, Chloe. Please stay safe traveling alone!" By then, we arrived at the courthouse.

Filing the papers went smoothly, but Ethan kept a dark, angry face the entire time. I could tell he was furious about my refusal in the car.

Right before we left, while Serena went to the restroom, Ethan confronted me. "Why won't you come to our wedding?

Are you still throwing a tantrum?" I looked at him, my eyes burning. "Ethan, what you're asking is too cruel." "I am your wife—even if I'm about to be your exwife.

I loved you deeply. How can you ask me to stand at your wedding and bless you and your next wife?

What do you take me for?" "Besides, whether Serena is a homewrecker or not, we all know the truth." Ethan's face darkened even more.

He grabbed my wrist tightly, his voice rising. "So what!" "Can you stop clinging to the past? Yes, I saved you, and yes, I loved you. But that's over.

Can't you just move on with some dignity? Stop acting like you're on the verge of death all the time just to make us feel guilty." "Chloe, I saved your life.

In exchange, you can't even attend our wedding? Really?" I was forced to look up at him. Ethan stared down at me with nothing but anger and disgust.

He looked at me as if I were a nuisance, an obstacle in his path to happiness. Staring at his face, I could barely remember the man who used to love me more than life itself.

Even the memory of my love for him was fading. Just like the cancer cells, it had rotted away inside my body. With a raspy voice, I finally gave in. "Fine."

Serena walked out of the restroom. As if trying to keep his distance, Ethan violently let go of my wrist. He probably didn't realize how weak my body had become.

With just a slight push, I lost my balance and fell hard onto the floor. Serena gasped and rushed over to pull me up, glaring at Ethan. "Are you okay?

Are you hurt?" I smiled at her and used her support to stand up. "I'm fine. Don't blame him. I just lost my footing." "I just checked the time.

My flight is in the evening, so I should have enough time to attend your wedding the day after tomorrow." Serena's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's wonderful!" "I'm so happy you can make it!" On the way back, I didn't get into Ethan's car.

Instead, I hailed a cab. "You guys are getting married soon. It's not appropriate for me to stay at the villa anymore." "I booked a hotel room last night, so don't worry about me.

Just have the maid send my bags over." Without waiting for their reply, I pulled the cab door open and got in. Fifty yards away from the courthouse, my phone vibrated.

Ethan had unblocked me. Thank you. I let out a hollow laugh. I didn't even know how to react to his gratitude. What did this even mean?

I locked my phone, took my medication at the hotel, and went back to sleep. When I woke up in the afternoon, Serena had already posted several photos on Instagram.

She announced her marriage to Ethan and shared photos of her trying on wedding dresses. They were smiling, their faces pressed close together.

Underneath, Ethan had commented: Finally, you're mine. Looking at the flood of congratulatory comments, I felt a deep wave of envy.

I envied their love, and I envied their healthy, strong bodies. Checking the time, I realized I had to meet with my lawyer.

With only a 40% success rate, I knew I probably wouldn't make it off the operating table alive. Before I left, I needed to make a will.

By the time I walked out of the law firm, it was already dark. Suddenly, Serena called me. She sounded heavily intoxicated, slurring her words incoherently.

Fortunately, a bartender took her phone and gave me the address of the bar. When I arrived, Serena was completely wasted.

The moment she saw me, she threw her arms around me and sobbed hysterically. "I'm sorry." "I really couldn't let go of Ethan.

I'm so sorry." I didn't know what to say, so I just let her hold me. I sent a quick text to Ethan, telling him to come pick her up. Seeing my silence, Serena grew agitated.

She grabbed my sleeve, gripping it tightly. "Why won't you tell me it's okay!" "Being the other woman was so painful.

Why won't you forgive me!" I looked at the tears streaming down Serena's face. I gently reached out to wipe them away and spoke softly. "Because I don't want to.

You ruined my family and stole my husband. But you were also the only person in the Harper family who was ever kind to me.

And yet, the nurse swapped us at birth, letting me steal twenty years of your life." "Serena, I can't bring myself to hate you, but I can't forgive you either." My words seemed to trigger something vicious in her.

She shoved me away with brutal force. She fell to the floor herself, pointing a finger at me and screaming. "What right do you have to hate me!" "I hate you too!

But then you had to get that stupid, wretched disease. I pitied you, and I hated you at the same time!

I loathed myself for being the other woman, but I couldn't stop myself from being with Ethan. It's all because of you! You made me this way!" Suddenly, Serena grabbed me again.

Her sharp nails dug deep into my arm, leaving bloody scratches.

Her face twisted with malice as she glared at me. "Are you going to steal Ethan back from me in the future?" "You will, won't you?

A man who risked his life for you, who was even willing to transplant his bone marrow to save you—how could you ever let him go?" "Chloe, I wish your surgery had failed three years ago.

You should have just died back then!" I froze. I didn't know how to handle the sheer depth of Serena's hatred. I just felt pain.

An agonizing pain that started in my chest and spread to every inch of my body. It felt like everyone in this world hated me. Blood was oozing from the scratches on my arm.

I ignored it. I wrapped my arms around Serena and whispered into her ear: "I won't. I'm dying anyway." "My cancer is back. There is no future for me."

The girl in my arms drifted off to sleep. I didn't know if Serena heard my last words, but it didn't matter anymore. A few minutes later, Ethan rushed in.

He carefully took Serena from my arms. Then, his eyes caught the bloody scratches on my skin. He immediately assumed I had attacked her.

After quickly checking Serena to make sure she wasn't hurt, he flew into a rage at me. "Chloe, are you insane?!" "You already signed the divorce papers!

Why are you still messing with Serena? She is kind and gentle, but that doesn't give you the right to abuse her!

I regret saving such a malicious woman like you!" "Why didn't you just die on that operating table three years ago?!" I stared at him, stunned.

I couldn't believe this was the same Ethan.

Back then, to pray for my survival, Ethan—a man who never believed in God—spent three days kneeling in a church. “Please let my wife survive the surgery.” And now, he was asking me why I didn't die on that very table.

I couldn't say a single word. Fighting back my tears, I turned around and walked out.

Behind us, the bartender spoke up in a quiet, hesitant voice. "Sir, you've got it wrong." "That lady was very gentle with your wife.

It was your wife who scratched her arm until it bled." Ethan froze. By the time he tried to look for me, I was already gone.

I returned to my hotel room, patched up my wounds, and finally collapsed into a sobbing mess.

I cried until I didn't even have the strength to take my pills, eventually falling into a deep, exhausted sleep. The alarm woke me up. Today was Ethan and Serena’s wedding.

I had promised Ethan I would be there. The ceremony was far grander than our wedding had been. I could tell Ethan truly cherished Serena.

When I arrived, the two of them were standing on the altar, reciting their vows. I didn't take a seat, opting to sit in a quiet, dim corner instead.

Some guests who recognized me whispered and stared in shock.

Then, Ethan spoke into the microphone on stage. "My relationship with Serena has faced a lot of controversy." "Because of that, I’ve invited a very special guest to the stage to say a few words for us.

My exwife—Chloe." I didn't expect Ethan to put me on the spot like this. But I instantly understood his motive. He wanted me to clear Serena's name.

I walked up gracefully and took the microphone.

My voice was calm and steady. "Yes, Ethan and I are divorced." "I want to make it clear that our marriage had already ended before Ethan and Serena got together.

We only delayed the paperwork due to my health.

Serena was never a homewrecker in our relationship." "I sincerely wish them a lifetime of happiness." I thought my heart would break into pieces saying those words.

But strangely, my breathing didn't even falter. I just felt numb. I walked off the stage and slipped out through the side door.

Just as I was about to reach the main exit, a little boy accidentally bumped into me. The contents of my bag spilled all over the floor.

The boy was polite; he apologized and helped me gather my things. I didn't think much of it since I had a flight to catch. I patted his head and hurried away.

But my medical report had slid into a dark corner, unnoticed. The boy found it after I left. He looked around but couldn't find me anywhere.

So, during the reception while the bride and groom were changing outfits, he went to find his uncle. The groom, Ethan.

Clutching the piece of paper, the boy knocked on the dressing room door.

He looked at Ethan and Serena, who had just changed into their evening wear. "Uncle Ethan, I bumped into Aunt Chloe at the entrance.

She dropped this." "But she was already gone when I tried to return it." "Can you look at it?" Ethan took the paper, saying casually: "Let me see." "It's a diagnosis report... cancer relapse.

Patient's name..." "Chloe Harper."