Chapter 3

Before I could even process what was happening, James suddenly tore the document to shreds.

My heart sank.

'Of course, it's too expensive,' I thought.

His face turned frighteningly dark. After taking a few deep breaths, James asked in a flat voice:

"Why are you suddenly looking at long-term care facility info?

"Didn't you always say you hated being alone and living with strangers even more?"

A year after my symptoms first showed up, people started telling James he should send me to a long-term care facility.

Back then, my symptoms weren't as bad as they are now, and my temper wasn't as bad as it got later on.

James just brought it up casually while we were talking, but I instantly went pale with fear, crying and yelling that I didn't want to go to a long-term care facility.

The idea of leaving behind everything and everyone I knew, waking up and going to sleep every day not knowing when I'd ever get to go home, felt worse than dying to me.

James was really shaken up that day, and he kept reassuring me, telling me everything would be alright.

James said softly, "I'm sorry, Lily. I never wanted to send you away or have you leave me.

"Don't worry. I promise I'll never mention it again."

Maybe it was the shock, but after that, my condition actually started to improve for a while.

But then, it came back with a vengeance.

I suddenly remembered the comments saying James had started secretly seeing Bella a year ago.

That's when he first mentioned the long-term care facility, too.

'So that's the connection,' I thought.

Guess the comments were spot on.

James was a man with a strong sense of morality.

A guy like him shouldn't have to stick around for someone like me, someone who's falling apart.

I managed a sincere smile.

I said, "Honestly, I've been feeling a lot better lately, and I want to try somewhere new, get a change of scenery.

"It's been ages since I last went on a trip."

James suddenly looked up, and there was something in his eyes I couldn't figure out.

[The supporting character is so calculating. If she leaves, won't James have to follow her?]

[How's he supposed to get all those sweet romance moments with Bella now?]

I quickly added, "You've got work to do, so you don't need to come with me.

"Don't worry about me. We can video chat every day..."

Knock, knock.

There was a knock at the bedroom door.

A woman's voice called from the hallway, "Sorry, I saw your front door was open, so I let myself in.

"Jamie, you rushed out so fast that you forgot your coat."

The woman who walked in had glossy, perfectly styled curls and wore a beige dress with nude-pink lace-up heels.

She made her way over with confident steps.

Her heels clicked crisply against the wooden floor.

I tried to curl my toes under the blanket, but I couldn't even tell if I'd actually managed it.

I used to love wearing high heels.

James always said they were bad for my back.

But I couldn't help myself.

So he compromised and bought me a bunch of cute kitten heels instead.

But now, I couldn't even get out of bed, so it's been ages since I last wore any.

James abruptly stood up and took the coat from her.

James said curtly, "Thanks.

"You can leave now."

The woman tilted her head, her eyes glinting with playful confidence.

Her voice light but unmistakably challenging, she asked, "So, is she your girlfriend?

"Aren't you going to introduce us?"

James had his back to me, so I couldn't see his face.

But I could feel how tense he was.

I thought, 'I imagined what it'd be like if I were him.'

'Man, I totally get it.

His crush just barges in, trying to mess with the main girl who's supposed to kick the bucket any day now, but keeps hanging on.

'If it were me, I'd be totally lost too.'

I spoke up, trying to be thoughtful.

"You two chat, I'll step into the other room," I said.

"This is Eve Shea, my new secretary," James said.

James and I both started talking at once.

Our words collided, and we both stopped abruptly.

An almost tangible awkwardness filled the room.

In the silence, Eve gave a small smile.

Eve said, "I'm not really new anymore. Jamie and I have been working together for almost a year, and I'm about to be promoted to chief secretary.

"Ms. Wynn, please give us a moment. I need to discuss some work with Jamie."

She fixed her gaze on James.

James pursed his lips.

After a moment, he leaned down, ready to lift me up.

I quickly blocked him.

I said, "No need, I can manage on my own.

"Could you hand me the crutches in the corner?"

James suddenly looked up at me. His intense gaze was searching and full of emotion.

I looked away, feeling a bit guilty, knowing it was kind of odd.

Ever since my ALS hit the middle stage, I wouldn't touch any assistive device except my wheelchair.

Not only that, but if I even caught a glimpse of crutches at home, I'd lose it and start throwing things.

I kept telling myself that if I had to use crutches now, it'd be game over for me.

Anytime I wasn't in my wheelchair, or if it was too much trouble to use it, James would carry me in his arms.

But soon, I'd be heading to a long-term care facility.

And honestly, it didn't look like James would even let me go to one of the top-tier places.

I couldn't expect the staff to be on standby, ready to carry me around all the time.

I'd have to get used to it.

Besides, Eve was still here. It didn't feel right.

But in the next instant, I thought I saw James's eyes grow misty, for a split second.

It was so quick, I wondered if I'd imagined it.

Before I could get a better look.

Thud.

Eve had already grabbed the crutches and plopped them down right at my feet.

Her long, sparkly nails hooked around the crutches, glinting in the light.

Her diamond bracelet flashed, practically blinding me.

'She really is gorgeous,' I thought.

[Why won't she leave already? She's so clingy.]

[It's not like James actually wants to carry her. He's annoyed the supporting character is taking forever to leave, and can't wait to have the room to himself with Bella.]