Chapter 1

"Ms. Mellon, your test results are in. Unfortunately, your condition is still worsening. As I mentioned last time, medication alone isn't enough. The cancer is continuing to spread. I really think hospital treatment might be your best option.." A doctor's serious voice came through the phone.

"Doc, if I skip the chemo, how long do I have?"

The doctor hesitated. "Less than three months."

Alice Mellon was silent for a moment before replying, "Got it. Thanks."

After hanging up, she was still trying to wrap her head around it when she heard voices coming from the bar's private room.

"James, Gloria's coming back soon. Why haven't you dumped that Alice yet?"

"Soon." James Russell's response was nonchalant. He held a cigarette between his fingers, his brow slightly furrowed as if deep in thought.

"Who is Gloria?" Alice stood dazed outside the door, her fists clenched, sadness clouding her eyes.

She had been James's mistress for five years and had always suspected this day would come. But she hadn't expected it to be because of another woman.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and bring in the drinks!" The manager glared at her, clearly annoyed.

Alice nodded, keeping her head down. But as soon as she entered the room, she felt a sharp gaze on her. She knew exactly who it belonged to—only James's gaze could be so cold and oppressive.

In the room, others commanded, "Waiter, open all these bottles." "Waiter, clear the table."

Alice kept her head down, complying with each request. It was already awkward enough to run into James while working part-time at the bar; she couldn't dare to look up, fearing she might see disdain in his eyes.

He must think that the allowance he gave her wasn't enough, which was why she had to work at the bar, right?

But in reality, she never touched the money in that account, even though hefty monthly deposits were consistently made to it.

Alice didn't finish work until late at night, but James had already left long before.

She dragged her exhausted body back to her apartment.

In the dark living room, a faint red glow flickered, and the bitter smell of smoke made her frown.

Alice had told James she didn't like the smell of smoke, but he never cared about her feelings.

"Don't turn on the light. Come here." James's voice was as cold as ice, sending a shiver through her heart.

In the sparse moonlight, Alice walked over to him.

Before she could steady herself, James pulled her into his arms and kissed her forcefully.

One hand slipped under her back, her clothes falling away, filling the room with an intimate atmosphere.

His kiss was passionate, but when their eyes met, Alice could only see his cold gaze.

After a night of passionate sex, when she woke up again, James was already dressed.

His sharp features, high nose, and thin lips were accentuated by his black suit, giving him a tall and imposing presence. But he always exuded a sense of cold detachment.

Seeing her awake, he glanced at her indifferently.

"I won't be coming here anymore. You should quit that bar job too."

She had always agreed to James's demands without complaint, but this time, she felt a deep sense of resistance within her.

She blurted out, "Why?"

James's expression froze for a moment. He looked at her, his cold eyes glinting.

"The money I've given you should be enough for your living, shouldn't it?"

Alice let out a self-deprecating laugh, her fingers trembling, unable to hide her inner pain.

He really thought that way; in his mind, everything she did was for money.

"Who is Gloria?" a question slipped from her lips.

Immediately, James grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. His cold eyes narrowed, filled with scrutiny.

"Did you eavesdrop?"

Alice's fingers dug into her palm, a bitter smile forming on her lips. "Just a coincidence. Can't I be curious?"

Despite his usual indifference, he acted so intensely, which suggested that Gloria was important to him.

James stared at her for a few seconds before releasing her, his gaze indifferent. "It's none of your business."

Alice saw his reaction and confirmed her suspicions.

She thought five years of companionship would earn her a place in James's heart. But reality proved she was just fooling herself.

With Gloria back, she had to step aside.

James added, "Don't worry. I'll give you enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life."

She felt a lump in her throat, lowering her head, her voice hoarse, "I don't need it."

James's eyes dimmed, and he sighed lightly. "Alice, don't make a fuss."

Don't make a fuss?

Alice had heard those words countless times; In their relationship, Alice was always the subordinate.

"James, can you give me three more months?"

The words she had kept hidden finally came out. Alice felt weak all over but still managed to keep a smile on her face.

In the last three months of her life, she hoped that James would be by her side, living out her final dream, even if it was just a lie.

"Reason?"

The cold light in the room made James look even more distant. His eyes were as indifferent as ever, unaffected by her plea.

"We signed a five-year contract, didn't we? There are still three months left." She tried to sound casual, forcing a smile.

"Your reason isn't convincing. If you're worried about money, you've been with me for five years, I won't shortchange you." James habitually lit a cigarette.

To him, Alice's behavior was just a minor tantrum, an occasional amusement; as long as her demands weren't excessive, he could still indulge her.

Alice clenched her hands, her nails digging into her flesh. Her pride compelled her to suppress her emotions, and as she tucked her hair behind her ear, a serene smile emerged.

She said calmly, "It seems Gloria is really important to you. I've wanted to get married for a long time. Since our relationship is ending, I can finally find a real boyfriend."

James rubbed his temples. She knew this was his gesture when he was angry.

But was he angry because she mentioned Gloria or because she said she wanted a boyfriend?

"Do as you please."

He didn't waste any more words, picking up his watch from the table and leaving without a backward glance.

With James's resources, he could easily find out she had no other boyfriend. But the person he cared about was never Alice.

Alice watched his resolute back. It seemed he was truly tired of her.

"Miss Mellon, why do you torment yourself like this?"

James's assistant, Liam Reyes, entered the room.

He held a glass of water and a birth control pill, part of the routine after she and James had sex.

Alice took the pill without hesitation, refusing the check Liam offered and placing the black card from her coat pocket on the table.

"I only took what I deserved. You can return the rest to him."

"Ms. Mellon, I know what you said isn't true. You should..."

"No need to say more." Alice waved her hand, her eyes filled with exhaustion.

Liam had no choice but to leave.

In the empty room, Alice hugged herself tightly, trying to draw some warmth.

He wouldn't even give her three more months. He was truly heartless.