Chapter 2: A Cruel Diagnosis

The atmosphere inside the Frost residence became unbearably tense.

Laura clung tightly to Catherine's hand, frightened by the argument.

James gently carried Brenda upstairs without looking back.

"Don't be afraid," he comforted the little girl.

"No one will bully you while I'm here."

His gentle voice echoed through the hallway.

Laura looked up at Catherine with watery eyes.

"Mom... why doesn't Dad protect me like that?"

Catherine's heart shattered.

She knelt beside her daughter and hugged her tightly.

"Because your mom will always protect you," she whispered.

"That will never change."

Laura nodded quietly, though the sadness in her little face remained.

After putting Laura to bed, Catherine sat alone in the dark living room.

The untouched birthday cake remained on the table.

The candles had completely melted.

Her phone suddenly vibrated.

It was a reminder from the hospital.

"Your biopsy results are ready."

She closed her eyes before slowly deleting the notification.

She had already guessed the outcome.

Still, she forced herself to go the following morning.

At Bellridge General Hospital, Dr. Emily Carter silently reviewed the medical report.

After several moments, she finally looked up.

"Mrs. Frost..."

"I'm sorry."

"The cancer has spread."

Catherine lowered her head.

Although she had prepared herself, hearing the words still felt unbearable.

"How long do I have?" she asked calmly.

The doctor hesitated.

"If treatment responds well... perhaps six months."

"Without significant improvement... maybe three."

Silence filled the consultation room.

Three months.

Laura would celebrate another birthday without her mother.

"Can I be cured?"

Dr. Carter slowly shook her head.

"At this stage... our goal is to make you comfortable."

Catherine smiled faintly.

"I understand."

She accepted the medical report before leaving the office.

Outside the hospital, people hurried past, laughing and chatting.

Life continued normally.

Only hers had stopped.

Instead of going home, Catherine visited a nearby bank.

She opened a savings account under Laura's name.

Then she transferred almost every dollar she had saved.

"I'd also like to establish an education trust," she told the bank manager.

"The beneficiary will be my daughter."

"Certainly, Mrs. Frost."

After finishing the paperwork, Catherine looked at the remaining balance in her account.

It wasn't enough.

Not nearly enough.

Laura deserved a secure future.

Which meant Catherine needed much more money.

That evening, she returned to the Frost residence.

Laughter echoed from the dining room.

James was helping Brenda finish her dinner.

"One more bite," he smiled.

"Good girl."

Brenda giggled happily.

Laura quietly watched from the staircase.

She looked like an outsider inside her own home.

Catherine gently led her daughter back upstairs.

"Mom," Laura whispered.

"Can we celebrate my birthday tomorrow instead?"

"Of course."

"Will Dad come?"

Catherine paused.

Then forced another smile.

"Maybe."

Later that night, James entered their bedroom.

"About yesterday..." he began.

"There's nothing to explain," Catherine interrupted.

"I only have one request."

"What now?"

"Pay me everything I'm owed."

James frowned impatiently.

"You're asking for money again?"

"I knew it."

"You're exactly the same as before."

"A gold digger."

His words no longer hurt the way they once had.

Catherine simply looked at him calmly.

"You're right."

"I do love money."

"Why shouldn't I?"

"Money can buy Laura an education."

"Money can keep a roof over her head."

"Money can protect her after I'm gone."

James laughed sarcastically.

"After you're gone?"

"Stop pretending to be pitiful."

"You're perfectly healthy."

Catherine quietly slipped the folded medical report back into her handbag.

He didn't deserve to know.

Not yet.

"I'll prepare the divorce papers," she said softly.

"Sign them when they're ready."

James looked at her in disbelief.

"You're divorcing me over this?"

"No."

"I'm divorcing you because I've finally realized something."

"What's that?"

She looked directly into his eyes.

"I've spent seven years begging someone to love me."

"I'm tired."

"From now on..."

"I'll spend whatever time I have left loving myself and my daughter instead."

Without waiting for his reply, Catherine walked out of the room.

James watched her disappear into the hallway.

For reasons he couldn't explain...

Her words left an unfamiliar emptiness inside his chest.

But pride stopped him from calling her back.

Neither of them realized...

That every second slipping away was one they would never get back.