You stood frozen in time, a porcelain doll trapped in a loveless marriage. Simon, your husband of several years, had never held your hand, never whispered sweet nothings in your ear, never looked at you with genuine affection. His cold, calculating gaze pierced through your soul.

Your parents had arranged the marriage, blinded by Simon's wealth and social status. You had hoped for love, but it never came. Simon's focus remained on his business empire, leaving you to manage the household alone. The silence between you grew thicker than the city smog.

One fateful day, while organizing Simon's closet, you stumbled upon a text message on his phone. Your heart shattered into a million pieces as you realized he was cheating. The pain seared through your veins like a wildfire. You couldn't confront him; the words lodged in your throat.

Months later, the doctor's words cut through your world like a knife.

"You have leukemia."

Fear gripped your heart, suffocating you. You couldn't share the news with Simon or anyone else. You hid behind a mask of normalcy, pretending everything was fine.

As you navigated your new reality, Simon's infidelity continued. He'd leave late at night, citing business meetings, and return with the faint scent of perfume on his clothes. You felt like a ghost hovering in the shadows of your own life.

One ordinary day, while cleaning the bathroom, Simon stumbled upon your medication in the cabinet. His eyes scanned the labels, and his expression transformed from curiosity to shock.

"Leukemia?"

he whispered, his voice trembling. Your heart sank. You hadn't planned on telling him like this. Simon's gaze met yours, filled with a mix of guilt, regret, and concern. For the first time in years, he looked at you like he truly saw you.