99 Bloody Lashes And A Bullet To His Hear

Evelyn felt like thunder had struck her ears. Her hand, still clutching the phone, slowly dropped as Mrs. Shelton's voice faded into silence.

Realizing Evelyn wasn't going to respond, Mrs. Shelton sighed and hung up.

Steve walked out of the bedroom, frowning when he saw her frozen in place. "What's wrong?"

"His mom called," Evelyn said, her voice hollow. She turned to him, her eyes clouded with confusion. "He has liver cancer. They say he doesn't have much time left."

She reached out, and Steve pulled her into his arms, his warmth grounding her as they sat on the sofa. His voice was low, almost hesitant. "Do you regret it?"

Do you regret leaving him? Do you regret coming here with me?

Evelyn shook her head. "I just... didn't expect life to be so unpredictable. Steve, since we have some time off, will you come back to the country with me?"

Steve didn't answer right away. When she thought he'd fallen asleep, she gently pushed him away-only to find him staring at her with a look of pure betrayal, like a puppy about to be abandoned.

She rolled her eyes and ruffled his hair. "He's dying, Steve. Don't be jealous. It's just one meeting. Think of it as closing the book on a failed marriage."

Evelyn returned to the country with Steve by her side.

She knocked on the hospital door, and Mrs. Shelton stepped out. Her expression was a mix of relief and bitterness. "I didn't think you'd come."

Evelyn tightened her grip on Steve's hand. "I'm only here to see him once. After this, I won't come back."

They'd been married for three years. Before she found out about his affair with Stella, he hadn't been a terrible husband. Hearing about his illness now, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

"This is your fault!" Mrs. Shelton burst out, tears streaming down her face. "After you left him, he started drinking every day. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't be dying like this!"

Steve opened his mouth to argue, but Evelyn stopped him with a sharp look.

She turned to Mrs. Shelton, her voice cold. "I've always respected you, Mrs. Shelton, but your son's choices are his own. I didn't make him cheat, and I didn't make him drink. Don't blame me for his mistakes."

Without waiting for a response, Evelyn walked into the hospital room, Steve trailing behind her.

Martin looked frail, but he managed a weak smile when he saw Evelyn. He ignored Steve completely, and turn, grabbed a chair and sat down, pretending not to care.

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"Evelyn... I'm sorry," Martin whispered, his voice trembling.

A year had passed, and those were still the only words he could offer. Evelyn didn't respond. He was dying, and she didn't want to upset him.

But Martin kept talking, his words spilling out in a rush. He told her he hadn't married Stella, that her career had been ruined after the affair was exposed. She'd tried to latch onto other powerful men, but no one wanted her. Now, she was a kept woman, the laughingstock of their social circle.

He talked about his drinking, his self-destruction, and how it had destroyed his health. "You were right, Evelyn," he said, tears streaming down his face. "I did this to myself."

Evelyn reached out and wiped away his tears, just as he'd done for her so many times during their marriage. "You need to move forward," she said softly.

Martin shook his head, his breathing labored. "I can't, Evelyn. You'll never forgive me, will you?"

Evelyn didn't answer. Instead, she stood up and took Steve's hand. "I'm happy now," she said simply.

I've moved on. I won't look back anymore.

I'll keep moving forward-toward a future without you.