When I Received the Divorce Papers, I had Terminal Cancer

I wiped my face, feeling the wet, cold tears. I gently rubbed my belly, reassuring myself, "Don't be scared, baby. Even though your dad doesn't want us, I do. You have to grow strong." The doctor told me that a pharmaceutical company recently developed a new targeted drug that could ease my condition, giving me more time to live. It was enough time for me to give birth. Coincidentally, this company is run by Jordan's uncle. I agreed to divorce Jordan, but only on the condition that he ensures my supply of medication. He agreed, but he didn't even ask why I needed the medication. I plan to have this baby. The Bell family is so wealthy, there's no way they couldn't afford to raise a child. Jordan was a well-known young master in Perrim. No one in his family understood why he wanted to become a mortician, but I was the only one who supported his dream. Back then, he was willing to sever ties with the Bell family to become a mortician. I was there by his side through those tough times. The irony is that now he's willing to give up his dream for Hannah. I wrote in my will, carefully and deliberately, that my final wish is for Jordan to personally handle my burial. I hope there is a soul after death, so I can watch Jordan as he sees my body lying in front of him.

My body was deteriorating rapidly. The doctor told me to have the medication sent immediately, or I might not survive until the baby is born. I frantically called Jordan, hoping he'd bring me the medication. But all I got was a cold, automated voice on the other end of Jordan's phone. Finally, he answered, "Ruby, will you ever stop? I'm helping Hannah try on wedding dresses!" I couldn't hold back anymore. I begged him, "Jordan, I'm really sick. Please, bring me the medication quickly, or I'll die..." Jordan didn't even let me finish before hanging up. "Trying on wedding dresses? I've never even worn one in my life!" When Jordan and I got married, he had just been kicked out by the Bell family, and we had nothing. We couldn't even afford rings, so we used keychains instead. The marriage certificate we got for $9.99 really only cost $9.99! "Baby, stay strong with Mommy. We just need to hold on for two more days until Friday. By then, we'll get the medication!" On Friday, I put on some lipstick and heavy blush, hoping to make myself look healthier. Jordan arrived alone, looking anxious. "Ruby, did you bring all your documents?" "Where's the medication?" Jordan snapped. "You're not even sick! Why would I give you the medication? It's for someone who really needs it. The doctor said it'll help Hannah get better." I lost it, screaming hysterically, "Don't you realize I'll die without it? I'll die without that medication!" Jordan frowned. "Ruby, stop being dramatic. I only see her as a sister. Once she's better, we'll get remarried. I'm supporting her, so I have a responsibility to her!" I felt deeply disappointed as I listened to his excuses. Who "rescues" someone by sharing a bed with them?! Jordan is a light sleeper. There's no way he didn't notice Hannah kissing him while he slept. What kind of "sister" kisses her "brother" on the lips?! Hannah sent me every single photo of this, and Jordan allowed it all. Jordan wanted the best of both worlds, but life doesn't work that way. "You want me to marry? Fine, I'll marry. You want me to divorce? Fine, I'll divorce. But I won't give you what you want so easily!" "Jordan, just leave! Without the medication, there's no way I'm divorcing you!" I turned to leave. Jordan tried to grab my arm, but the civil registry staff stopped him. "Hey! Sir, if she doesn't want a divorce, you can't force her. Why don't you two go home and think it over? Both parties have to agree for a divorce. We can't stamp your papers unless you both agree…"

I went back to the hospital and lay on the bed, receiving nutrients through an IV. The doctor had just been by. He saw that I didn't have the medicine and seemed troubled. He said regretfully, "Ruby, you know without the medicine, there's nothing we can do. The cancer cells are spreading too fast, and you won't hold on much longer." "Thank you. I understand. We've done all we can." I stroked my belly, comforting my baby, telling him that his father wanted him. He just didn't know he existed. What if I told him about the baby? Jordan's mother died when he was very young, and his relationship with his father wasn't good. I grew up in an orphanage. Once, when he got lost, Jordan was brought to the same orphanage. Back then, he was insecure and sensitive, so I held his hand and helped chase away the kids bullying him. Soon after, someone told him he was the young master of the Bell family, and he was taken back home. Even after that, he would still come back to play with me. He told me no one around him was ever sincere, that I was the only one who truly cared for him. Over the years, he depended on me a lot. He used to tell me I was the most important person in his life. Since I got sick, I didn't know how to tell him. When I found out I was pregnant, I felt relieved. I thought that even if I died, the baby would be enough to keep him going. I feared my body wouldn't last until the baby was born. After thinking it over for a long time, I told him the truth. Just as I was about to call him, his call came through. "So you see, baby, your dad really wants you. He still loves us." "Hello?" "Ruby, I can't believe you're the kind of person to fight with a patient! Bring all your documents tomorrow. We'll meet at the civil office. I'll bring the medicine!" "Beep…" Before I could tell him the truth, he hung up. But it didn't matter. Tomorrow, I'd get the medicine, and my baby would still have a chance to see the world. I had long since given up expecting anything from him, but why did my heart still hurt so much? My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my flesh as the IV blood started to backflow. The next day, I went to the civil office again. This time, I wore sunglasses. I had lost so much weight in just one month that no amount of makeup could hide the exhaustion in my eyes. Jordan noticed I had gotten thinner. He thought it was because I didn't want the divorce, so he looked a bit smug. He tried to ruffle my hair like before, but I dodged him. After a long pause, he forced out, "Ruby, just wait a little longer. Once Hannah's surgery is a success, we'll remarry." "Once we're divorced, let's keep it that way." I held out my hand, and he placed two boxes of medicine in it. I quickly and neatly signed my name on the divorce papers. He picked up the pen and hesitated. "I'm only doing this to save Hannah. This divorce is just temporary." At that moment, I finally saw Jordan clearly. He wanted to keep things ambiguous with me. He wanted both of us. I took the medicine and divorce certificate, turned, and left. Jordan called after me, "Ruby, where are you going? Let me drive you!" I quickened my pace. I didn't want his pity. The medicine was all I needed. At the hospital, I handed the medicine to the doctor. "Will this give me enough time to wait until the baby is born?" The doctor took the medicine but frowned. "Ruby, where did you get this medicine?" I was confused. "Is there something wrong with it? Jordan gave it to me himself." "Ruby, call him right away. This medicine is fake. Maybe he got tricked." Hearing that, I couldn't stop my tears from falling. I quickly called Jordan. This time, he picked up right away. It was noisy on his end, like they were planning a wedding. "Jordan, the medicine is fake. Did you make a mistake?" Jordan replied dismissively, "Ruby, have you gotten addicted to pretending to be sick? Why would you need that medicine if you're not really ill? Hannah said it's so rare, of course, it should go to someone who needs it more. I know you're just jealous. Don't worry, Hannah won't be taking it anymore. After our wedding, I'll take her for surgery right away..." I didn't want to hear any more of his explanations. This time, I hung up first. "This is for the best, baby. You can come with me. Your dad doesn't need us anymore."