Chapter 4

Nathan remembered their first meeting like it had happened just yesterday. It all started at an amusement park.

Back then, he was working a part-time job, sweating it out in a bulky bear mascot suit, snapping photos with tourists.

He collapsed from the heat, and when he finally came to, the first thing his eyes landed on was Charlotte.

He thought he was seeing an angel.

She was so stunning and kind, yet somehow, she fell for him at first sight.

Charlotte was clearly thinking back to that day too. "Honey, even now, when I remember how you looked, I still think you were just adorable.

"Let's make this theme park a tribute to our very first meeting. Someday, when our kids are born, we'll take them there and tell them all about how their mom and dad fell in love."

Nathan just found her words hilarious and teased, "You seriously want to have babies with me?"

Charlotte shot him an annoyed look. "What are you saying? We're married. Of course we're going to have babies! You adore kids, don't you? Just wait till I have time. I'll give you as many little ones as you can handle."

Nathan cut her off with a tired sigh. "I'm tired. Let's not talk about this anymore. You're busy, so just head out. You don't have to keep me company. I'll have the butler take care of the mess here."

But Charlotte insisted, bringing over the first-aid kit and personally wrapping up Nathan's injured hand with gentle care.

She set the theme park proposal down in front of him.

"Honey, would you look through this for me? Is there anything you think could be better? Give me your honest opinion. This theme park is just for the two of us, after all," she said.

After Charlotte left, Nathan looked through the proposal.

Every corner of the park seemed to echo the story of their love.

If he didn't know that Charlotte was already pregnant with Blake's child, he probably would've teared up right there.

*****

Later that evening, the doorbell suddenly chimed.

Nathan opened the door and was stunned to find his three old buddies from back home grinning at him.

Mike was the first to speak, flashing a wide grin. "Surprise, buddy!"

Nathan's eyes lit up. "How'd you all show up out of the blue?"

Alex grinned. "It was your awesome wife. She called us this morning, saying you were feeling down, and next thing we know, we were flying on a private jet."

Tommy added, "We're all so jealous of you two! My wife and I? Five years in and all the romance is just gone."

Nathan suddenly asked, "So, just because things quiet down, you're gonna cheat on her?"

Tommy blinked in surprise. "What? Maybe we lost some fire, but it doesn't mean I'd ever cheat. Only scumbags do that."

Mike asked, "Dude, are you going to cheat on Charlotte? Don't do it! She loves you to bits. Don't break her heart."

Nathan let out a helpless chuckle.

Without saying another word, he led his buddies through the villa.

The thing that really got the guys buzzing was seeing floor after floor packed with high-end sports cars.

"Bro, this is unreal! What kind of life are you living?" Mike blurted out.

Nathan just shrugged, his tone flat. "If you want one, just take it. I don't need them anymore."

They all exchanged looks, noticing just how out of it Nathan seemed today. Before anyone could say a word, the butler stepped in.

"Sir, dinner is served. Please join us in the dining room," the butler announced.

Charlotte had arranged only the most luxurious ingredients for their meal.

The guys enjoyed the feast, but Nathan's health just wouldn't let him touch any of it.

Not wanting to worry his buddies, he forced himself to eat a few bites of fish.

But as soon as he swallowed it, his stomach felt like it was being stabbed by knives. He staggered to the bathroom, trying desperately to hide his distress.

Mike, the sharp one, followed closely and knocked on the door.

Nathan opened up, and Mike looked genuinely worried. "Seriously, what's up? You're obviously not yourself. Don't try to brush me off. I want the real story."

Even his old buddies, who hadn't seen him for a while, could tell something was off.

But Charlotte, his wife, didn't even seem to notice at all.

Maybe her eyes weren't only on Nathan anymore.

All the pain he'd bottled up for so long was finally about to crush him. Right then and there, he just broke down and let it all come pouring out.

"I've got stomach cancer... late stage. There's nothing they can do." Nathan finally admitted.