UNFORGETTABLE FRAGRANCE

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.

She knocked on the slightly ajar door. When Max saw her, his expression instantly changed. The warmth in his eyes turned to disdain.

"What are you doing here?" Max asked sharply.

Yudith stepped closer to the desk and placed the tray down.

"Are you deaf?! Get out of here right now!" he shouted, his tone filled with hatred.

Yudith trembled, staring at the floor. She struggled to find the words but knew she might not get another chance. Gathering her courage, she gripped the hem of her blouse and looked up at him.

"Could you come with me to the doctor next week?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"What? Why are you asking me? Do you think I have time to waste on you? Besides, I don't want Cecilia finding out I was seen with you in public. She'd be humiliated. You're nothing but a rat, and I couldn't care less about anything concerning you. Remember your place. Also, as far as I recall, I've never touched your filthy body. If you're pregnant, it's clearly not mine. Get out and don't bother me again."

Yudith stood silently as his harsh words cut through her like a thousand knives. Tears streamed down her face as she wondered what she had done to deserve such hatred. She wasn't asking for his love, only a shred of kindness. But even that seemed impossible with this man.

There was only one solution to end this. She wiped her tears and lifted her head.

"Let's get a divorce," Yudith said, her voice shaking.

"What? A divorce? Who do you think you are to demand a divorce?" Max replied incredulously.

Yudith interrupted him.

"I know I mean nothing to you. It's true, I'm just a country girl. And you have someone you love. I'm sure you're planning to marry her someday. This is for the best. I'll leave quietly, far away. And if you won't give me a divorce, I'll find another way to leave."

"Yudith, don't test my patience!" Max shouted, slamming his hand on the desk.

Startled, Yudith stood trembling before him, her tears falling like rivers once more. But she didn't stay silent.

"Why? Why do you despise me so much? Fine, if you don't love me, I never asked you to. But what did I do to deserve such cruelty from you? If I disgust you so much, why won't you let me leave? You'll never have to see me again," she stammered through her sobs.

"You want to know the truth?!" Max exclaimed.

"Do you want to hear that you're the daughter of the whore who seduced my father and caused my mother's death? Since your mother's dead, you'll pay for her sins. Do you understand?!"

Yudith shook her head, unable to believe what she had just heard.