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Chapter 7
I sat on the bed, organizing Paige’s belongings, when Archer entered, dressed in his pajamas.
I looked up at the sound.
The warm orange glow from the bedroom lamp softened Archer’s otherwise sharp features, making him appear gentler.
For a moment, I was dazed, thinking back to the eighteen–year–old Archer.
I have to admit, Archer was always blessed with a striking face.
Years of experience in business had only enhanced his allure.
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No wonder Ruby was drawn to him.
I wasn’t sure how much affection Archer still
had for me.
But I knew that after so many years together, we had become an intrinsic part of each other.
Tearing that part away entirely would be nearly impossible.
For both of us.
I set the things aside and lay down.
Not long after, I sensed movement beside me.
It was Archer.
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His warm breath fell gently on my forehead as he placed a soft kiss there.
I turned over, facing Archer.
In the dim light, I gazed at him, and he looked
back at me.
To be honest, it had been a long time since we’d shared such a quiet moment together.
“Do you love me, Archer?”
He seemed surprised by the sudden question.
“Why ask that out of the blue?”
“Of course, I love you.”
“You and Paige are the only family I have.”
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As he spoke, he moved closer and gently wrapped his arms around me.
I said nothing more.
Listening to his breathing gradually steady, I carefully slipped out of his embrace.
The pain in my abdomen always worsened at night.
I used to rely on painkillers, but lately, even the medicine had little effect.
The doctor said my condition was deteriorating rapidly. Without hospitalization, I might only have a month or two left
I hesitated.
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Who wouldn’t want to live another day?
But I didn’t want to live in constant pain.
I believed in Archer’s love.
Yet, I also believed that this love wasn’t as pure
as it once was.
I suddenly wondered what would happen to
Archer after I died.
But enough of that.
I needed to sleep.
Perhaps I took more painkillers than usual because, for once, I slept well.
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And for once, I dreamed.
In my dream, eighteen–year–old Archer cautiously asked if I wanted to be with him.
Strangely, at the end of the dream, he looked at me with a stern expression and shook his head.
“Don’t forgive him.”
I woke up.
Archer was no longer beside me.
But there were plenty of unread messages on my phone.
Archer had written to say he was flying abroad for a month on business. There was a big client, and once he secured the deal, he’d come back
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and spend quality time with me and Paige.
He also mentioned he planned to fire Ruby
when he returned.
I didn’t reply.
I tossed the phone aside and got up to wash.
After finishing breakfast, there was a loud knock
at the door.
When I opened it, I was greeted by a familiar
face.
So familiar that tears welled up in my eyes.
“Gwen, what the hell is this supposed to
mean?”
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Kamila’s voice hit me with the familiar
sharpness of her expletives.
She was my dearest friend.
If there was anyone I could trust after I was gone, it was her.
That’s why I’d emailed her last night.
My will.
I hadn’t expected to see her at my doorstep this morning.
Kamila stood there, a large suitcase in hand, clearly having come straight from the airport.
“Come in, don’t just stand outside,” I gestured toward the living room, but she didn’t move,
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staring at me instead.
“Is everything you said true?”
I smiled and nodded. “Do I look like someone who’d joke about this?”
Kamila’s tears fell instantly.
