Chapter 1

"Ms. Tudor, your test results are out. Your condition is still getting worse. Like I said last time, medication alone won't cut it. The cancer's still spreading. Hospital treatment might be your best shot." A doctor said, his voice serious.

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

The doctor hesitated. "Less than three months."

"Got it. Thanks."

After hanging up, Alice Tudor took a deep breath. Did she really only have three months left with him?

She was still trying to wrap her head around it when she heard voices from the bar's private room.

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

"Soon."

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

Standing outside the room, Alice heard every word. She clenched her fists tightly, 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.

By the time the bar closed, it was late.

Alice 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 preferences.

"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.

These encounters were always on James's terms.

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

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 surge of defiance.

"Why?"

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

"Haven't I given you enough money?"

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

So, in his mind, everything she did was for money.

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

Almost 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?"

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

Alice took in his reaction. It seemed only this Gloria could affect his emotions, indicating how important she was to him.

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 darkened, and he sighed lightly. "Alice, don't make a fuss."

In their relationship, Alice was always the subordinate.

She had enough of living a life dictated by others for the past five years.

"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.

For the last three months, she wanted James by her side, to live one final dream, even if it was a lie.

"Why?"

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's 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. But if it happened too often, he wouldn't tolerate it.

Alice clenched her hands, her nails digging into her flesh. Her pride made her suppress her emotions, tucking her hair behind her ear, revealing a serene smile.

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.

"Ms. Tudor, why do you do this to yourself?"

James's assistant, Liam Adams, 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. Tudor, 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 insignificant warmth.

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