Unforgettable Heartache

Chapter 001

"Mrs. Song, I regret to inform you of this news. You have ovarian cancer. We need to perform surgery as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading elsewhere. Although it's still in stage one, there are significant risks, and there will be little chance of pregnancy in the future if it's not treated promptly."

Yudith stood frozen and pale at the news. Having a child had never crossed her mind because, even though she had been married for three years, her husband had never touched her. Despite all her efforts to be a good wife, he had never acknowledged her. It was as if she didn't exist to him. She could never have imagined that her life would take such a turn.

"Mrs. Hamilton, you need to inform your family. You'll need someone to take care of you after the surgical procedure."

Yudith didn't utter a word, her mind too overwhelmed to process the news. She simply took the results the doctor handed her and left the hospital in silence, hailing a cab to return home.

When the maid received her, she immediately noticed Yudith's pale face and sorrowful expression.

"Ma'am, what's wrong? You don't look well. Are you feeling sick?" Nani asked, concerned.

Yudith shook her head in response.

"I'm fine," she said and went straight to her bedroom.

She sat on the bed and gazed at the nightstand, where a photo from her wedding with Max stood. She had thought it would be the happiest day of her life, but on their wedding night, Max made it clear he didn't love her, that he was in love with someone else. He told her she was only his wife on paper, and there would never be a place for her in his heart.

At the time, she hadn't understood. If he loved someone else, why did he marry me?

That question was never answered. Back then, her heart ached because, without realizing it, she had fallen in love with him. She thought that with time, if she worked hard to be a good wife, maybe he would come to appreciate her. But that day never came, and she had since lost all hope. She had endured these years in a house that felt more like a prison than a home, all for the sake of her grandfather. But now, she was tired.

Lying on the bed, Yudith's mind was a mess. She had no family. She had been raised by her grandparents, as her mother had died when she was a child, and she had never known her father. Her grandmother had passed away a few years ago, leaving only her grandfather, who was already advanced in age. For the first time, Yudith felt utterly alone and defenseless.

She thought about telling Max. Even if he didn't love her, maybe he could accompany her to the doctor next time.

Feeling sleepy, she drifted off. When she opened her eyes, it was already dark. She got up, took a shower, and changed into her nightwear. She went downstairs, thinking Max must have returned from work by now. She met the maid, who was carrying a cup of tea to Max's study.

"Ma'am, dinner is ready. I'll serve you shortly," Nani said.

"It's fine, I'm not very hungry. I'll take the tea to Mr. Hamilton myself. You can go."

Yudith took the tray with the tea and walked down the hallway toward the study. As she approached the door, she heard Max's voice. He seemed to be on a call, his tone soft and sweet. It was obvious he was speaking to a woman. The sound pierced her heart. He had never spoken to her with such tenderness. To her, he was always cold and distant, like a block of ice.